Fairfield University presents a delightful array of performances throughout the month of December designed to entertain crowds of all ages and celebrate this holiday season with musical and theatrical yuletide favorites. A listing follows:

Friday, December 2, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 3, at 2 p.m.
The Fairfield University Glee Club
"Canticle of the Animals: A Christmas Concert"
Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
The Fairfield University Glee Club and the Fairfield University Chamber Singers with Carole Ann Maxwell, D.S.M., Conductor, with the Festival Brass and Jazz Ensemble present a dynamic holiday program that includes "Canticle of Creatures" written by St. Francis of Assisi, "Missa Gaia" by Paul Winter, and "Peaceable Kingdom" by Patti Smith. The Glee Club numbers over 120 undergraduate and graduate singers. Its members share a deep love for music and a common desire to achieve excellence in it. Their voices explore a wide variety of repertoire, experiencing diverse styles of music and enriching audiences with programming that challenges and inspires.
Tickets: $10 adults, $6 students.

Thursday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m.
"A Victorian Christmas" Holiday Extravaganza
New Haven Symphony Orchestra Pops
Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
Snuggle up for a Sleigh Ride and get ready to Jingle Bell Rock with the NHSO Pops and Principal Pops Conductor Jerry Steichen. The concert includes Victorian carols sung in celebration of Charles Dickens' 200th birthday as well as traditional favorites like White Christmas and Winter Wonderland . Guest artists include The Elm City Girls' Choir, Metropolitan Opera soprano Jennifer Aylmer, and NHSO Principal Harpist Jennifer Hoult. Of course the holidays with the NHSO wouldn't be complete without the annual audience sing-a-long.
Tickets: $40, $35.

Friday, December 9, at 7 p.m.
Fairfield University Orchestra
Gonzaga Auditorium, Gonzaga Hall
The Fairfield University Orchestra is made up of Fairfield University students, alumnae, and members of the community. The seasonal program includes the Santa Claus Symphony, by William Henry Fry, which narrates the story of Santa Claus and his sleigh as he goes around the world delivering gifts to children. The Fairfield Orchestra is the first orchestra ever to perform the work with narration. Conducting is Jamie Ratcliffe. Special guest narrator is Fairfield University President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J.
Free admission.

Thursday, December 15, at 7:30 p.m.
Händel' s Messiah
The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut
and the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra
Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
A holiday staple is presented by some of the area's finest musicians and vocalists with special guest soloists. Händel's all-time favorite comes to the Quick Center and will be performed by the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra, Benjamin Loeb, Conductor, and the Mendelssohn Choir of CT, Carole Ann Maxwell, Artistic Director, Allison Charney, soprano, Ryu-Kyung Kim, mezzo soprano, Brian Downen, tenor, and Thomas Woodman, baritone.
Tickets: $40 reserved, $20 general admission.

Friday, December 16, at 8 p.m.
Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas
Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
The Church Basement Ladies are coming, and just in time for the holidays. Their latest musical comedy takes us all back to 1959 and the day of the Sunday School Christmas Program. Known for hilarious antics and subtle charm, the Ladies are once again called upon to step in and save the day with their own very special style, wit and grace. This all-new holiday show is the third installment of the highly popular musical comedy series. The original Church Basement Ladies was seen by a quarter million people and has grown into the most successful series ever produced by Minnesota's Troupe America in its twenty-five year history.
Tickets: $35, $30.

Sunday, December 18 at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Babes in Toyland
American Family Theater
Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
Audiences cross a border into a magical land filled with wonderful toys and delicious treats, a fairy tale place called Toyland, where everyone is always happy, and the enchanting Goody GumDrop Tree grows. This contemporary adaptation of Victor Herbert's 1903 holiday classic features enhanced sets and new songs presented by American Family Theater, considered one of the nation's premiere producers of musicals for families and young audiences.
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 children.

Tickets and subscriptions are available through the Quick Center Box Office: (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.fairfield.edu/quick .

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts and Gonzaga Auditorium are located on the campus of Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. Gonzaga Auditorium is located in Gonzaga Hall. Entrance to the Quick Center is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road. Free, secure parking is available. Access for people with disabilities is available throughout the Quick Center for audience members and performers. Hearing amplification devices are available upon request at the Box Office. Fairfield University is located off exit 22 of Interstate-95. For further information and directions, call (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7396, or visit www.fairfield.edu/quick .

Posted On: 11-23-2011 11:11 AM

Volume: 44 Number: 136