<< Back to Press Room

2006 Christmas Revels: An Early American Winter Celebration

24th Year of Popular Holiday Theater Event

For more information, contact: 202-723-7528; info@revelsdc.org

Washington, DC – THE CHRISTMAS REVELS, a celebration of the Winter Solstice, returns to the Lisner Auditorium of the George Washington University over the weekends of December 8-10 and 15-17. The Washington Revels' 24th annual holiday production will combine old Revels favorites with new material based on early American music, dance, and stories drawn from Appalachian, Shaker, African-American, Pennsylvania Dutch, Moravian, and Native American traditions.

All Christmas Revels performances are based on traditional music, dance, and the kind of drama performed on street corners, in homes and village squares. They reflect the universal themes of life, death, and rebirth, the symbolism of the season of the shortest (and darkest) days of the year, and the customs and rituals surrounding those themes. The Christmas Revels is a fully costumed theater piece, not a concert, and our audiences are not just spectators, but also participants who are invited to join with those on stage in singing and even dancing in the aisles. The Washington Post has called the Christmas Revels "a seasonal gift to the community in song, dance, magic, foolery and tradition."

Christmas Revels performances highlight unique tradition-bearers from cultures across the globe. This year, the Washington Revels turns homeward, and will feature early 19th-century America, including homespun stories, songs and rollicking dances from Appalachia; "Belsnickel," a Pennsylvania Dutch incarnation of a very cantankerous Santa Claus; a joyous African-American "Jonkonnu" procession; songleading and dance calling by American traditionalists Mary Alice and Peter Amidon; the amazing sound of Shape Note squares; a magical Moravian star and its traditional song led by a young girl; the mystical presence of Native American storyteller Dovie Thomason (Lakota Kiowa), evoking memories of winter celebrations long past; plus the traditional Revels company of adults, children, teens, and brass. Musicians include Washington favorites Steve Hickman (fiddle), Charlie Pilzer (bass), and John Devine (vocals and guitar).

Audience participation is always a key element in Revels. The audience learns carols and rounds both ancient and familiar, and will be invited to join hands for "The Lord of the Dance," a rousing recessional through the aisles of the theater which for many in our audience is an annual high-point in creating a spirit of community.

The Christmas Revels plays to packed houses every year, with roughly 10,000 area residents in attendance. The Revels appeal is so great because every show draws on an unbeatable combination of elements: time-honored rituals, traditional dances, folk plays and holiday music performed by a lively and talented cast of adults and children.

The celebration of the longest night of the year, the Winter Solstice, is at the heart of Revels. Despite "Christmas" in the title, this is not a religious pageant, but rather a unique seasonal celebration that is inclusive and meaningful to the community at large, regardless of background.

Eight performances of the Christmas Revels will be held at the Lisner Auditorium of the George Washington University, 21st and H Streets NW, Washington, DC. Parking Garage Entrance: 22nd and I Streets; Metro Station: Foggy Bottom. Performances: Friday Dec. 8 & 15 at 7:30pm, Saturday Dec. 9 & 16 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm, and Sunday Dec. 10 & 17 at 2:00pm. Tickets $12-$40, available from tix.com at www.revelsdc.org or 1-800-595-4849. Family Fridays: 25% off regular price for youth tickets on Friday Dec. 9 and Friday Dec. 17. Group Sales and Information: 202-723-7528.

Patron Services: ASL Interpreted Program - Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2:00pm; Audio Descriptive Services - Friday, Dec. 15 at 7:30pm; Alternate program formats for the visually impaired; All performances wheelchair accessible.

About the Washington Revels

An established non-profit cultural institution in D.C. for over 20 years, the Washington Revels is dedicated to reviving and promoting communal, seasonal celebrations. Featuring the music, dance, drama and folk tales of a particular place and time, each Revels production enables audiences of all ages to experience age-old cultural traditions that affirm and support our shared community. The Washington Revels is one of twelve affiliated organizations across the country whose parent organization, Revels, Inc. in Watertown, Massachusetts, was formed by John Langstaff, concert baritone, music educator and prize-winning author.

<< Back to Press Room