This weekend: Home for the Holidays at the Majestic, the Nutcracker at the Academy of Music, Winter Lights at Westfield Theatre Group, It’s a Wonderful Life with Valley Players, and A Christmas Carol Calamity at East Street Studio in Hadley. It’s the holiday season in every theatre in the valley!
The next issue will include events from December 18 - January 7. Submit upcoming events via the link below or by emailing me before Tuesday at midnight. Any questions, comments or feedback? Email me at westernmasstheatre@gmail.com
Westfield Theatre Group presents Winter Lights: Ten Plays, Five Visions December 5, 6, 12, 13 at Westfield Woman's Club, 28 Court St, Westfield Tickets and More Information
Easthampton Theater Company presents Applause Auditions
January 25th and 27th at the Easthampton Congregational Church
MAJESTIC THEATER WELCOMES AUDIENCES HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
DECEMBER 11-21
Home for the Holidays will return to West Springfield’s Majestic Theater December 4-21. The Majestic Theater is located at 131 Elm Street in West Springfield, MA.
The family-friendly show, featuring Pioneer Valley-based performers, has become a tradition at the theater for the past several years. Similar in style to nostalgic holiday specials of years past headlined by Andy Williams and Perry Como, “Home for The Holidays 2025” will be co-hosted by singer Ray Guillemette, Jr., who has headlined countless "A Ray of Elvis" sold-out shows at the Majestic, and Ben Ashley, a Majestic favorite who has performed in several hit shows including “Mamma Mia” and “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.”
Joining Ray and Ben onstage will be singer/songwriter Madison Curbelo, a 2024 semifinalist on NBC’s The Voice television program, along with several veteran Majestic performers including Michael Garcia, Christine Greene, Steven Sands, Kait Rankins, Lori Efford, plus a special appearance by Santa Claus. Kyle Langlois is music director for the show, and other musicians include Jacob Nichols, Cliff Schofer and Don Rovero. Myka Plunkett is directing Home for the Holidays, and Jackie Purcell is stage manager. Daniel Rist is lighting designer, and Kyle Langlois is musical director.
Tickets are $30 & $28 for adults, and $15 for children 10 and under, and are available by visiting or calling the Majestic Theater Box Office at (413) 747-7797 during its hours of operation (Monday – Friday 10am - 5pm, and Saturday 10am - 1pm). Tickets can also be purchased online here.
The Majestic is also selling its popular holiday gift packages which consist of gift cards (redeemable for tickets and café purchases), and a gift item. They will be available during the holiday season.
Westfield Theatre Group Winter Lights: Ten Plays, Five Visions
12/12, 12/13 at 7:30pm;
12/13 at 2:00pm Westfield Woman's Club, 28 Court St, Westfield, MA
A collection of ten, 10-minute plays crafted and directed with the vision of five directors: Molly Clark, Anin Derouin, Meaghan Farrell, Kelly Galanis, and Krista Tetreault. From comedy to drama, these shows bring a wide array of entertainment sure to delight! Shows include adult language and themes.
westfieldtheatregroup.com
Total runtime approximately 90-100 minutes plus a 15-minute intermission.
Pioneer Valley Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Friday, December 12 at 4:00 and 7:30
Saturday, December 13 at 1:00 and 4:30
Sunday, December 14 at 1:00 and 4:30
Academy of Music Theatre
Step into a world of wonder this holiday season with The Nutcracker, presented by Pioneer Valley Ballet! This beloved holiday tradition, filled with enchanting characters, stunning choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, is the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends.
Join Clara on her magical journey as she battles the Rat King to save the Nutcracker Prince, then travel to meet delightful characters in the enchanted Snow Forest and beautiful Kingdom of Sweets. In addition to PVB dancers and performers from across Western MA, we welcome guest artists from Carolina Ballet. Whether it’s your first time or you’re continuing a cherished tradition, join PVB for this classic holiday tradition that all ages will enjoy!
Valley Players proudly present Joe Landry’s "It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play", December 12, 13, 19, & 20 at the Blue Heron Restaurant in Sunderland, MA! Doors open for dinner at 5:30pm, show starts at 6:30pm.
This dinner-theater production imagines the beloved holiday classic as a 1940s radio play, performed live on stage with foley sound effects and a cast of six actors playing all 40 roles! Directed by Chris Rohmann and featuring Valley players Jane Barish, Jen Campbell, Mark Dean, Ben Hersey, Alex Manugian, and Joseph Van Allen, with sound effects by Chip Roughton, stage management by Jason Fregeau, costumes by Piper Pichette, and vocal musical arrangements by Nettie Harrington Pangallo. Produced by Matteo Pangallo.
Tickets on a pay-what-you-can scale and half of net performance ticket revenue from this production will be donated to the Springfield- based affordable housing nonprofit Way Finders. During the show, Valley Players will also be holding a food drive for the Amherst Survival Center and audience members are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to contribute.
Your ticket includes a gourmet three-course meal, with choice of entree, featuring locally sourced ingredients (tax and tip included; drinks not included). Reservations are required and close three days before the performance date. Walk-in admission is not available.
