Entertainment

Normally, I don't promote anything happening outside of Benton County. However, it's the Christmas season, and this news release came in. There is a Live Animal Christmas Show that happens in southeast Iowa in Washington, Iowa. I've seen this production, in Washington, Iowa, and as a gal that's seen a lifetime of church productions, this one is impressive.

The Great Bluegrass Herons & Friends Acoustic Christmas Program is the perfect way to welcome the Christmas season! Join us for a Sunday afternoon of songs and stories of the season.  Performers will include The Great Bluegrass Herons, Castle Ridge, The Anderegg Family and Meg Merckens.  This will be a good time!  Hope to see you

ACT I (Area Community Theatre, Inc.) of Benton County is delighted to present GENEVIEVE'S NUTCRACKER at the Vinton Palace Theatre Thurs.-Fri. Nov. 17th and 18th at 7:30 pm, and Sat.-Sun. Nov. 19th and 20th at 1 pm and 4 pm. GENEVIEVE'S NUTCRACKER is an original adaptation of the beloved holiday classic, centering around the Baxter family and 6-year-old Genevieve, who becomes fascinated by an unusual toy she receives from Grandma on Christmas Eve.

The Vinton-Shellsburg high school theater department will be performing Disney's The Little Mermaid on Friday and Saturday, November 11th and 12th at beginning at 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, November 13th at 2:00 p.m. You can see the performance in the Vinton Shellsburg High School auditorium.  Ticket prices are $10 each.  The performance is based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements.

Mark your calendar for November 11-13 to see the performance of Monsters in the Closet. Friday, November 11 - 7:00 p.m.Saturday, November 12 - 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.Sunday, November 13 - 2:00 p.m.Each performance will be held at the Union Middle School located at 505 West St. in Dysart. Tickets for adults cost $10 and $5 for students. Ages 5 and under are free.

We can't wait for GENEVIEVE'S NUTCRACKER! Join us as six-year-old Genevieve (Brynlee Kriner) learns the story of The Nutcracker Prince through Grandmother's (Sue Gates) narration as this beloved holiday classic comes to life at the Palace Theatre. Running time is one hour with six chances to see the production- Thurs./Fri Nov. 17th- 18th at 7:30 pm.

Cast for the Holiday Double Feature:Cast SOS:Save our SantaSanta: Christian LiedkeMrs Claus:Charleigh ClemensNatalie North: tv investigative reporter: Carolynne LiedkeRobin Redlen- park ranger- Lexi Van ReeLark Lindall - park ranger - Zeviah CooperTracer McDaniels- bounty hunter- Clay KoeppenSnake McDaniels - bounty hunter- Carter PottebaumMelissa Green- conservationist - Anabelle FisherTrixie- elf-Aurora RobertsReindeer's RevengeOctavia- Reindeer who really wants a shot at being on the team! - Kinslee EtringerGood Octavia - The good side of Octavia-Jadyn AnnisBad Octavia - The bad side of Octavia- Ellie SchwabDancer-Lead reindeer - Bryliegh SchwabPrancer- Dancer’s team partner - Bailee HermanRudolph the most famous reindeer of all- Elliot WhalenUPS Driver- Neither rain nor snow.

Cast for the Holiday Double Feature:Cast SOS: Save our SantaSanta: Christian LiedkeMrs Claus:Charleigh ClemensNatalie North: tv investigative reporter: Carolynne LiedkeRobin Redlen- park ranger- Lexi Van ReeLark Lindall - park ranger - Zeviah CooperTracer McDaniels- bounty hunter- Clay KoeppenSnake McDaniels - bounty hunter- Carter PottebaumMelissa Green- conservationist - Anabelle FisherTrixie- elf-Aurora RobertsReindeer's RevengeOctavia- Reindeer who really wants a shot at being on the team! - Kinslee EtringerGood Octavia - The good side of Octavia-Jadyn AnnisBad Octavia - The bad side of Octavia- Ellie SchwabDancer-Lead reindeer - Bryliegh SchwabPrancer- Dancer’s team partner - Bailee HermanRudolph the most famous reindeer of all- Elliot WhalenUPS Driver- Neither rain nor snow.

The Awful Purdies play some of the best Folk-Americana you will ever hear! A nod to traditional American music, folk, old country, bluegrass, honkytonk, and soul.  Rachel Dedrick & John Berinobis will start things off with a little swing blues.  Come join us on November 13th at 2:00 p.m. for a Sunday afternoon of music from the heart!  You will enjoy this show!Farmers Mercantile Hall is located at 100 West Main St.

Come hear one of the best bluegrass bands in the Midwest! Lori King and Junction 63 bring a wealth of hard-driving originals, heartwarming gospels, sing-along country grass and, of course, bluegrass! Rachel Dedrick and John Berinobis will start things off with a round of swing blues numbers. Come join the fun!On October 23 there will be a concert from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm at the Farmers Mercantile Hall in Garrison.