SHEFFIELD — A favorite 1980s Christmas movie is coming to The Ritz stage as part of its new theatre season.
“Prancer” follows the adventures of Jessica Riggs and her family as they deal with hard times, a rural winter, and an injured reindeer.
As 8-year-old Jessica slogs through the snowy woods on her way home from school one afternoon, she discovers the wounded reindeer.
Is it one of Santa’s? Jessica believes it is, and it becomes her purpose in life to nurse “Prancer” back to health and get him to Antler Ridge on Christmas Eve.
A production of Time Out for Theatre, The Ritz’s children’s program, “Prancer” will use “breathtaking” puppetry to bring this show to life. Open auditions are Oct. 1 and 2 from 1-4 p.m. Public performances of “Prancer” will be Dec. 10 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
In addition to its theatre season, The Ritz features music and movie nights as well.
On Saturday, country star Mark Collie brings along some friends to play. Billy Lawson and Wishbone join Collie and other special guests for the 7 p.m. concert.
Fans of the late Olivia Newton-John can see her again on The Ritz big screen in “Grease” on Sept. 23.
Newton-John and John Travolta bring the 1950s alive in the 1978 classic film. Concessions will be available, including popcorn, soda, water, candy, wine, and beer. Seating is general admission. Feel free to wear your bobbie socks, loafers, and rolled up jeans and sing along!
And, finally, to celebrate spooky season, settle in for the Alfred Hitchcock Series featuring creepy favorites “The Birds and Psycho.” End the Halloween season on a family note with the Sanderson sisters in “Hocus Pocus.”
Before “Prancer” comes to town, you can join the Tennessee Valley Art Association on Nov. 12-13 and Nov. 18-20 for the first holiday show of the season. “Sanders Family Christmas” is the sequel to the bluegrass gospel musical “Smoke on the Mountain.”
Set on Christmas Eve 1941, America is headed to war and so is Dennis Sanders of the Sanders Family Singers. The town gathers to send Dennis off with funny, heartwarming stories and 25 Southern gospel Christmas favorites.
Local author Lee Murkey’s play offers more adult themes Feb. 2-5. “Fresh Air” is about a young Black man’s re-entry into the community that raised him after he served six years in prison. The play also explores how he tries to rehabilitate those relationships lost to his incarceration.
And in March, “Stuart Little” brings his escapades, big and small, to The Ritz. “Stuart Little” is presented March 11 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Visit https://tennesseevalleyarts.org/ and https://tennesseevalleyarts.org/theatre/ to purchase tickets to these events.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
