WLRN’s Holiday Specials
8pm THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING – Musical
Conceived by John Mauceri, this new work is a re-imagination of Tchaikovsky’s holiday favorite, "The Nutcracker." Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 book, Alan Cumming recounts the origin story of how a prince got put into a nutcracker. Unlike the ballet, we also learn what happens when the young girl grows up, having saved the prince, and what they are doing today.
Music from Tchaikovsky's lesser-known works, as well as from "The Nutcracker" ballet, underscores this epic and heroic tale — one that has never been told before on television! It all begins, "Once, a very long time ago, when the flap of dragon wings could be heard in the skies..."
9:30pm CHRISTMAS AT BELMONT – Performance
CHRISTMAS AT BELMONT is an annual Belmont University tradition celebrating the holiday season and the musical diversity and rich talent of the university's School of Music. The concert features a collage of familiar carols, classical masterworks, world music and light-hearted seasonal favorites. More than 400 student voices join with School of Music faculty to present the annual holiday production.
10:30pm CHRISTMASTIME IN NEW ORLEANS – Performance/Culture
CHRISTMASTIME IN NEW ORLEANS is a festive holiday special showcasing the music, sights and internationally acclaimed cuisine of New Orleans. Taped in part at the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown New Orleans, the special spotlights a concert celebrating the city's vast and unique musical influences. Vibraphonist/percussionist Jason Marsalis and The NOLA Players perform a variety of holiday classics, putting a new twist on...
- I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
- Joy to the World
- Go Tell it on the Mountain
In addition, a few of the Big Easy's finest chefs, including John Folse and Leah Chase discuss how and why the city's gastronomy embodies a cross section of global cultures, and demonstrate recipes typical of New Orleans at Christmastime. Also, actor and New Orleans native Wendell Pierce shares what makes the holidays in the Crescent City the only choice for him, and actor Jim Caviezel explains why this film destination is his favored "home away from home."
