Dec. 13th 2012
Staunton, VA, which is only a quick drive away from the Iris Inn, boasts the only re-creation of Shakespeare’s Blackfriars Theatre. While the American Shakespeare Center is obviously renowned for its Shakespearean performances, their holiday shows are particular favorites among viewers.
A Christmas Carol- It’s a classic for sure! Charles Dickens’ story of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge takes on a unique atmosphere on the traditional Shakespearean stage: “Expect to be right in the middle of this beloved tale with new twists, surprises, and a production filled with music and cheer for the whole family.”
The 12 Dates of Christmas- (RECOMMENDED FOR MATURE AUDIENCES) Looking for a fun, girls’ night out? This may be the show for you ladies (though men are certainly not dissuaded from going as well). This is a one-woman performance about Mary, who, after dumping her fiancé, spends a year navigating the complexities of dating.
The Santaland Diaries- This production is “an outrageously funny one-man play (from National Public Radio’s well-loved humorist David Sedaris) about the author’s experiences as an unemployed actor/writer taking a job as an elf at Macy’s department store in New York City.” If you enjoy a bit of wry humor, you’ll definitely like The Santaland Diaries.
Buy your ticket for a show at the Blackfriars Playhouse, book your room at the Iris Inn, and have a wonderful holiday!
Photo by Tommy Thompson
Feb. 6th 2012
“From the start it has been the theatre’s business to entertain people … it needs no other passport than fun.” –Bertolt Brecht, A Short Organum for the Theatre
If you read our blog entry about Staunton, Virginia’s Blackfriar Playhouse, then you already know that we have a wonderful theatre nearby the Iris Inn. But this Shakespearean marvel is not the only drama to be found in and around Waynesboro. There are numerous community theatres around the area that illustrate local talent and provide good quality entertainment for viewers in the Shenandoah Valley. So book a room at the Iris Inn, and then take in a show at one (or all) of these excellent local theatres:
Waynesboro Players, Waynesboro, VA- Climb aboard the M.S. Stillwater in a comedic tale of modern day piracy. See the antics of Walker D. Plank and his minion Halitosis Halvard as they attempt to overtake a cruise ship in the name of the Pirate Appreciation Movement. This show, written by local Matthew Warner, runs from February 23-26, 2012. (Your humble blogger also happens to be a cast member of this production, so this may or may not be a shameless promotion…)
Live Arts, Charlottesville, VA- Enter the surreal world of the Belgian painter Rene Magritte and step into the bizarre magic of his mind that inspired his paintings. This show, written by Barry Kornhauser and directed by Will Rucker, runs through February 18, 2012.
ShenanArts, Staunton, VA- Witness the life and times of Woodrow Wilson in ShenanArts’ production of “Woody,” written by Richard Adams and adapted by Diane Stewart. The show runs from February 24-26, 2012, and there is a dinner option on the Saturday evening of the show.
