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Families Enjoy Holiday Classic on the Towngate Stage

Oglebay Institute’s Towngate Theatre welcomes the holidays with the heartwarming show “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus.”

You can see this holiday classic December 2-4 and December 9-11.

This century-old tale was inspired by true events and is set in action when an eight-year-old-girl writes a letter to the editor asking about the existence of Santa Claus. Her letter and the reporter’s response prompted one of the most famous newspaper editorials of all time.

Every December Towngate stages a holiday production that is family-friendly and captures the spirit of the season.

This year’s production certainly fits the bill.

It’s a classic tale of faith, hope, Christmas magic and the human capacity to believe, and it’s perfect for local families looking for a holiday production appropriate for all ages.

On Christmas Eve, 1897, in New York City, eight-year-old Virginia is left wondering whether or not Santa really exists. With innocent wisdom, she seeks help from the source most trusted by her father, the  “New York Sun.” A down-on-his-luck newspaperman is charged with writing a reply.

His historic response becomes an iconic commentary on the human spirit and the true meaning of Christmas. It has become history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in dozens of languages in books, movies, other editorials, and on posters and stamps.

Towngate Theatre Stages Holiday Classic

P.D. Gregg directs the show and more than 30 Ohio Valley residents perform in the production.

About six years ago Towngate added a holiday show to its season of community theater. Each year attendance has grown, and the production has a become a tradition among OI patrons.

Enjoy some holiday cheer!

Evening performances of “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” take place at 8 p.m. December 2, 3, 9 and 10. Matinee performances take place at 3 p.m. December 4 and 11.

Enjoy pre and post performance receptions in Towngate’s lobby, which will be decked for the holidays. Enjoy holiday cookies and punch. You can mingle with cast members, too. Come early and stay late. Most importantly, enjoy some holiday cheer with Towngate actors and staff.

Get tickets.

Due to the popularity of the show,  we recommend making advanced reservations. Purchase tickets at www.oionline.com, or you can call 304-242-7700.

Enjoy theater & more at Towngate …

Towngate is the premiere venue for community theater in Wheeling. Talented local actors perform in a variety of though-provoking, heartwarming, comedic and historically significant works from renowned playwrights and talented newcomers.

Area residents can also attend poetry and spoken word performances, children’s theater, ballet, improvisational comedy, cinema and live music at Towngate. Children, teens and adults enjoy year-round classes in theater and performing arts.

 

Buy Local: OI’s Holiday Art Show and Sale

Dozens of vendors have set up shop at Oglebay Institute for the 2016 Holiday Art Show and Sale.

The show aims to highlight the work of regional artists and crafters, by providing them with a venue to sell their handcrafted items. The show also provides the public with an alternative to traditional retail shopping.

Cool Stuff Made Locally.

More than 50 vendors are selling their wares in two OI venues – the Stifel Fine Arts Center on National Road in Wheeling and the Schrader Environmental Education Center in Oglebay. Area residents can shop hundreds of unique gifts.

You’ll find jewelry, scarves and purses as well as items for the home like pottery, glassware, paintings and hand-woven baskets. You can purchase specialty food items, too, like jams and jellies, sauces and maple syrup.

“The show has become a tradition among holiday shoppers,” said Misty Klug, Oglebay Institute director of marketing and communication. “It continues to gain popularity, with attendance and sales increasing steadily each year.”

Klug is delighted to see the Holiday Show and Sale being embraced by the community.

“Loyal attendees come ready to buy each year, knowing they can find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on their list,” she said. “The show also attracts new visitors each year.  Those with an interest in shopping local as well as those interested in purchasing more personal gifts for their loved ones always enjoy the annual show.”

Oglebay Institute's Holiday Art Show & Sale

The talent of the artists and quality of the merchandise keep people coming back year after year.  Other factors in the show’s success, according to Klug, include the “festive, friendly shopping environment” and a shift in consumer buying habits.

“The ‘Buy Local’ concept is expanding to more than just meats and produce.  People seem eager to support this philosophy in other aspects of their shopping. That’s good news for our local artisans,” she said.

United Bank sponsors the Holiday Arts Show and Sale.  It will continue through December 30.  Admission at both locations is free.

For more information and show hours, visit www.OIonline.com or call 304-242-7700.