Christmas Reimagined

Most Christmas specials follow a few well-established tropes. There's either not going to be a Christmas unless "X" happens (X always happens, folks); there's someone who doesn't believe in Santa and must be convinced of his existence; dueling weather-misers fight to cancel Christmas. Kelsey LaPoint's May These Changes Make Us Light takes a fresh approach, however. In this collaborative performance piece that utilizes music and video elements, a young adventurer believes in both Christmas and Santa from the jump — believes in them so much that a journey to the North Pole is endeavored in order to meet Mr. Kringle and learn from his wisdom. This long trek north leads to meetings with an environmental activist, Mrs. Claus, elves and the Snowqueen. The piece features performances by the Universal Lotus Lovers Arcoyoga troupe, vocalist and dulcimer player Emily Heymeyer and the Yuletide Express Christmas Choir. The New Music Circle presents May These Changes Make Us Light at 5 and 7 p.m. today at New City School theater (5209 Waterman Avenue; 314- 567-5384 or www.newmusiccircle.org). Tickets are $10.
Sat., Dec. 20, 2008