About Town: Your Guide to Utah Valley’s Must-See Events

staff, utahvalley360.com

To list an event, send information at least six weeks in advance of the issue in which the event occurs to About Town, Utah Valley Magazine, P.O. Box 50142, Provo, UT 84605. Utah Valley Magazine is a bi-monthly publication.
Or send it by e-mail to editor@utahvalleymagazine.com or fax (801) 794-1365. Material for the Jan/Feb issue is due Nov. 17. Please include name of event, date, address, phone and/or web address, time and price with a short description of the event.

Art
Monday nights
Artful Tales
BYU, Museum of Art Auditorium, Provo, (801) 378-ARTS. 7 p.m. for families, 8 p.m. for students. Free.
A museum family night activity. Professional storytellers will entertain guests with fantasy worlds of the imagination.

Nov. 2—Dec. 26
15th Annual Religious and Spiritual Art of Utah and Dahrl Thomson: Recent Work
Springville Museum of Art, 126 E. 400 S., Springville, (801) 489-2727. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tu-Sa., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. W, 3 p.m.-9 p.m. Su., closed M. Donations accepted.

Dance
Nov. 1
Ballet Stars of Moscow
SCERA / Mountain View High School, 645 W. Center St., Orem, (801) 225-ARTS. 7:30 p.m. $15-$19.
The Ballet Stars of Moscow will perform movements from “The Sleeping Beauty,” “The Nutcracker,” “Le Corsaire” and “Pas de Quatre.”

Nov. 11
Grand Ball Dinner Dance
Orem Friendship Center, 93 N. 400 E., Orem, (801) 229-7110. 8 p.m.-11 p.m., $5.
Anyone 18 and older is invited to attend. There will be live music and great food, dance instruction from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.. Please dress up and enjoy this formal evening.

Dec. 1-2
Christmas Around the World
Marriott Center, BYU, Provo, (801) 378-BYU1. 7:30 p.m.
“Christmas Around the World” will feature BYU’s dance teams.

Dec. 2
Michael McLean’s Forgotten Carols
McKay Events Center, UVSC campus, Orem, (801) 222-8000 or visit www.uvsc.edu. 7 p.m. $10.

Dec. 8—16
The Nutcracker
de Jong Concert Hall, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU, Provo, (801) 378-4322 or visit www.byu.edu/hfac. 7:30 p.m. Th-Sa. $10-$24.
The story of Clara and her Nutcracker, set to the exquisite music of Tchaikovsky and illustrated by the elegant dancing of the Utah Regional Ballet, is the must-see event of the Christmas holidays. Enhance the magic of the season with the Sugarplum Fairy and toy soldiers that come to life.

Dec. 15
Christmas Ball
Dancing Friends, Eldred Center, 270 W. 500 N., Provo, (801) 375-8880. 8 p.m.-11 p.m. $12 per couple.
A semiformal social dance featuring a live orchestra. Dance instruction from 7:15 p.m.-8 p.m.

Music
Dec. 1—2
A Celebration of Christmas
de Jong Concert Hall, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU, Provo, (801) 378-HFAC. 7:30 p.m. $5-$8.

Dec. 5—7
BYU Musical Events
de Jong Concert Hall and Madsen Recital Hall, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU, Provo, 801-378-HFAC. 7:30 p.m. Free.
Dec. 5: University Chorale, DJCH.
Dec. 5: Woodwind Chamber Night, MRH. Dec. 6: Symphony Orchestra, DJCH.
Dec. 6: Q’d Up: Faculty Jazz Quintet, MRH. Dec. 7: Songwriter Showcase, MRH.

Dec. 6, 10
Christmas Lamb: Nebo Children’s Choir
Springville Museum of Art, 126 E. 400 S., Springville, (801) 489-2727. 3 p.m. Free.

Dec. 6—7
Utah Valley Symphony Christmas Concert
Provo Tabernacle, 90 S. University Ave., Provo, (801) 377-6995. 7:30 p.m. $5 suggested donation.
Utah Valley Symphony Christmas Concert with the Utah Children’s Choir, conducted by Kay Asay.

Dec. 10
American Fork Symphony Christmas Concert
American Fork High School, 510 N. 600 E., American Fork, (801) 222-9601. 7:30 p.m. Free.
This concert will feature the Utah Valley Handbell Ringers and carol singing with the audience.

