Christmas at the Paramount. Courtesy of DRI Abilene.

Lately, I have been spending a lot of time in Austin – the live music capital of the world – visiting my little brother. As I sat down to write my blog this week, it got me thinking about what kinds of live music acts are coming to Abilene this month. Taking your significant other on a date to see some live music would be a fun night out, plus a nice way to spend some quality time together before the hustle and bustle of the holidays. After doing some research, I found a number of performances that I think would make for a different, fun and affordable date night. It all depends on what type of music you’re in to, but I think there’s something here for everyone. When you look around, Abilene has quite the variety of things to do night after night!

First up, for all who love Broadway musicals – Broadway is back in Abilene tomorrow night with “Young Frankenstein.” This event will be at the Abilene Civic Center and the production is based on the classic Mel Brooks movie. 7:30 p.m. Cost: $35-50 per person. Purchase tickets online at www.celebrityattractions.com.

When it comes to music, you can’t forget about the classical forms either. More than 200 students will perform duets and ensembles at the Abilene Music Teachers Association Ensemble Festival on Saturday in HSU’s Woodward-Dellis Recital Hall and Choir Room, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. On Monday, Nov. 21, the ACU Department of Music will host the Manhatten Piano Trio at 7:30 p.m. in the Williams Performing Arts Center. Free.

For country western music, check out the Lucky Mule Saloon. This Thursday, Kyle Bennett along with The Swindlers will perform and on Saturday, Aaron Watson will take the stage. Doors open at 6 p.m. Info and tickets: 325-232-8561. Coming up in December, the Zach Harmon Band will play at Chelsea’s Pub; Friday, Dec. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 31 – both at 9 p.m. Info: 325-695-9200.

For all who seek to get into the Christmas spirit, the Abilene Community Band will perform their annual Christmas Concert at the historic Paramount Theatre on Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. Free to the public. On Dec. 8, the Quebe Sisters Band will perform at the Paramount for the Big Country Christmas Concert, benefitting Disability Resources, Inc. 8 p.m. Lastly, the Abilene Community Theatre along with Chorus Abilene will host their second annual “Home for the Holidays” event – a holiday musical variety show. Dec. 16-17, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $12 for adults, $8, 12 and younger.

While this is only a quick glimpse of what’s to come, to see what shows are coming to Abilene, visit our calendar.

Christmas Events at the Civic Center in Abilene

It is hard to believe, but it is getting to be that time of year again! The holidays have always been my favorite time, but they are especially special in Abilene because there is always something to go see, do and celebrate with your friends and family. Check it out:

Christmas Belles will open next weekend at the Abilene Community Theatre. If you’re in town and in the mood to see a show, here’s the scoop: It’s Christmas time in the small town of Fayro, Texas and the Futrelle Sisters – Frankie, Twink and Honey Raye aren’t exactly in a festive mood! Their hilarious holiday journey through a misadventure-filled Christmas Eve is guaranteed to bring joy to your world. November 10-12, 17-19, 25 and 26. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. each night. Cost: $5-10 per person.

You can also celebrate Christmas in November at the American Business Women’s Association annual arts, crafts and gifts sale at the Civic Center. 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. No charge for admission. Info: 325-673-1142.

Stroll through stunning homes brimming with holiday décor at the Abilene Philharmonic’s annual Holiday Home Tour, Saturday, Nov. 12. Home enthusiasts are invited to tour homes in the Fairway Oaks area, while receiving a special treat from local area musicians with live Christmas music performances throughout the homes. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $20 per person. Purchase tickets here. Self-guided, map brochure included.

You can also enjoy the annual performance of the classic ballet, “The Nutcracker,” performed by Abilene Ballet Theatre, Abilene’s regional ballet company, featuring special guest artists. The ballet will run at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18; on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 2:30 and 8 p.m.; and on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2:30 p.m. at the Paramount. Cost: $10-$30 per person. Info: call 325-675-0303 or click here.

For even more holiday events in Abilene, click here.

Photo courtesy of the Mall of Abilene and Abilene Reporter-News

Day 7 (Dec. 16-18) – Musical Performances at the Mall of Abilene

While you wrap up Christmas shopping, take some time out of the season’s hustle and bustle and enjoy live music at the mall. On the 16^th, Chorus Abilene will perform at 6 p.m. in the Women’s Dillard’s Courtyard and on Saturday, December 18^th, Cooper High School’s Choral Group will perform at 2 p.m. in the Women’s Dillard’s Courtyard. Both performances are free to the public. Info: 325-698-4351.

Day 8 (Dec. 17) – Abilene Community Band Christmas Concert

Enjoy an evening of live entertainment appropriate for the entire family. The Abilene Community Band will perform holiday selections for the public at the Paramount Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Info: Info: 325-676-6026.

