FRIDAY 12.10
Nutcracker, Take One December births Nutcrackers in a relentless, holiday gush, with a wealth of versions emerging from all areas of theater, professional or otherwise. Of course, we at the Planet are attentive to our readers' refined palates, so we've handpicked a few quality productions that offer appealing alternatives to the established (and somewhat stale) Nutcracker tradition. The Chocolate Nutcracker was conceived by Debbie Allen, who transformed the holiday ballet into a multicultural celebration. Set in 1950's Harlem, the story is similar to the original, except the heroine gets a nutcracker made of chocolate instead of wood. And, rather than transporting her to a Kingdom of Candy, her dream takes her through the exotic lands of Mali, West Africa, Egypt, Brazil, the Caribbean and to the imaginary, harmonious Jazzland. The production is seasoned with jazz, Afro-Cuban, hip-hop and gospel music, and more than 250 local talents perform. Tickets: $12-$17 general admission/$5 children. 7:30 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sat., and 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 10-12, at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater, 727-791-7400.
Strange Days, Stranger Nights Experimental masterminds Strange Agents perform a 23-minute Christmas set this evening, delving into an ever-bizarre song catalog of moderately original holiday tunes like "Jingle Hell," "Mr. Grinch," "What Child Is Dis?" and many others. Amidst the chaos, locals peruse art displays set up to be carried away. This is not a scene from some obscure indie film but rather, an opening reception for Covivant Gallery's latest exhibits. The main gallery features Carry On: A Covivant Retrospective, a show of works by nearly 30 artists who've previously appeared in a solo or juried show in the past five years. These individual works are displayed in suitcases, and visitors can see anything from taxidermal creatures to handmade photographic books to Helio-Lux devices. In the small gallery, there's Workspaces: Studio Biennial, an exhibit by some of Covivant's current studio members that presents a sample overview of works in progress and completion. Admission is a suggested donation of $5 ($3 for students). The reception takes place from 7 to 10 p.m.; regular operating hours are noon to 5 p.m. Sat. and Sun., and the exhibits run through Jan. 2. Covivant Gallery & Studios, 4906 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-234-0222.
Uncork the Holidays Tampa Bay Uncorked, a nonprofit wining group of young professionals, offers an alternative to the tedious office affair with its fourth annual Bring Your Own Wine event. Guests are invited to try up to 100 different wines in one night, while nibbling on hors d'oeuvres by Dragonfly Catering and gettin' down to tunes spun by Knowmatic Tribe Soundsystem. Net proceeds for the event will be donated to local charities; past events have benefited organizations such as the American Cancer Society, The Children's Home, The Spring, Tampa Museum of Art, The Dali Museum, St. Jude's Hospital and Abilities of Florida. To purchase tickets online, go to www.tampabayuncorked.org. Tickets are $20. Additionally, ALL attendees must bring a bottle of wine ($15 value or less) to share — and folks who show up with Blackstone Merlot, Yellowtail Shiraz or Kendall Jackson Chardonnay should prepare themselves for a heavy scolding. 7 to 10 p.m. at West Palm Wines, 2009 N. 22nd St., Tampa, 813-241-8587.
SATURDAY 12.11
A Circus Among Us Circus Sarasota is a nonprofit arts organization that has entertained the community since its creation in 1997. This morning's performance serves as a sort of introduction to its upcoming February stretch at the fairgrounds, and world-renowned circus acts include: Los Argentinos Gauchos De Fuego, a group capturing the spirit of Argentine cowboys through fancy footwork and unique dance; Vladimir Tsarkov, "The Red Harlequin," a juggling mime from Russia; circus contortionist and hand balancer Elena Tsarkova, aka "Lady in White"; a comedy routine with audience interaction by eternal jester Renaldo; aerial swing maneuvers by Miss Erendira; and an array of amusing animal antics by David Rosaire & His Perky Pekes (Pekingese pups, dontcha know). Bring the family early and see what's going on at the Kid's Carnival outside on the Bayfront. Here, you can peruse booths with yummy foods while the kids enjoy pony rides, face painting and a slew of other fun activities. The carnival continues after the show, which is part of the Van Wezel's Saturday Mornings for Kids series. Tickets: $7. 10:30 a.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-953-3368.
Nutcracker, Take Two The Great Russian Nutcracker features the Moscow Ballet in two epic performances today at Mahaffey Theater. A company of Russia's most elite dancers performs in Anatoli Emelianov's choreographed production, an original interpretation of the holiday classic presented against colorful backdrops by designer Valentin Fedorov. Fedorov is also the mastermind behind the larger-than-life puppets, newly redesigned and enlarged to bring a three-dimensional boost to many of the ballet's scenic elements. (The three-headed "Rat King" puppet is supposedly a mechanical monstrosity that stands 12-feet high.) Other adjustments to the classic include a new scene in Drosselmeier's workshop, a highlight of the overture that further emphasizes the magical influence of the toymaker's character; and a new setting in the second act, The Land of Peace and Harmony, which introduces a theme of peace that materializes throughout the play with the appearance of a dove. Tickets: $25-$45. 3 and 7 p.m. at Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-892-5767.
SUNDAY 12.12
Healthy Living … For Pets If you're manically obsessed with the fitness and well-being of your pet, or you just want to make sure he or she enjoys a long, fulfilling life, Stop Pet Overpopulation Together (SPOT) and Hollywood Television & Filmworks host an Animal Health and Wellness Event today from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Lecture topics include: "Prolonging Your Pet's Life" (George Malnati, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons); "How Spay/Neuter Can Save Thousands of Cats and Dogs Each Year" (Pam Borres, co-founder of SPOT); and a demo and discussion of "The Benefits of Raw Food for You and Your Pets" by Joseph Custer. Pet owners can also enjoy a raw vegan dinner and entertainment by MC/Magician Barry Smith. A portion of the proceeds benefits SPOT's spay/neuter educational campaign and a forthcoming low-cost spay/neuter clinic. To make reservations online, go to www.spot-tampabay.org/ upcomingevents.html or call 727-545-3463. Tickets: $30 in advance/$40 at the door. Radisson Hotel, 20967 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater.
WEDNESDAY 12.15
Jingle All the Way Picture this: It's a clear fall evening. You are among thousands of local folks who, in the name of charity, are strolling, power walking or jogging along downtown St. Pete's lovely waterfront. The course glows with hundreds of lights, a gentle breeze carries the jingle of sleigh bells, and as you draw a deep breath of cool, fresh air, you think to yourself, What a wonderful world. Interested in taking part? You can. The Boley Centers' 22nd Annual Jungle Bell Run begins at 7:30 p.m. and the course starts and finishes at The Pier. Adult participation costs $15 in advance, $18 at the event; kids under 12 pay $10 in advance, $12 at the event. Boley, a nonprofit organization that serves people with emotional, psychiatric and behavioral problems, benefits. To register, go to www.boleycenters.org/ JBR.htm or call 727-821-4819 for more information. The Pier, 800 Second Ave. NE., St. Petersburg, 727-821-6164.
This article appears in Dec 8-14, 2004.