Dec. 13, 17
Mapleton Chorale Christmas Concert
Springville Museum of Art, 126 E. 400 S., Springville, (801) 489-2727. Dec. 13: 7 p.m., Dec. 17: 5 p.m. Free

TBA
Christmas Sing and Ring
Provo Tabernacle, 90 S. University Ave., Provo, (801) 489-8187.
A fun-filled evening of singing, ringing and merriment appropriate for the whole family. Come hear the bells weave and magic tapestry of music that will warm you with memories of old favorites and create new favorites. You will find fun, fellowship and the spirit of Christmas.

TBA
Christmas Lights
Orem University Mall (6 p.m.), Provo Towne Centre Mall (8 p.m.), (801) 356-3629. Free
A mini concert of Christmas carols sung by the Utah Valley Choral Society.

Special Events
Nov. 4
Hirsche Smiles Foundation Third Annual Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction
Provo Marriott Hotel, Provo, www.hirschesmiles.org. 6 p.m. $50.
Since 1993 the Hirsche Smiles Foundation’s mission has been to facilitate, instruct and promote health services to children of the world. The group’s medical and humanitarian teams travel twice a year to Guatemala and Mexico to help children born with deformities and mishaps. To date, the Hirsche Smiles Foundation has operated on more than 800 children and educated thousands more.

Nov. 17
Lighting Ceremony
The Shops at Riverwoods, Provo, (801) 802-8430. 6 p.m., Free.

Nov. 20
Showcase at the SCERA
SCERA Showhouse II, 745 S. State St., Orem, (801) 225-ARTS. 7:30 p.m. $6.
A night of local talent ranging from comedy to vocal to instrumental.

Nov. 22—Dec. 2
Christmas on Campus
UVSC, 800 W. University Pkwy., Orem, (801) 222-8000. noon-9 p.m. Free.
This event will feature a Christmas Tree Festival and Santa’s Workshop where kids can make crafts/gifts to take home with them. Cost of the children’s activity area is $3.

Nov. 24—Jan. 1
Spanish Fork’s “Festival of Lights” Drive
Canyon View Park, Spanish Fork, (801) 798-5000. 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. $5 car, $25 bus.
Drive through this winter wonderland with those you love.

Nov. 24—Dec. 30
Thanksgiving Point Lights Display
I-15 exit 287, 2095 N. West Frontage Rd., Lehi, (801) 768-2300. 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Free.
There will be a special lighting ceremony Nov. 24 at 7 p.m.

Nov. 24—25
Christmas Gift and Craft Show
Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, 475 S. Main, Spanish Fork, (801) 375-8273. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. F, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sa. Free.
Utah’s oldest and biggest craft show will make it easy to find the perfect gift with more than 200 booths to browse.

Nov. 25
Christmas Parade
South along University Ave. to 100 South, Provo, (801) 375-FEST. 10 a.m. Free
Come join the fun and welcome in the Christmas season!

Nov. 27
Lights On Ceremony
Steps of the Historic County Courthouse, 51 S. University Ave., Provo, (801) 375-FEST. 6:30 p.m. Free.
Watch the magic as Provo turns on the holiday spirit.

Nov. 30—Dec. 7
3rd Annual Interfaith Christmas Cre’che Exhibit
1915 N. Canyon Rd., across from Cougar Stadium, Provo, (801) 370-8393. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free.

Dec. 1
First Fridays Downtown
Provo Tabernacle, 90 S. University Ave., Provo, (801) 852-7645. 7 p.m. Free.
At 7 p.m. there will be an unveiling of “The Candy Window.” At 8 p.m. at the Provo Tabernacle will be a Carol Sing-In. Participating merchants are offering 10 percent off dinner, and Provo Art and Frame will offer a gallery stroll. Parking will be available in the Utah County parking terrace and the Nu Skin parking garage after 6 p.m.

Dec. 7—10
Live Nativity
The park north of the Provo Tabernacle, 50  S. University Ave., Provo, (801) 375-FEST. 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Free.
Come see the live animals and the performers re-creating the first Christmas.

TBA
The Polar Express Train Ride
Heber Valley Railroad, 450 S. 600 W., Heber City, (435) 654-5601. 5 p.m., 7 p.m. All seats reserved, call early for reservations.
Presented by Heber Valley Arts Council and Heber Valley Railroad based on Chris VanAllsburg’s book about a magical train ride to the North Pole. The excursion includes hot chocolate and cookies served by Santa’s elves just like in the story. After arriving at the North Pole, Santa will board the train and visit with children sharing with them the first gift of Christmas, a bell from his sleigh.