The Community Players A Christmas Carol Calamity
Friday December 12th, and Saturday December 13th
7:00 PM East Street Studio Theater, 47 East Street in Hadley
It's that time again! The Community Players are back with their annual production of A Christmas Carol. But this year, well, let's just say that things are not going as planned. Come see what happens and enjoy a wonderful disaster for the whole family! Bring pots and pans to call the spirits and bring a beverage for a toast to future generations. with: Gabriel Levey Kelly Maxner Rowyn Maxner Dorian Gregory Sharon Smith Carty Tony Silva Directed by: Kelly Maxner
Kids - $5 Adults - $10 Family of Four - $20 Pay with cash, or with Venmo at the door. Limited seating. For reservations call 413-687-4578 ATTENTION - THE EAST STREET STUDIO THEATER IS NOT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
Flip the Script
Saturday, December 13th @7pm
We invite a local playwright to bring an unfinished script to the show; an original work that's never seen the stage. Then we read the character descriptions, cast the show, and launch into its first ever performance. Once we run out of lines, we drop the scripts and improvise the rest of the play while the playwright watches in delight (or horror!) Featuring experienced improvisers Mandy Anderson, Maddy Benjamin, Scott Braidman, Moe McElligott, Laura Patrick, Pam Victor, and Kate Zak.
WAM Theatre Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous Dec 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM Ventfort Hall at 104 Walker St in Lenox, MA
“A much-needed play for women about women” – Hartford Courant
Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous weaves a tale of self-discovery and the enduring power of the performing arts
A lifetime ago, actress Anna Campbell and her manager and confidant Betty ignited a major theatrical controversy with a performance piece named Naked Wilson. After decades of self-imposed exile to outrun critics, they receive an invitation to perform at a women’s theatre festival. Uncertain of what kind of reception she will get upon her return, Anna’s insecurity grows. Enter Pete Watson, an ambitious, young artist who is unabashed about her work in the adult entertainment industry. Anna flys off the handle when it’s shared that Pete is her replacement, and is not sure if she can come to terms with this affront by opening night. With humor, artistic-homage, and grace, this play packs a punch as it explores artistic ownership, generational identity, and jungle-red nail polish.
Dec 18, 2025 at 7:30 PM Unity House Players, 245 Porter Lake Dr, Springfield, MA
Annual free community show! Laugh off that holiday stress with us as Phantom Sheep Players celebrate and satirize the season with live improv and new sketch comedy!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1135311075434971
Richport Theatre Group Tom Roché's Theater Arts Showcase
150 Bridge St, Springfield MA (Hope Center for the Arts)
Thursday, Dec 18 at 7:30 PM
Friday, Dec 19 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, Dec 20 at 8 PM
Sunday, Dec 21 at 3 PM
An intimate, black box performance that highlights the raw craft of acting and adaptation.
Presenting scenes from film and TV as live theatrical performances, revealing what changes—and what becomes more alive—when stories written for the screen move to the stage.
Come for free · Donate $10 if you can
https://www.facebook.com/share/1c1kSQBdnv/
Contact 413-523-9017, our FB event page, or DM @richport.theare.group on Instagram for more information
Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School Beetlejuice JR.
Dec 19 and 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM 15 Mulligan Drive, South Hadley MA 01075
PVPA's Theatre is excited to present Beetlejuice JR, the frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon.
Lydia Deetz is a strange and unusual teenager, still grieving the loss of her mother and obsessed with the whole “being dead thing.” Lucky for Lydia, she and her father move to a new house haunted by a recently deceased couple and Beetlejuice, a delightful demon with a real zest for life. When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, this double-crossing specter shows his true stripes, unleashing a (Nether)world of pandemonium.
With music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominee Eddie Perfect and a book by Tony Award-nominated pair Anthony King and Scott Brown, Beetlejuice was nominated for eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best New Musical.
Produced in cooperation with Music Theatre International.
Directed by AJ Kirby.
Assistant Director: Robbie Coolong, PVPA '28,
Stage Manager: Taylor Santos PVPA '26, and
Assistant Stage Managers are Madeleine Wells, PVPA '29 and Ella Kirchner PVPA '30
www.pvpa.org/shows
Tickets available online at pvpa.org/shows Tickets available at the door (+$2/tix) on a space available basis.
Not In Charge: Improv Comedy Inspired By True Stories
Saturday, December 20th @7pm
Don't miss this talented group of friends in an improvised show inspired by true stories from the cast! Not In Charge is Mandy Anderson, Maddy Benjamin, Sally Ekus, Micaela Foster, Derek Luthi, Allison Reding, Julie Waggoner, Jim Young, and Kate Zak.
Holy Smokes Theatre Auditions for "Drop Dead, Hippie Scum"
Dec 14, 2025 4:00 PM and Monday, 12/15 from 6-8pm The Sanctuarry, 295 Clemente Street
Actors, dancers, production crew come audition for HolySmokes new original play about the 60s. No preparation necessary. No experience necessary. Just desire to be apart of a queer friendly, provocative, improvisational show. FUN!!!
After sold out shows and standing ovation for Dandy in the Underworld, Holysmokes embarks on its next production which will be perforrmed at CitySpace in Easthampton January 30+ 31 and February 6+7.
