Holiday Theater and All That Jazz
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 @9:18am CST
Reported by: Shanna Smith, Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau

HOLIDAY THEATER AND ALL THAT JAZZ!—Take some time this week to get out and enjoy Abilene’s holiday productions and other festive activities. We have a lot going on, so check it out!

Ever wanted to know…just how they made that? Stop by the annual “Taste of Home Cooking School” presented by Gap Broadcasting from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Civic Center. Browse vendor booths before the school begins. At 6:30 p.m., Jamie Dunn, a culinary specialist, will demonstrate how to make and serve several dishes from the “Taste of Home Magazine.” Ticket info: 325-676-7711.

See your favorite characters in the family-friendly Hardin-Simmons production, “Alice in Wonderland,” Thursday through Saturday, Van Ellis Theatre. The play is based on the classic story by Lewis Carroll.  Evening performances on Thurs. and Fri.—8 p.m. Matinee performance, Sunday: 2 p.m.—preceded by the Mad Hatter’s Party at 12:45 p.m. Free for all HSU faculty, staff and students. Ticket info: 325-670-1405.

Don’t miss the Abilene Ballet Theatre’s 22nd annual “Nutcracker” performance at the Paramount Theatre, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Guest artists and local dancers will grace the stage as ABT presents this treasured holiday classic! Patron, general admission, senior and children’s tickets are available. Ticket info: call 325-676-9609 or visit www.abileneballettheatre.org.

"Inspecting Carol” is in its third week at the Abilene Community Theatre. This comedy is another great way to get into the holiday spirit. A man who asks to audition at a small theatre is mistaken for an informer of the National Endowment for the Arts. Everyone caters to the puzzled wannabe and he is given a role in ‘A Christmas Carol’…hilarity ensues! 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Ticket info: 325-673-6271.

Whether you are a visitor or a local, kick off the start of a great week in Abilene by enjoying some live music. ACU will host a Jazz Concert in the Williams Performing Arts Center on campus featuring jazz, vocal and instrumental student combos. 8 p.m. Monday (Nov. 23). Then, on Tuesday (Nov. 24) enjoy live jazz and a great cup of coffee in downtown Abilene. Monks Coffee Shop has partnered with the ACU Jazz Combos to bring our city Jazz Night at Monks every Tuesday night. Support their efforts and stop by! 8:30-10 p.m. Best of all, both musical events are free. Info: 325-437-2984.

For more information on Abilene’s events and attractions, visit www.abilenevisitors.com.  Get the most up-to-date details throughout the week by following us on Twitter, @AbileneCVB, or by becoming a fan on Facebook.