Dec. 1—30
Christmas Cruise on the Provo River
CLAS Ropes Course, 3606 W. Center, Provo, (801) 373-8897. 6 p.m.-10 p.m., rides last about 25 minutes. $4 single, $12 family.
Believe it or not, it’s true. Come cruise the calm, lower Provo River with us, through beautiful Christmas lights, scenes and music. Departure every 30 minutes on pontoon boats that seat up to 40 people. Fun for the whole family. Don’t forget to dress warm.

Dec. 2
Community Christmas Celebration
BYU, MOA, Provo, (801) 378-ARTS. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. $2 single, $10 family.
Come to the BYU Museum of Art annual Christmas party with activities for the entire family including magic, puppet show, live music, ornament designing for children, and Santa.

Dec. 8
An Evening With a Legend
SCERA / Mountain View High School, 645 W. Center St., Orem, (801) 225-ARTS. 7:30 p.m. $15 general admission. $19 reserved.
This SCERA presentation will feature Mickey Rooney, joined by his wife, Jan, in an evening of songs, video clips and anecdotes from his long movie career. Don’t miss this trip down memory lane with a wonderful performer.

TBA
Skate with Santa
The Peaks Ice Arena, 1330 E. 300 N., Provo, (801) 377-8777. 7 p.m.-8 p.m. $3.25-$3.75. Skate rentals are 75 cents.

TBA
Nativity Scene
Orem Community Church, 130 N. 400 E., Orem, (801) 225-0067. 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Free.
Don’t miss this live nativity scene using real people and animals to re-create the manger scene at Jesus’ birth.

Dec. 24—25
St. Francis Catholic Church Christmas Mass
St. Francis Catholic Church, 65 E. 500 N., Orem, (801) 221-0750. Christmas Eve: 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Spanish) 9 p.m., Bilingual Midnight Mass. Christmas day: 10 a.m., noon (Spanish). Free

Dec. 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Congregational Community Church, 175 N. University Ave., Provo, (801) 798-8623. 7 p.m. Free.
A traditional Christmas service with Christmas carols sung by the choir and congregation, ending with Silent Night sung by candlelight.

Dec. 30
First Night Provo 2001 New Year’s Eve Family Extravaganza
Downtown Provo, Tabernacle and County Grounds on University Ave. and Center Street, (801) 345-FEST.
Activities will include ice sculpture demonstrations, interactive Olympic program at The Peaks, ice skating at The Peaks, art of Provo’s Future Light, The Twilight Zone (kids activity), hat/mask making, Spotlight Sports Arena, Memory Lane Scrapbook booth, The Magic School Bus (kids’ movies), fortunes, and much more.

TBA
New Year’s Eve Party
Hale Center Theatre, 225 W. 400 N., Orem, (801) 226-8600. 10 p.m. $19.99.
Welcome in the new year with Hale Center Theatre. Party favors, pre-show hors d’oeuvres, dessert at intermission, and lots of fun.

TBA
Events and Christmas Performances
Provo Towne Centre (801) 852-2400, Shops at Riverwoods (801) 802-8430, Borders Books and Music (801) 224-2720, University Mall (801) 224-0810.

Nov. 28
Open Mike Poetry Night
Barnes & Noble Booksellers Cafe, 330 E. 1300 South, Orem, (801) 229-1611. 7:30 p.m. Free.
Come participate in a wonderful poetic event. Bring your own favorite poems to share, whether written by you or by a famous poet.

Sports
Nov. 7, 8, 10, 11
Women’s 4 Nations Cup Ice Hockey
The Peaks Ice Arena, 100 N. Seven Peaks Blvd., (801) 377-8777, www.peaksarena.com General admission is $5 ($3 for those under age 18.) Tickets on sale at BYU Ticket Office.
Sneak a peek at the Olympics. You’re invited to attend the Women’s Four Nations Cup — a pre-Olympic test event. See women’s hockey at its finest. The top four teams in the world will compete:  United States, Canada, Sweden and Finland.

Dec. 1, 2
Figure Skating Ice Show
The Peaks Ice Arena, 100 N. Seven Peaks Blvd., (801) 377-8777, www.peaksarena.com
Great for the entire family. come and watch a special Christmas Show on Ice.

