Time Travel
Today we can travel the world in a few months. In the 1870s, when “Around the World in 80 Days” takes place, such a feat would have been remarkable. The Jules Verne classic, adapted for the stage by Mark Brown, comes to life at the Delaware Theatre Company December 1-19. The Victorian adventure centers on Phileas Fogg and his servant, Passepartout, who, against many odds—and oddballs—attempt to circle the globe in 80 days. The story is intricate. Casting it was challenging. Director Aaron Posner and company chose five actors versatile enough to portray 39 characters. “I think it’s a wild ride,” says Posner. “And by having only five actors take on all the roles, it also has a virtuosic theatricality that can be a ton of fun.” Want that fun to linger? The theater is partnering with the Hotel du Pont for an Around the World tea during the show’s run. For more, visit delawaretheatre.org, or call 594-1100. —Maria Hess
Page 2: A Brighter Shade of Cool
A Brighter Shade of Cool
It’s a grand first. The 2010 Annual Grand Gala will feature a performance by progressive rock band Procol Harum with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra at The Grand Opera House on December 4. Procol Harum, the symphonic rock band responsible for the 1967 hit “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” was the first band to bridge the gap between pop-rock and classical music, so this pairing with the DSO makes sense. “Both The Grand and the Delaware Symphony Orchestra have been seeking to present a joint event of this magnitude for the past few years,” says The Grand’s executive director, Steve Bailey. The gala supports arts education at The Grand. For more, visit thegrandwilmington.org/grand_gala, or call 658-7897.
Page 3: Christmas Fit for a King
Christmas Fit for a King
’Tis the season to visit The Schwartz Center for the Arts in Dover. Of its several shows this month, don’t miss “Allan Harris: A Nat King Cole Christmas” December 4 and Clear Space Theatre Company’s “Scrooge!” December 16-17. While there, check out nearby holiday light displays. There’s nothing humbug about them. For more, visit schwartzcenter.com, or call 678-5152.
Page 4: Hanging with Sculthorpe
Hanging with Sculthorpe
The Somerville Manning Gallery in Greenville will display the work of nationally recognized Delaware artist Peter Sculthorpe through December 31. Sculthorpe’s most recent paintings depict the coastlines of Newfoundland and Maine, “a departure from the regional images he has painted for years,” says gallery owner Sadie Somerville. For more, visit somervillemanning.com, or call 652-0271.
