Saint Paul, Minnesota (October 26, 2020) — The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts today announced three virtual holiday experiences for families of all ages. “A (Virtual) Christmas with The Griswolds: An Evening with Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo,” a conversation with the stars of the beloved movie Christmas Vacation, will be on sale October 28 at 10:00am on Ordway.org. The event will stream live on Saturday, November 28 at 7:00pm. Tickets are $25. Going on sale on Thursday, October 29 at 10:00am on Ordway.org are: The Hip Hop Nutcracker with guest star Kurtis Blow, a contemporary dance spectacle set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music that will stream on Friday, November 27 for $20; and A Virtually Celtic Christmas, a concert featuring traditional carols, ancient Gaelic hymns, and classic carols with Irish tenor Michael Londra, scheduled for December 18 at 7:30pm, for $25. “Attending a holiday musical or concert at the Ordway is a tradition for so many families. While our theater remains closed this holiday season, we are delivering virtual holiday productions for families of all ages to watch together. We hope we can keep some of that family theater tradition alive through virtual events,” said Dayna Martinez, Senior Programming Director at the Ordway.
[embedded-entry-block: unknown]Tickets on sale October 28 at 10:00am
Light up your holidays and join Christmas’ favorite couple, Ellen and Clark Griswold, for this virtual salute to the holiday classic National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Chevy Chase (Clark) and Beverly D’Angelo (Ellen) lead audiences through this live event as they share fan-favorite clips from the movie, reveal their favorite memories from the making of the Vacation franchise, and answer your questions in a live audience Q&A. It all happens Saturday, November 28 at 7:00pm. Tickets are $25 per device and are available at Ordway.org beginning October 28 at 10:00am. Also available are a limited number of VIP tickets that include a post-show virtual meet and greet with Chevy and Beverly. An original member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, Chevy Chase was the trailblazer who turned SNL success into Hollywood mega-stardom. The movies Caddyshack, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Fletch, and Three Amigos all contributed to making Chevy Chase a world-wide household name. Perhaps best known for her portrayal of Ellen Griswold in the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise, actress-singer Beverly D’Angelo has had an accomplished career spanning over four decades. Her acting resume includes roles in over 60 films and appearances in some of pop culture's most celebrated television series, including The Simpsons, Law & Order: SVU, and Entourage. Fans can expect the unexpected as these legends share a no-holds-barred trip down memory lane and unveil the behind-the-scenes secrets of the making of a blockbuster film franchise. Add a new twist to your holiday tradition—gather the family and cozy up on the couch as we stream the Griswolds directly to your living room for this live virtual event that is fun for all ages. Chestnuts and eggnog recommended!
[embedded-entry-block: unknown]Tickets on sale October 29 at 10:00am
The Hip Hop Nutcracker (www.hiphopnutcracker.com), a contemporary dance spectacle set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, is available to stream for Ordway audiences this holiday season. The live capture, filmed as a part of a partnership with PBS, will allow recurring and new patrons to experience this beloved holiday tradition at home, as theaters across the country remain closed. Tickets are $20 and go on sale at Ordway.org beginning on October 29 at 10:00am. There is also a VIP experience available, featuring a 48 hour viewing opportunity, a post-show conversation with the creators, and an autographed show poster. Directed and choreographed by Olivier-nominated Jennifer Weber, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance spectacle set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. A unique and joyful event, this evening-length production is performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. The show is produced by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) with Executive Producer Eva Price, and co-commissioned by the United Palace of Cultural Arts. Just like the original, in The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City. Through this re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker take us on a journey that celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season.
[embedded-entry-block: unknown]Tickets on sale October 29 at 10:00am
Holiday classics, traditional Irish carols, heartwarming duets, full orchestral sounds, and wonderful choirs will sweep you away to spend the evening in the warmth and the glow of Christmas in Ireland. Filmed at the National Opera House of Ireland, A Virtually Celtic Christmas features leading tenor Michael Londra and his very special selection of guests including West End star Zoë Rainey, The Irish Concert Orchestra, Valda Choral Group, The Presentation Choir, and Artemis Fowl creator Eoin Colfer. The concert features traditional carols, ancient Gaelic hymns, and classic carols that audiences familiar with Michael’s recordings will know well. Best known as the lead voice of Riverdance on Broadway and for his Emmy-nominated show Beyond Celtic on PBS, Michael has recently spent time in his homeland filming Ireland with Michael, a travel and music show featuring some of Ireland’s biggest stars, expected to debut on PBS in spring 2021. Ticket pricing:
$25 level: includes a link to watch A Virtually Celtic Christmas (contributes $10 to the Ordway).
$35 level: includes a link to watch A Virtually Celtic Christmas, and souvenir DVD mailed to you (contributes $10 to the Ordway).
$50 level: includes a link to watch A Virtually Celtic Christmas, souvenir DVD, and a private Meet and Greet via Zoom call (contributes $15 to the Ordway).