Ford's Theater - A Christmas Carol

I grew up watching the Rockettes. My family made the tourist pilgrimage into NYC during December. Bundled in winter coats, scarves, hats, and layers we trekked around the city absorbing the brilliance of the store windows, fighting the crowds at Macy's on 34th Street, dancing on the piano at FAO Schwartz, and culminating the day at Radio City Music Hall. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular (which I have watched at least 20 times) was the equivalent of watching my toys come to life when I was a child.

 The Rockettes were amazing. The outfits (all those sequins!), the kicks, the singing - it was escapism and magic. Literally Christmas magic for a two hours. Despite the impossibility of it, every show felt like my first. (My enthusiasm was not always shared. I distinctly remember bringing some of my college classmates to the show and be completely dismayed when I looked over only to find them deep in slumber.)

A Christmas Carol The tale of Tiny Tim of "A Christmas Carol" is weaved into the plotline. However, it was always an afterthought for me. I assumed that part of the show was built in, so that the Rockettes could rest from all that dancing. I had no idea that people actually attended the production of the "A Christmas Carol" without wanting to see the Rockettes. That made absolutely no sense to my eight year old mind. However, fast forward and as an adult living in DC, I have to make peace it is not likely I will make it to see the Rockettes this year.  However, I can go see "A Christmas Carol" at Ford's Theater and so can you.

 Ford's Theater will begin showing "A Christmas Carol" on November 16th and will run shows until December 30, 2012. Obviously you know what the show is about. . . but just in case you forgot. The show tells the Charles Dickens' tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, who with the help of ghosts Christmas Past, Present, and Future completes a journey of transformation and redemption. Tickets are a available already ($22-$89)  

Ford's Theater If you have not been to Ford's Theater, it might be fun to take a date or the kids. There really is something for everyone there. The theater according to their website, "is a working theater, historical monument, world class museum, and learning center. . ." I've been to the theater for several shows. The theater is small and intimate.  I always feel a connection with the performers on the stage. Plus there is something powerful about knowing you are sitting in the same audience where Lincoln once enjoyed productions.

I don't think you have to worry about the show selling out on any particular day. (Whenever I attended productions, there were always empty seats among the audience.) More than likely your calendar will book up before all the seats do, but still why wait?

See you there!