Welcome Yule
Music, Dance, Songs and Stories to drive the dark away
Twenty-five years ago a small group of Valley residents began celebrating the return of the light at midwinter with music, dance, songs and stories. A reunion cast of adults and children, plus a few newcomers, bring this year’s 25th anniversary performance to the Shea Theater for three days in December. The show will feature many of the all time favorite songs from years past, including the Gloucestershire Wassail and Lord of the Dance, as well as dancing of all kinds—spooky, serious, and riotous—a mummers play, and stories for all ages.
Artistic Director Jinny Mason selected the songs and stories for this year’s show. “From the first time I saw the show, in 1989, I wanted to be part of it. My kids grew up in Welcome Yule. It’s been a passion for me for nineteen years.” In creating this year’s show, Mason thought about the music, ideas, and joyful community effort that have made cast and audience members return year after year to celebrate together. “We invited every former cast member to return to the show this year. We’re especially pleased to have Welcome Yule founder Rose Sheehan joining us. She’s one of two former cast members who are driving long distances to attend rehearsals—one bringing her adult sons, and one her eight-year-old daughter.”
Friday, December 11, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 7:30pm
Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 2pm
As art imitates life, the stories and plays within this year’s show highlight the pleasures of passing on the seasonal traditions of family and community. The children play an important role, welcoming newcomers and making some mischief to make the celebration their own. Audience members can join the singing, laugh at the mummer’s play, and enjoy stories intended to appeal to all ages.
Adults $10, seniors & children under 16 $7, children 4 and under are free.
TICKETS: Shea Box Office (413) 863-2281 and at the World Eye Bookshop, Greenfield; Jones Library, Amherst; Broadside Books, Northampton.
Map to Shea Theatre, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA. Hit your Back button to return to this screen.
Here is a Press Release in the Adode PDF format.
Sponsored in part by WRSI.