418 South Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, United States
LIVE EVENTS, THEATER, ART
Holiday Play: The Holly and the Ivy
Holiday Play: The Holly and the Ivy
Holiday Play: The Holly and the Ivy
7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9
2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
Doors & Varsity Bar at 6
Tickets: $12 or $8 for students with ID
The Varsity is proud to offer a live, theatrical production for the holidays. “The Holly and the Ivy” will be presented at the downtown venue Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8-10.
“The Holly and the Ivy” is being directed by Kevin Purcell. A 1974 graduate of SIU. Kevin, who resides in Cobden, was co-founder of Seattle Public Theater and Over the Moon Productions in Springfield, Illinois. He has directed numerous plays for The Stage Company and Varsity Productions. This is Kevin’s fourth production of “The Holly and the Ivy.”
Actors featured in the play are Leigh Steiner, Jim Busch, Nan Lewis, Tricia Burns, Trevor Thompson, Jim Phillips, Andy Farmer and Sarah Dubach.
Even though the play is a 1950 creation by the British writer Wynyard Browne, its message is as relevant today as it was when it premiered in Cardiff, Wales.
The play is set in England in 1947, after World War II, a time when families were desperate to find ways to stay connected to or reconnect with each other. Pastor Gregory’s wife passed away the year before, and his daughter Jenny has stepped into the role of caretaker for her father. With her siblings, aunts and cousin coming home for the holidays, Jenny is determined that this Christmas will be just as special as any other. With themes of integrity, redemption and forgiveness, as well as balancing personal identity with family obligations, this play resonates today as much as it did when it was first written.
Performances begin at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. The Varsity Bar and Concessions will open at 6.
Tickets are $12 for adults or $8 for students with ID. They are available in advance at Eventbrite (see link). Tickets are not available in advance at the venue but will be available on the night of the show when doors open at 6.
Holiday Slayyy! Drag Show
Holiday Play: The Holly and the Ivy
Holiday Play: The Holly and the Ivy
Friday, Dec. 15
Doors and Bar at 7
Show at 8:30
Tickets: $10 / $8 for students with ID (see link)
There are a multitude of events to choose from at this time of year, but no one will be slaying the holidays like the drag performers at the Varsity on Friday, Dec. 15. They’ve got special songs and more planned for patrons at the downtown venue.
There will also be an ugly Christmas sweater contest, so come in your best or worst holiday finery for a chance to win cash prizes.
As always, the show will be emceed by Southern Illinois godmother of drag Blanche DuBois, who will also perform along with Jodie Santana, Leiyana Santana and Lumber Jill, with special guests Ethan Jackson and Kailey Santana, who will also be the evening's hostess.
This is an adult show, and no one under the age of 18 will be admitted.
Performances begin at 8:30 on Friday, Dec. 15. The Varsity Bar will open at 7, so come early and enjoy specially created cocktails in the company of Christina and the Varsity staff.
Tickets are $10 for adults or $8 for students with ID (see link). Tickets are not available in advance at the venue but will be available on the night of the show when doors open at 7.