Hello Sourcers!

What have we got for you this week?

📚 Storytelling

🛼 Skate Jams

🎨 Art

🎨 Theatre

It’s funny but by this point in December, I almost don’t want to find out about new fun things that are going on. Partly it’s fear of missing out—if I don’t know about the cool thing, I don’t have to be sad not to make it. Partly it’s the sense that the next few weeks are already packed to bursting with gatherings. And partly it’s that all those…outside activities…seem less appealing than sitting by our almost comedically large Christmas tree (we might have forgotten to bring a tape measure to the U-Cut lot) with a warm beverage. 

But telling you about cool stuff isn’t just some hobby, it’s my dang job. The work is mysterious and important, and it continues even as evenings of twinkly lights, steaming mugs, and comfy couches beckon.

First off, on Thursday at 7pm, our Trampoline storytelling series will host its season finale, The Big Showdown, at Liquid State Brewing in Ithaca. All of the winners from this year’s events have been invited to compete for the title of 2025 Storytelling Champion. I’ve been lucky enough to be at a bunch of these over the course of the year, and there’s going to be a lot of talent in that room. Also a lot of beer and pizza. And a big announcement about plans for the events next year.

If listening to folks spin yarns is a little too sedentary for you, maybe what you need is something more along the lines of an ADULT ROLLERSKATING PARTY??? Jams Fitness Club in Elmira is checking IDs this Friday for adults only skate action from 7-10pm. 

In Binghamton, the Tri Cities Opera is staging a family-friendly performance of Amahl & The Night Visitors, a retelling of the story of the Magi. 

Finally, I had to go check the archives, and it turns out I mentioned the It’s A Wonderful Life festival in Seneca Falls in a newsletter back in mid-July. Why was I talking about Christmas movies in July? If I may quote myself, “I mention this now as a reminder to myself not to miss the It’s A Wonderful Life Festival in December this year.”

Well done, past and also current me!

Seneca Falls was the inspiration for Bedford Falls, and every year the town celebrates its connection to the film classic. It’s been a few years since It’s a Wonderful Life has made it into my holiday viewing rotation; maybe it’s time. Although it has come to my attention that my wife has never seen White Christmas, so that may take priority.

On the subject of movies, what’s your go-to holiday flick? A classic? A Hallmark hit? A movie that happens to be set at the holidays but you can use that as an excuse to call it a holiday movie (looking at you, Batman Returns)? In our house, the kiddo has declared a moratorium on Muppet Christmas Carol, but I’m likely to be up late wrapping gifts with Nick and Nora Charles (and Asta, naturally).

Hope the season’s treating you well, Sourcers.

Yours,

Bob Proehl

Locally Sourced editor

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If you’re looking for something powerful to experience this month, you really should stop by the Tioga Arts Council. They’ve just opened Turning Tides, a solo show by Mia Pauline Hause, and it’s the kind of exhibition that hits you in the chest. Turning Tides, a title that comes straight from the language used by many of the women and mothers at the heart of the work. They often talk about their efforts to “turn the tide on substance-use-related deaths,” and the phrase has become a kind of rallying point, a way of naming both the urgency of the crisis and their commitment to changing it. It also speaks to something deeper: the idea of trying to reverse what feels unchangeable, of taking unimaginable loss and channeling it into advocacy, justice, and the hope that no other family will have to endure what they have. It’s raw in places, hopeful in others, and incredibly honest throughout. It’s the sort of show where you catch yourself lingering in front of a piece because there’s more there than you got on the first pass.

And even better, Hause is giving an artist talk on Thursday, December 11, from 6-8 PM. If you’ve ever wanted to hear an artist speak frankly about the real stories, struggles, and lived experiences behind their work (not just technique, but the human stuff) this is one you won’t want to miss. TAC’s space is small enough that these talks feel more like conversations, and this one in particular is bound to be meaningful. (It should be noted that this event is recommended for audiences 18+ because it explores adult themes that some may find triggering. The exhibit grapples with topics of contemporary life that include drug use, overdose, family struggles, and mental health.)

While you’re at it, mark your calendar for Saturday, December 13 at 1:30 PM, when TAC will host a free poetry reading with poets Jen DeGregorio and Jessica Femiani. It’s a great excuse to settle in for an afternoon of sharp, heartfelt writing, a Q&A, and maybe even bring home a new book or two. Both poets bring very different but deeply compelling voices, and it’s the kind of low-key, soul-feeding event we all need this time of year.

Both the exhibition and the reading are happening at the Tioga Arts Council in Owego, and honestly, they’re perfect examples of why this little arts space matters so much. Brave work, good conversations, creative community. If you make it to either event, I think you’ll walk away glad you did.

And as always, if there is awesome art stuff happening in your community, please let me know!

A wide variety of engaging live theatre and dance! happening across the region in December! From The Nutcracker and other holiday favorites to Mark Twain for those who want to get away from the holiday hoopla, there’s something for everyone’s taste and price range to get you or out of the Holiday spirit. Please support your local performing arts companies if you can! 

First, a list of several Nutcrackers in the area. Go to one, or go to all:

The Anderson Center is presenting The Nutcracker”with the Grand Kiev Ballet on Wednesday, December 17th at 7:00 PM. Tickets range from $39-59. 

The State Theatre of Ithaca in partnership with the Ithaca Ballet is presenting The Nutcracker December 12th-14th. The Ithaca Ballet is offering a season subscription. You can get 3 shows, including The Nutcracker for $65, or $40 if you’re a student (Ages 3+). You would also get a complimentary ticket for another performance. 

Endicott Performing Arts Center (EPAC) is presenting The Nutcracker with the Fuse Dance Center from December 11th-14th. Tickets are between $19-24. 

EPAC is also presenting Naughty & Nice: A Burlesque Holiday Spectacular on December 19th and 20th at 8:00 PM. EPAC does several burlesque-style performances throughout the year and they sell out frequently and I often overhear non-theatre people raving about it around the community! There will also be several local vendors at the show. They ask patrons to dress in their own holiday naughty and nice apparel to enjoy an evening of merriment. Maybe leave the kids at home for this one. The performance runs 90 minutes. Tickets are $25

For more information on both events, visit www.endicottarts.com

If you have had enough of the holidays already, the Broome County Forum is presenting Mark Twain Tonight! By Hal Holbrook on December 12th and 13th. This one-man comedy, originally produced in 1959, features Emmy Award winning actor, Richard Thomas, as Mark Twain, who is only the second person to portray the role in the play’s history! Hal Holbrook, who originated the role, performed it for over 60 years! As an actor, I love the opportunities to appear in long running productions because I always find I’m able to find new things and learn the piece more deeply. I can’t imagine doing the same show for 60 years though! Tickets range from $49-90. 

As always, there are many opportunities to see great theatre in your community without breaking the bank. I firmly believe art should be for everyone and everyone should see art! To avoid paying fees through online ticketing platforms, try to call the box office or arrive early to performances to see if there is a discount! Please let me know about shows you’re excited to see this holiday season. I hope to see you there! I am thrilled to learn about Theatre companies I’ve never heard of before! Let me know if I’ve missed any! 

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