If there is a silver lining to all of the current restrictions, it’s that there are multiple opportunities to celebrate the holidays in our own home, curled up with a cup of hot cocoa and snuggled in our jammies while talented performers entertain us virtually. 

Fire Side Cabaret

Among the local companies doing just that is Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre which has changed its plan for a Christmas Cabaret into a Fire Side Edition. 

The cabaret will be available through a free livestream though donations are appreciated. Through a partnership with Sunspace Films, Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre will pre-record and stream the performance Dec. 18-20. For more information about the performance, check its website at fwsmt.com.

Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre is also part of the larger non-profit Indiana Musical Theatre Foundation which has its new permanent home on Lake Avenue under construction. It’s good to know that even in these rough times, plans are moving forward to broaden and expand the stage offerings in our city.

All For One Christmas

Due to scheduling and venue changes, COVID claimed another victim in all for One’s recent production of A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas. Moved back a week, the production ran just one weekend, but the good news is that a performance was recorded and will be available online this coming weekend. 

Performances can be viewed at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11,  and Saturday, Dec. 12, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13. Ticket information can be found at allforonefw.org.

Fire & Light Support

Another theater company with big news is Fire & Light Productions, a company of now 100 performers brought together in an atmosphere which inspires and educates young people interested in theater. 

A recent contribution from Joyful Creations Studio is allowing Fire & Light to continue its mission even as their productions have been set aside for the time being. 

In a recent press release about the Joyful Creations donation, Fire & Light shares its mission and promises much to come when the time is right.

“Fire & Light offers training in all aspects of theater arts: set design, painting, basic construction, sound and light facilitation, music and stage movement, and direction and leadership skills. Fire & Light kids are in rehearsals at this time, preparing to tell the stories of It’s a Wonderful Life, Little Women, and Frozen Jr., when they can safely do so before audiences again.”

As the spirit of the season often moves people to share a few dollars with worthy causes, please keep the Fort Wayne arts organizations in mind as they endeavor to stay afloat while still providing entertainment when we need it the most.