Holidays at Historic Theaters

Enjoying a holiday show at one of North Carolina’s historic theaters makes the experience even more enriching.

With its roots as a storefront “nickelodeon” built in 1906, the Gallery Theatre in Ahoskie presents A Gallery All-Star Christmas Dec. 4–6 and Dec. 14.

“The show was developed three years ago by local volunteers,” says Ralph Hewitt, the theater’s executive director. “It’s patterned after the old Christmas shows of the past hosted by Bing Crosby or Judy Garland: really fast moving, with music segueing into scenes, different moods and a whole gamut of songs. Some are traditional and some have more popular arrangements. There’s a gospel-style “Joy to the World” that really breaks out and gets down.” Hewitt praises the caliber of talent found in his community volunteers. “Our training here is by the seat of the pants,” he laughs. “We’re like a family when we do a production. The volunteers do it out of their love for theater and love for the Gallery. You can’t pay someone to have that kind of investment.”

Originally a vaudeville house established in 1913, the Turnage Theatre in Washington takes you back to the days of old-time radio plays with “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio Theater.” Watch as a cast of six creates 30 characters in this holiday classic.

A former AME Church built in 1891 and now a National Historic Landmark, St. Joseph’s Performance Hall at Hayti Heritage Center in Durham presents the 17-piece North Carolina Jazz Ensemble performing The Joy of Music. This annual holiday concert Dec. 14 features special guest vocalist Brandi Q. Hancock and a selection of traditional holiday songs.

Built in 1925, the Temple Theatre in Sanford presents a new adaptation of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” Nov. 27–Dec. 20. While the main stage at the 150 year-old Thalian Hall in Wilmington undergoes renovations, you can still experience performances in an intimate cabaret setting at its upstairs Rainbow Room, including Holiday Time with Emile Pandolfi on piano Dec. 4–6.