It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and for many of us that means going to the same shows, seeing the same movies and doing the same things we’ve done in years before. It’s called tradition, and it runs rampant each year when Christmas comes.
But if you want to do something different, Stages has an idea. Head to Stoneham where Greater Boston Stage Company is presenting “An Irish Carol” through Dec. 21.
The press release says it best: “Greater Boston Stage Company is delighted to bring the New England premiere of “An Irish Carol” to the mainstage this holiday season, running through Dec. 21.
Written by Matthew Keenan, this comic and heartfelt tribute to Dickens’ timeless classic is filled with Irish humor, tradition, and warmth.
Set entirely on Christmas Eve in David’s cozy Dublin pub, the show follows a man forced to reflect on his life, his choices, and the people who shaped him. Both touching and sharply funny, the play reminds us that — even at the holidays — “it’s never too late for a life to change.”
Before each performance, audiences will be treated to live Irish music featuring Lindsay Straw, an Irish bouzouki player, guitarist, and singer. A Berklee graduate, Lindsay has been immersed in Boston’s legendary Irish music scene for nearly two decades, collaborating with friends on albums and countless gigs. For “An Irish Carol,” she is joined by either fiddlers Cara Frankowicz or Clare Fraser, or accordionist Dan Accardi — each a talented pillar of the Celtic music community.
“What I love about ‘An Irish Carol’ is how it blends the hushed glow of an Irish pub with the deeper emotional truths that rise to the surface during the holidays. It’s familiar and surprising all at once,” said director Weylin Symes.
The cast features Alex Deroo, Alex M. Jacobs, Chris Kandra, Julia Hertzberg, Alex Leondedis, Ross MacDonald, Paul Valley, Richard Snee and Robert Walsh.
Tickets are on sale now at greaterbostonstage.org or by calling the Box Office at 781-279-2200.
Advisory: It wouldn’t be an authentic Irish pub without a bit of colorful language.
In the wings
HOLIDAY POPS AT MECHANICS HALL: The Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra plays its annual Holiday Pops concerts on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21 at 4 p.m. Joining the orchestra are a, Jazz Ensemble, Nashoba Valley Chorale and Worcester Children’s Chorus. Visit mechanicshall.org/event/worcester-youth-orchestras-annual-family-holiday-pops- for tickets.
CHRISTMAS BREAK: There’s no Stages column next week, Dec. 25, but the column returns on Thursday, Jan. 1 with more theatre choices for the New Year.
Nancye Tuttle’s email address is [email protected].
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