Palmdale Playhouse announces Fall 2015 schedule

PALMDALE – The Palmdale Playhouse, located at 38334 10th St. East in Palmdale, has announced its fall 2015 schedule, a full plate of music, dance, art, comedy, drama and holiday fun.

Juried art exhibition

Kicking things off is a call for artists 55 years of age and older and 17 years of age and younger to participate a special juried art exhibition titled “The Generations.”

Artists may submit, by photo or DVD/CD, art of any subject matter (excluding nudity and adult-themed content) in any format, not larger than 16″x 24,” framed or unframed, and ready to hang if selected. A photo or a DVD/CD of the artwork must be included for identification purposes and returned with the application by Sept. 14 at 5 p.m. Artwork will be juried and judged.

Artists may download an application at www.cityofpalmdale.org or pick one up at the Palmdale recreation and culture office, 38260 10th St. East in Palmdale, between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. There is no fee to enter.

Artists will be notified if their submitted work(s) are accepted/approved for showing. If selected for showing, the artist’s name, title of the piece and any additional information about the painting must be on the back of the artwork and be delivered to the Palmdale Playhouse on Monday, Sept. 28, between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in the 55 years and older and 17 years and younger categories.

Selected pieces will be displayed at Legacy Commons and the Palmdale Playhouse from Oct. 1 through Nov. 16. There will be receptions at both locations on Oct. 1 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. to announce the winners, award prizes and unveil the winner of the next “Walk on Words” poetry contest winner.

Drama

The Palmdale Repertory Theatre will present “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” on Friday, Oct. 16 and 23 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 17 and 24 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday Oct. 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. This chilling, suspenseful, heart-pounding masterpiece of murderous barber-ism and culinary crime tells the infamous tale of the unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th century London seeking revenge against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. His thirst for blood soon expands to include his unfortunate customers, and the resourceful proprietress of the pie shop downstairs soon has the people of London lining up in droves with her mysterious new meat pie recipe!

“We’re presenting this just in time for Halloween,” said Palmdale’s Recreation Supervisor Annie Pagliaro. “This performance incorporates a visually stunning steampunk design, and we’re encouraging the audience to ‘get into the act’ by wearing Steampunk costumes.”

Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors, students and military and $12 for ages 12 and under. “Sweeney Todd” is rated PG-13 for bloody violence.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Santa Claus himself will help usher in the season with a series of appearances at the Playhouse’s annual Holiday Open House. Santa will be on hand to greet and extend holiday wishes to all ages on Wednesday, Nov. 25 and Wednesday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Wednesday, Dec. 9 and Wednesday, Dec. 16 from 4 to 9 p.m.

“Take a break from the traffic and crowds to experience the sights, sounds and scents of the season,” Pagliaro said. “The Playhouse will be filled with seasonal decorations and we’ll have complimentary refreshments to enjoy.”

Admission is free. Photos with Santa are $5.

Singalong with Santa

Brand new for 2015 will be a special “Singalong with Santa,” on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.

“Here’s an opportunity to start a new holiday tradition with the family,” said Pagliaro. “We’ll have live carolers and tasty refreshments before the show, followed by Santa’s elves who will help kids handcraft special keepsakes that are sure to become sentimental treasures. Then, we’ll join Santa & the Sunday Night Singers in the theatre for an interactive performance.”

Tickets are $5 and includes a souvenir songbook to use during the show.

Palmdale Junior Ballet and Theatre Dance Co.

The following afternoon, Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 pm, the Palmdale Junior Ballet and Theatre Dance Company will present “Hansel & Gretel” and “For the Love of Christmas. This performance is family-friendly and suitable for children ages 2 and older.

The Palmdale Junior Ballet’s presentation of Hansel and Gretel is a one-act dance fantasy featuring forest creatures, angels, gingerbread children and, of course, a wicked witch who lures Hansel and Gretel through the forest and into her kitchen. As their parents search the woods for their lost children, Hansel and Gretel conspire to escape the witch’s giant oven and to free the gingerbread children from her spell.

Immediately following, the Palmdale Theatre Dance Company will perform fun and entertaining holiday dances featuring “We Wish You The Merriest” by Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, “Sound of Christmas” by Ramsey Lewis and “Zat You Santa Claus?” by Louis Armstrong.

Tickets are $12 for adults, and $10 for seniors, students, military and ages 12 and under.

Comedy

On Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m., the entertainment turns comedic as the Ambassador of Americana, Charles Phoenix, will present his “Retro Holiday Slide Show” and lead the audience on a hilarious, high-octane adventure extravaganza into his colorful world of ‘flea-market found’ vintage and ‘mom and pop’ Kodachrome slides. With abundant joy, clever wit, and a keen eye for oddball detail, Charles lavishes the very best of his mid-century images with colorful commentary celebrating the way we gifted, decorated, dressed, dined, and drank for the holidays in the ’50s and ’60s. Festive holiday dress is highly encouraged.

Tickets are $15 for adults, and $12 for seniors, students, military and ages 12 and under.

A trio of musical concerts

Wrapping up the holiday offering and tying them up in a nice bow will be three musical concerts by West Coast Classical. Beginning on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m., the West Coast Classical Beginning Strings, Beginning Band and Jazz Combo will present “Holiday Celebration,” featuring the bouncy tune “Frosty the Snowman” and a sparkling arrangement of “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow.” On Friday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m., the West Coast Classical Flute Choir, Saxophone Choir, Wind Ensemble and String Orchestra will present “Making Spirits Bright,” featuring holiday favorites such as “Jingle Bells” and “Winter Wonderland” in a fabulous arrangement. Then on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m., the West Coast Classical Concert and Symphonic Orchestra will present “Sounds of the Holidays,” with festive music like “Noel,” and Christmas’ most serene tune, “Silent Night.”

Tickets for each performance are $12.

“We’re excited to have such a fun filled arts and entertainment package to offer residents,” Pagliaro said. “We’re encouraging everyone to come see what community theatre is all about, support and enjoy quality entertainment and celebrate the holiday season with us.”

Tickets for all Palmdale Playhouse events may be purchased online at www.cityofpalmdale.org/playhouse, or at the Box Office beginning two hours before each show at 38334 10th Street East in Palmdale. For more information, call 661-267-5684.

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