Unity House Players THE PROM Auditions
Jan 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM Jan 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM Unity House Players, 245 Porter Lake Dr, Springfield, MA
Auditions for UHP's spring musical- THE PROM.
Show goes up April 2026.
Director: Eric Boucher
Music Director: Graham Christian
Choreographer: Karen Anne McMahon
Producer: Elisabeth Weber
Open Call Auditions for Unity House Players' spring musical Friday January 9th 2026 6PM & Saturday January 10th 1PM
Please prepare 16-32 bars (or approx. 1 minute) of a song in the style of the show.
An accompanist will not be provided. Please bring a track on an aux cable compatible device or be prepared to sing acapella.
Also please prepare a short 1 minute comic monologue that showcases your style and a strong character.
Please expect to stay to learn a short movement combination (dance call later that day).
You are encouraged to bring your theatrical resume, but not required.
A photo and/or video may be taken at auditions.
Please be familiar with the show, schedules, character information, and requirements (available on our website). All genders and ethnicities are encouraged to audition.
APPLAUSE Auditions Book by Betty Comden & Adolph Green Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Lee Adams.
Male and Female Leads and Ensemble auditions by appointment only Sunday, January 25th and Tuesday, January 27th
Easthampton Theater Company is excited to announce auditions in January for the musical Applause, book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Lee Adams. We are seeking talented and dedicated actors of a wide range of ages. All roles are available; none are precast. We strongly encourage actors of all races, ethnicities, and gender identities to audition. Applause is based on the 1950 film All About Eve and the short story on which the movie is based, Mary Orr's "The Wisdom of Eve". The story centers on aging star Margo Channing, who innocently takes a fledgling actress under her wing, unaware that the ruthless Eve is plotting to steal her career and possibly her man. The original 1970 Broadway production was nominated for ten Tony Awards and ultimately won four: the overall production won the Tony Award for Best Musical, Lauren Bacall won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, and Ron Field won both the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical and the Tony Award for Best Choreography.
The show is directed by Manuel Morales and produced by Eva Husson-Stockhamer. Our music director is Evan Kos and our choreographer is Brianna Husson-Stockhamer. Several roles in this production are open to actors of any gender identity. We encourage all performers to audition for the roles that resonate with them. We are conducting auditions by appointment only Sunday, January 25th and Tuesday, January 27th at the Easthampton Congregational Church. Performances will be held at the Williston Theater in Easthampton and are on June 5th* (invited dress,) 7th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th. The readthrough will take place in early March 2025. Rehearsals will start in earnest at the middle of March. All actors will not be called for every rehearsal. However, all actors are required to be available every day during production week, which will start on Monday, June 1st.
...for more audition information, audition form and sign-up link.
If you experience any issues accessing the audition materials (including music, PDF files, or other resources), or if you require any assistance or accommodations to participate in the audition process, please contact us at info@easthamptontheater.com. We are happy to help ensure an accessible and inclusive experience for all participants.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
This Year's Month-long Intensive for mid-career professionals launches December 27
Shakespeare & Company’s Center for Actor Training’s January Month-long Intensive is slated to run from December 27, 2025, through January 18, 2026, held at Shakespeare &Company’s campus in the Berkshires of Massachusetts.
Throughout the intensive, participants engage in voice, movement, dance, text analysis, exploration of the actor/audience relationship, sonnet work, scene work, clown, stage fight, and Master classes with Founding Artistic Director Tina Packer, including in-depth discussions about the necessity of theater and the importance of the actor in today’s world.
Senior Workshop Director Susan Dibble, who has served as a month-long intensive faculty member for all of its 45 sessions, said the intensive offers actor training that is timelessly applicable.
“The January Intensive is a rigorous and rejuvenating program designed to activate a deep and powerful connection to the human experience, and to Shakespeare's language, in particular,” she said. “Theater artists will encounter multiple disciplines taught by a team of expert faculty, all of whom are committed to providing each participant with the opportunity for both personal attention and community. The breadth and the depth of this experience is readily applicable to both contemporary and classical material.”
Complete applications are accepted on a rolling basis; arrival day is Friday, Dec. 27, and departure day is Monday, Jan. 19. For more information – including regarding the topics covered during the Intensive – email training@shakespeare.org.
Photo Caption
Training alums Oscar Quiroz & Sydney Endicott during the final scene-sharing of the 2025 January Intensive. Photo by Christina Lane
Clown I Class
1-4pm Saturday January 10th - February 28th Northampton Karate, 320 Riverside Dr Florence MA
Over the course of this 8-week intro to clown class we will investigate a series of games and exercises built to help relinquish our need to get things right, bring our bodies and imaginations to life, and reignite our appetites for pleasure and play - all in service of making people laugh!
To be clear - this not a class in which you learn how to juggle, make a balloon animal, put on some oversized shoes and head off to the big top. NO! This is a class in which you will have the opportunity to step away from your adult responsibilities and play like a kid again, to reclaim your unbridled curiosity and virtuosic delight, and to fall in love with everything that makes you YOU. Simply put, this is not a class about being funny - it’s a class about being human.
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