SCHENECTADY (Oct. 27) — Proctors Collaborative welcomes the return of a Capital Region holiday favorite and an Emmy Award-winning actor to its stages with two upcoming productions. “It’s a Jazzy Christmas” brings festive music to Schenectady and Saratoga Springs in December, followed by Richard Thomas in “Mark Twain Tonight!” at Proctors in February.
A holiday tradition returns as an ensemble of Capital Region jazz musicians bring “It’s a Jazzy Christmas” to the GE Theatre 8 p.m. Proctors Friday, Dec. 18, and Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs for two performances 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. Blending imaginative jazz arrangements, improvisation, and humor, the production celebrates the music of the season with selections inspired by Vince Guaraldi’s beloved “Peanuts” holiday music, along with familiar Christmas classics. Presented in the style of an old-fashioned radio broadcast, the concert combines live music and comedic interludes for a festive experience at two Proctors Collaborative venues.
Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Thomas brings the wit and wisdom of one of America’s most celebrated humorists to the MainStage at Proctors Tuesday, Feb. 9, in “Mark Twain Tonight!” Written and originally performed by Hal Holbrook, the acclaimed one-man show explores Twain’s sharp observations on politics, society, and the human experience through humor and storytelling. Thomas, known for his role as John-Boy Walton on “The Waltons,” his Broadway performances, and his portrayal of Atticus Finch in the national tour of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” is the first actor authorized to perform the production since Holbrook originated the role.
Tickets are available through the Box Office at Proctors in person, by phone at (518) 346-6204 Tuesday-Saturday 12-6 p.m., or online by visiting atproctors.org. Groups of 10 or more can get the group advantage by calling (518) 382-3884, ext. 139.