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The Talent Machine’s Holiday Magic, with Austin Alderman as Frosty, Taylor Rector as Raggedy Anne, Noelle Collison as Raggedy Andy and Beth Lepley (left) and Hana Thornhill (right) as soldiers.
Photo by Pat Keffer
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Children Sing in the Holiday
by Martha Blume
Do holiday song and dance revues get you in the mo
od? Or perhaps you prefer choirs of angelic voices singing. Two very different gatherings of children, both singing in the holiday spirit, might bring the season a little closer to your heart this year through traditions both familiar and unexpected.
If to you Christmas means that Magical Toy Room with dancing bears and toy soldiers and Santa wrapped up with some ho-ho-holiday American Christmas cheer, you’ll find it at the Talent Machine’s Holiday Magic 2002. But the Talent Machine puts a new twist on old traditions. These energetic kids take you around the world, from Killarney, where the Irish jig will get your toes tapping, to Africa for an “African Noel.” They “Light the Candles” in celebration of Hanukkah, and use the international language of sign to present “As Long As There’s Christmas.”
Director Lea Capps promises lots of new and jazzy numbers in this 12th annual Holiday Magic for the TMC, with local entertainers ages six to 18. Look under their tree for a rap-style “Jingle Bell” tap number, a swinging “Boogie Woogie Santa” and “Grandma’s Killer Fruitcake.” And there will always be traditional carols and the grand finale, “White Christmas.”
The Talent Machine’s show could be likened to a holiday mosaic — a great picture made out of many smaller ones — with images of Christmas trees and elves, fruitcake and toys, carolers and snow.
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The All Children’s Chorus performed at the Farmers Market on Riva Road, in October.
Photo by Wendi Winters
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Now imagine a mosaic of songs and voices, and you have the All Children’s Chorus of Annapolis.
The chorus is intentionally diverse in ethnic, religious and economic background. “These are kids from all walks of life,” says publicity director Wendi Winters. In concert at the State House, they perform choral numbers celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and winter traditions, sung by children of many colors.
The chorus was founded last year by Director Liz Barrett, whose goal is to teach kids to sing “without getting their feet involved” and, at the same time, unite children of different cultures, races and theologies. The choir consists of 45 kids, ages seven to 14.
Their repertoire includes gospel music, a Jewish traditional holiday song, and the more familiar “O Come All Ye Faithful,” but these children sing it in Latin. Director Barrett says the “words of our songs are about embracing love and brotherhood, peace and uniting people.” That’s a holiday tradition we can all adopt.
See Holiday Magic 2002 at the Key Auditorium, St. John’s College, Annapolis. Shows run December 13-22, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 and Sundays at 2 and 6:30. Tickets are $10; and $6 for kids five and under: 410/956-0512.
The All Children’s Chorus of Annapolis sings at the State House by Candlelight Concert, 7-9pm, Maryland State House, Annapolis. The Chorus is scheduled for 7:30. The event is free. And see them strolling and caroling at the Annapolis Harbour Center on December 14, from 1-3pm.
Calling Chesapeake Country’s 2002 Babies
We’re collecting pictures of Bay Weekly’s newest readers to spotlight on our last “Not Just for Kids” page of the year. Do you know someone who was born since December 25, 2001? Send your favorite baby picture (with baby’s and parents’ name and address; baby’s birthdate and weight)
Mail to: Bay Weekly, P.O. Box 358, Deale MD 20751(original photos will be returned) or
E-mail: [email protected] (digital photos must be sent in .TIF or JPEG format at 150 dpi, no smaller than 3 inches wide).
We’ll send family and baby a souvenir copy!
Photos must be received by Thursday, December 19.
Kids Stuff
Saturday, December 7
Gingerbread Workshop
Join in the fun of building with gingerbread at the Calvert Library’s Gingerbread House Workshop, open to children 6-12 years old. Be sure to bring a bag of candy for decorations to share with the other kids. 10am @ Twin Beaches Branch library; rsvp: 410/257-2411 & 2pm @ Fairview Branch; rsvp: 410/257-2101.
Santa Goes to Market
Greet Santa as he visits Calvert County Market. While your parents shop for Calvert County farm-fresh and homemade goodies, you can visit the generous elf and have your picture taken with him. 2-5pm @ Calvert County Market, in the old Superfresh on Rt. 2-4, Prince Frederick: 410/414-8095.
Sunday, December 8
Breakfast with Santa
Fill your tummy with a homemade breakfast, then take a picture with Santa, shop for the lucky ones on your Christmas list and have your gifts wrapped. 9am-noon @ Eastport United Methodist Church, Annapolis. $5 w/discounts: 410/263-5490.
Copyright 2002
Bay Weekly
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