Union County residents and visitors can celebrate the season with a variety of cultural events made possible in part by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
“We are very proud to support our local performing artists, who bring the enriching experience of live music and theatre to audiences of all ages during the holiday season, and throughout the year,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
The upcoming events funded through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in December are:
The award-winning CDC (Cranford Dramatic Club) Theatre presents Elf, the Musical from Dec. 9–11 and Dec. 16–18 (weekends) in Cranford. Based on the beloved holiday film, this fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. Elf features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin. Tickets are $25 online; $30 at the door. Performance times are: Fridays Dec. 9 and 16 at 8 pm; Saturdays Dec. 10 and 17 at 1 pm and 8 pm; and Sundays Dec. 11 and 18 at 2 pm. The CDC Theatre is at 78 Winans Ave., Cranford (908-276-7611) www.cdctheatre.org
On Dec. 11, Concord Singers present their Holiday Concert, “What Can I Give,” at 3 pm in Summit. With Matthew Zabiegala conducting, choral selections will center around the message of “giving joyfully,” both physically and spiritually. The program will feature an arrangement of Gustav Holst’s ‘In the Bleak Midwinter” by award-winning composer Jen Wagner. Tickets are $20. The concert will be held at Calvary Episcopal Church, 31 Woodland Ave., Summit www.concordsingers.org
On Dec. 16, the Westfield Community Concert Band presents their free Holiday Concert at 7:30 pm. The Band’s 32nd annual holiday concert will feature both traditional and contemporary holiday selections, including Rhapsody for Hanukkah, Variants on a Moravian Hymn, Sleigh Ride, and popular carols — with special guests, the Edison Intermediate School Broadway Singers. The concert will be performed atEdison Intermediate School Auditorium, 800 Rahway Ave., Westfield (908-337-9073) www.westfieldcommunityband.com
On Dec. 16 & 17, the Celebration Singers perform their annual Holiday Concert at 7:30 pm in Cranford. Led by Music Director Louise Chernosky, the concert will include the return of the youth choir. The multi-generational Celebration Singers are known for singing selections from varied genres and cultures. Tickets at the door are $20 for adults, and $15 for students and seniors. At St. Michael’s Church. 40 Alden St., Cranford www.celebration-singers.org
On Dec. 18, the Choral Art Society of New Jersey presents their Holiday Concert & Toy Drive at 3 pm in Westfield. Conducted by Martin Sedek and joined by professional soloists, the chorus will perform the Saint-Saens Christmas Oratorio and other holiday choral gems by Kirby Shaw, Samuel Adler, Donald Fraser and more. Those attending are asked to consider bringing a wrapped new toy for a child in need, ages 2-12. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door; for students and seniors, $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Children under 12 are FREE of charge. The concert will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 414 East Broad St., Westfield (908-209-5435) www.casofnj.org.
The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about grant programs, events and activities of the Office visit ucnj.org/cultural, e-mail culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550(NJ relay users dial 711).
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
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