Day 9 (Dec. 18) – Family Fun Saturday

You can head over to the NCCIL and spend some time as a family at their “Family Fun Saturday” event from 1-4 p.m. The NCCIL’s art educators help you and your child create a work of art using the style and medium of the featured artist in the gallery. This event is always free. The current exhibit is “The Art of Brian Selznick” and it is also free to the public to view, however, the children will be making Christmas-themed arts and crafts to take home with them. Info: 325-673-4586.

Day 10 (Through Dec. 24) – 20^th Annual Christmas Lane

Get into the spirit of the season with this annual Christmas celebration at the Abilene State Supported Living Center, 2501 Maple St. Enjoy the lighted indoor/outdoor displays or call the North Pole for free. Photos with Santa cost only $5. 6-10 p.m. daily. Info: 325-795-3547.

Day 11 (Through Jan. 1) – Holiday Light Display

This annual holiday light display has opened up to the public at McMurry University, S. 14^th St. and Sayles Blvd. near the Old Main Building, and will remain open through Jan. 1. Locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy holiday songs synched to a brilliant light show. The show is held daily from 6-7 p.m. and again from 8-9 p.m. Free to the public. Information: 325-793-3800.

Day 12 (Dec. 29 – Jan. 13) – Abilene Winter Cutting/Abilene Spectacular Cutting

The winter cuttings have been an Abilene tradition for twenty consecutive years! If you will still have holiday visitors in town, give them a taste of true West Texas and take them to see the world’s best cutting horses compete in these spectacular winter events in the Taylor County Expo Center Coliseum. Events generally begin at 8 a.m. each day. The Abilene Winter Cutting will be held Dec. 29 through Jan. 1 and the Abilene Spectacular Winter Cutting will be held Jan. 3 through 13. Admission is free for spectators. For more information, call the Expo Center at 325-677-4376, call Gully Ranch at 325-583-2785 or click here.

There are plenty of other holiday events going on that aren’t free, but are very affordable. For instance, cozying up with the classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life” at the Paramount Theatre, Dec. 10-11, 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are only $6 for adults and $5 for students, seniors, military and children. Also, “Home for the Holidays” with Chorus Abilene and the Abilene Community Theatre, Dec. 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $10 for adults and $5 for students, 12 and younger. So, for even more events and activities, log on to www.abilenevisitors.com or for the most up-to-date details, follow on Twitter @AbileneCVB or find us on Facebook (Abilene, Texas).

On Stage as 'Jacqueline' in 'Boeing-Boeing'

As of late, I have had a rather fun, extraordinary and busy experience…I am currently gracing the stage as the French stewardess, Jacqueline, in Boeing-Boeing at the Abilene Community Theatre!

 It has been absolutely delightful playing her character. I get to share the stage with five other charming, hilarious characters and play out a ridiculous, funny, sexy, door-slamming farce. This show was revived on Broadway in a 2008 Tony-winning production and is also a nonstop 1960s comedy. It is always the best feeling when our story is met with laughter from the audience!

As I said, I play the French airline hostess. Back in the 1960s, air travel was much different than it is today. Only the rich could afford to fly; travelers would dress up for the flights; men wore suits and women, dresses, etc. When I began to think about my character, I thought of what it would be like to be a stewardess back in the ’60s. It was a very glamorous, yet strict profession. As Bernard, the Parisian bachelor states, “Apart from being beautiful, they have to be healthy, good at cooking, nursing, witty, wise and friendly.” Having said all of that, I feel strongly that it took a strong, independent woman to pursue any career back in those days when housewives were more the norm. The fact that all three air hostesses in this play have strength and personality supports my point of view. However, that does not discount the fact that this play is a bit on the chauvinistic side—be aware that this is the 1960s script! Nevertheless, the show gets by with it because it makes fun and light of that very fact and is so fast paced.

Did I say three airline hostesses? Yes, three! This play features Bernard (played by Jared Strange) who has French, German (familiar face—KTXS news anchor, Laura Madison) and American fiancées (Jessica Delgado), each lovely airline hostesses with frequent “layovers.” He keeps “one up, one down and one pending…until unexpected schedule changes brings all three of us to Paris—better yet—to his apartment at the same time! Robert (Robert Hatcher), an old college friend of Bernard, comes in from the Provinces and becomes a vital character as he tries to smooth out this harem!

The journey of the show from beginning to end can best be described during a hilarious line by ‘Bertha’…Bernard’s housekeeper (Kim Bachmann Baker), “Drink up…we’re in for a bumpy night!” Tis true, this fast paced farce is a bit like going through some crazy turbulence.

Overall, I have had a ton of fun working with both the cast and crew of Boeing-Boeing. I truly love getting into the mind, body, and spirit—oh…and not to mention…hair and makeup—of Miss Jacqueline each night. Enjoy the show and have a ‘great flight’!

The Cast of 'Boeing-Boeing'

 Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. each night at the Abilene Community Theatre, 801 S. Mockingbird Lane. June 17-19, June 25-26. Tickets range from $8-$10. Reservations are strongly recommended. Box office hours are from 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Info: 325-673-6271.