16 Performances
DEC. 13-27, 2013
view the 2013 performance schedule
Performance length about 2.5 hours
Sanders Theatre
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
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PHONE SALES: 617-496-2222 Tue-Sun, noon to 6pm, starting Oct. 20
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Thanks to our 2012 Christmas Revels Sponsors:
Massachusetts Cultural Council
a state agency
WBZ NewsRadio 1030
Boston Metro
WBZ-TV & TV38
WBUR-FM
Titan360
Boston Parents' Paper
The Boston Phoenix
Cambridge Trust Company
Cambridge Arts Council
Eaton Vance Investment Managers
Learn about John Langstaff, Revels founder and the creator of The Christmas Revels
Sample and purchase Christmas Revels music at the Revels Shop or on iTunes
The Christmas Revels
In Celebration of the Winter Solstice
Directed by Patrick Swanson
George Emlen,Music Director
The 2013 Christmas Revels takes us to Galicia in Northern Spain, an area with a strong sense of Celtic identity, home of the gaita or Galician bagpipe. Since the Middle Ages pilgrims have walked the Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James), the name given to the interconnecting trails which run from Spain, France and other starting points in Europe.
Our plot follows "The Pilgrim," an allegorical character based on Everyman, who is summoned by a mysterious figure who tells him his days are numbered. He must go on a journey to the end of the earth before the turning of the year. Adventure and colorful encounters abound. Reaching the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela on Christmas Day, the Pilgrim and his new-found companions continue their journey to Finisterre (literally the end of the earth) where.....well, let's not give it away just yet. ;)
This year's Christmas Revels is filled with evocative Spanish music, exciting dance and magical stories. The celebration includes a treasure trove of Galician processionals, carols, songs and dances, plus many Christmas Revels touchstones audiences have grown to love over the years including Dona Nobis Pacem (a three part round), the Sussex Mummers Carol, a mostly traditional Mummers Play, and Revels' signature piece, the joyous and participatory Lord of the Dance.
Performers in the 43rd annual Christmas Revels include internationally aclaimed storyteller Jay O'Callahan ("Old Rom" from our 1997 "Gypsy" Revels) as "The Pilgrim", gaita player and harpist Christa Patton, singer and guitarist Salome' Sandoval, musician and songleader David Coffin, the Pinewoods Morris Men and Cambridge Symphonic Brass Ensemble and the Revels Chorus of adults and children, among others. English guitarist and composer John Renbourn is a musical consultant and composer for this production. Renowned gaita virtuoso Cristina Pato is also assisting us.
Our·talented Christmas Revels design team includes Jeremy Barnett, Set Design; Heidi A. Hermiller, Costume Design; Jeff Adelberg, Lighting Design;·William Winn, Sound Design.
Audition for The Christmas Revels! Volunteer chorus auditions for the 2013 Christmas Revels will be held May 5 & 6. If you are interested in auditioning for the chorus go here.
About Last Year's Christmas Revels (2012)
Read the ArtsFuse Review; Read the Boston Globe Review; Watch Video
In 1907 immigration from Europe to the new world of the United States was at a peak. The Irish formed a significant part of this relocation, bringing with them their unique culture of poetry, dance and music plus a powerful instinct for survival. Last year's Christmas Revels put us on the deck of R.M.S. Carpathia as the hopeful émigrés create a wild and memorable Christmas at sea.
With a powerful chorus, blazing jigs and reels, bold and lively children, fantastic stories, the best of Irish dancers and all the magical Revels touchstones like the joyous and participatory Lord of the Dance, 2012 gave us a very special Christmas at Sanders Theatre!