Theater

In Progress—Nov. 18
The Curious Savage
Hale Center Theater, Orem, 225 W. 400 North, Orem, (801) 226-8600, www.haletheater.com. 7:30 p.m. M-Sa.; 3:30 p.m. Sa. $7-$11.
So, who is more crazy? Old Mrs. Savage who has hidden her fortune from her greedy stepchildren? Or her greedy stepchildren who have her committed and make fools of themselves trying to find the fortune? This sidesplitting but tender comedy by John Patrick has become a favorite. Ruth Hale will reprise her role as the lovable, witty Mrs. Savage.

In Progress—Nov. 1, 10, 11, 13
Hotel Frankenstein
Valley Center Playhouse, 780 N. 200 East, Lindon, (801) 785-1186. 7:30 p.m. $4-$5.
Family favorite returning for the 19th year.

In Progress—Nov. 2, 3, 4, 6
Shadowbrook Mansion
Valley Center Playhouse, 780 N. 200 East, Lindon, (801) 785-1186. 7:30 p.m. $4-$5.
Charming Halloween musical comedy.

In Progress—Nov. 27
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Hale Centre Theatre at Harman Hall, 3333 South Decker Lake Drive (2200 West), West Valley City, (801) 984-9000, www.halecentretheatre.com. 8 p.m. M – Sa.; Noon, 3:30 p.m. Sa. $11-$17.50.
Last time Joseph was performed at the Hale Centre Theatre thousands were turned away. Rice and Webber’s phenomenon will surely draw another big crowd in this encore production.

Nov. 17—Dec. 23
The Rented Christmas
Valley Center Playhouse, 780 N. 200 E., Lindon, (801) 785-1186. 7:30 p.m. Th-Sa; $5-$4.
A lonely bachelor rents a Christmas with tree, gifts and … kids and a wife!

Nov. 20—Dec. 20
Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Valley Center Playhouse, 780 N. 200 E., Lindon, (801) 785-1186. 7:30 p.m. Th-Sa, 1 p.m. Sa matinee Dec. 2, 9, 16; $5-$4.
This all-time family favorite is returning for its tenth year.

Nov. 24—Dec. 23
A Rented Christmas
Boothe Brothers Performing Arts Center, 165 N. Main, Spanish Fork, (801) 789-3088. 7:30 p.m. M, F-Sa, $25-$30 family, $6-$7 single.
A charming comedy for the whole family.

Nov. 24—Dec. 23
Annie
Villa Playhouse Theater, 254 S. Main, Springville, (801) 489-3088. 7:30 p.m. M, F-Sa, $30 immediate family pass, $6-$8 single.
A rollicking family favorite with all of the songs you remember with a smile.

TBA
A Little London Christmas
Little London Dinner Theatre, 20 S. Main Street, Pleasant Grove, (801) 785-0827, call for reservations. 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show, dessert at intermission. $23.50
Step into the London of Charles Dickens for a traditional feast presided over by Father Christmas himself. Be immersed in the music of Christmas, woven through with a touching story that will light up your season.

Nov. 24—Dec. 23
A Christmas Carol
Hale Center Theatre, 225 W. 400 N., Orem, (801) 226-8600. 8 p.m. $8-$10.
A Christmas Carol will usher you into the season of giving. This traditional story of Scrooge and his ghostly visitors is filled with old-world charm, beautiful costumes, breathtaking music and, of course, a full helping of Hale heart and comedy.

Nov. 24—Dec. 30
The Big Holiday Broadcast
Provo Theatre Company, 105 E. 100 N., Provo, (801) 379-0600. 8 p.m. M, Th-Sa. $7.50-$12.50
This one-of-a-kind holiday production celebrates the very best from the Golden Years of radio. The show will delight both those who lived in the “good old days” and those too young to remember.

Dec. 7—30
Farley Family Christmas
Pardoe Theater, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU, Provo, (801) 378-4322. 7:30 p.m., 5 p.m. matinees Dec. 11, 18, M-Sa (off Dec. 23-26). $8-$10.
Whatever you do, don’t miss this opportunity to spend the holidays with Heber, Aunt Pearl and the rest of their zany relatives.

Dec. 29—Feb. 5
The Foreigner
Hale Center Theatre, 225 W. 400 N., Orem, (801) 226-8600. 7:30 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.
This Larry Shue comedy is one of the most hilarious shows you’ll ever see!