At a time when there seems to be more Mr. Potters than George Baileys, the Delaware Theatre Company presents “It’s a Wonderful Life” December 1-20. “This story is so timely, with the nation’s economy in disarray and communities having to pull together to make it through,” says director Anne Marie Cammarato. The play will be performed as a live radio show set in 1946, complete with commercials and live sound effects. “The (stage) script happens to be the film script,” says Cammarato. The morals of the story: Every life touches another, so be careful how you treat people, and each of us has the power to make life wonderful, no matter who tries to stop us. “It’s a dark story,” says Cammarato, “but it’s also full of hope, love, and a little bit of fantasy.” Most of the cast members are local, including Newark’s Michael Boudewyns and Sara Valentine, founders of the First State Children’s Theater. For more, visit delawaretheatre.org, or call 594-1100.—Maria Hess
Page 2: Making Beautiful Music
Making Beautiful Music
Sonatas written for the marriage of violin and piano can be delicate or dynamic, especially when a married couple performs them. “Amado And Amado,” presented by the Delaware Symphony Orchestra on December 1, will showcase the talents of violinist Meredith Amado and her husband, Maestro David Amado. The evening of Grieg and Brahms is part of the symphony’s Champagne Chamber Series in the Hotel du Pont’s Gold Ballroom. The Amados have great chemistry on and off stage. “You know what they say about making beautiful music together,” says DSO executive director Lucinda Williams. “Maestro Amado is a literal guy.” For more, call 652-5577, or visit delsymphony.org.
Page 3: Decorated Dover
Decorated Dover
Dover is the place to be on December 5. Start at the John Dickinson Plantation, where staff will re-create an 18th-century holiday celebration. Then head to the Johnson Victrola Museum for “A Musical Holiday,” an event that celebrates the early 1900s, when the season was simple and music was joyful. Pop over to the recently restored Old State House. “Historic re-enactors dress in period costumes and remain in character to discuss the property from the perspective of the time,” says spokesman Jim Yurasek. For information on the State House and the Victrola, call 744-5055. For the Plantation, call 739-3277. All events are free.
Page 4: Holidays in Lewes
Holidays in Lewes
Lewes explodes with holiday cheer this month. On December 3 the Zwaanendael Museum offers “Jolly Holly,” an exhibit that tells all about Delaware’s once-thriving holly wreath industry. Kids can create a wreath from the leaves and berries of Delaware’s state tree. On December 5 the Zwaanendael hosts its official tour, held in conjunction with the Lewes Historical Society’s Holiday House Tour. Join the family in craft activities at the museum, then hit the streets to spy historic houses and private homes. For more, call 645-1148.
