Remember when Black Friday was only the Friday after Thanksgiving? Not any more.
We’ve been bombarded with early Black Friday sales for weeks. It’s more like Black Friday Month.
After getting the best Black Friday deals visit Brea’s Curtis Theatre and enjoy great entertainment with “Christmas with The Alley Cats,” Nov. 28 to 30.
The award-winning, super popular Alley Cats ring in the holidays with their do-wop tunes and comedy, complemented by their very festive attire. The Alley Cats are a holiday tradition at the Curtis, and if you haven’t seen them before, now is the time.
More performances to get you into the holiday mood include the AC Dance Showcase, Dec. 14, and “It’s a Wonderful Life — a Live Radio Play” Dec. 18 to 21.
You can buy tickets for all of these Curtis Theatre performances and season tickets by going to cityofbrea.gov/1594/Curtis-theatre or at the Curtis Theatre box office. It is open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 3 p.m. and during Friday and Saturday performances.
I’ve been to the Curtis Theatre many times and wondered why a live theater in Brea’s Civic and Cultural Center was named after Dr. Glenn Curtis, the town’s very popular country doctor who had his practice in Brea from 1927 to 1959.
According to Theater Coordinator Kerri Hellmuth, “From 1980 to 1982, the theater was simply known as the Performing Arts Center at the Brea Civic Center.”
Then in 1982, it was rededicated in honor of Dr. Curtis. But why?
Curator Linda Shay of the Brea Museum explained that Curtis was also a very dedicated supporter of the arts. In addition, his wife, Bernice, was an accomplished pianist who performed at many of Brea’s civic events.
“The city named the theater after him because he was so beloved,” Shay said.
So in 1982, the theater was renamed the Curtis Theatre and continues to thrive with great entertainment that includes a curated season and a youth theater program. In addition, the 199-seat theater is also available for rental for everything from dance studios, school productions and musical recitals to corporate events. Busy place.
Each season includes guest artists, plays and musicals, plus partnerships with other local theater companies and the Page to Stage Playwrights Festival. Also, Brea’s Youth Theater partners with Stagelight Productions twice a year.
The Curtis Theatre is owned and operated by the city and staffed by Brea employees. It is part of the Community Services Department and overseen by Brea’s Cultural Arts Commission, whose members are appointed by the City Council.
Want to view a Curtis Theatre performance for free? Be a volunteer usher.
“We welcome ushers age 14 and over,” said Hellmuth.
Besides the age requirement, Curtis ushers must wear a white top, black pants and solid-toed shoes. No clogs. And don’t forget, ushers get to view the performances for free. Sounds like a good deal.
Hellmuth added that, on occasion, they use volunteer stagehands and crew members. “It’s as-needed, and usually at the discretion of our technical director, Heather Harless,” she said.
The Curtis also gladly accepts donations. One way to donate and honor the theater lover in your life is to sponsor a theater seat. It requires a one-time, minimum donation of $400. You select the seat and a plaque with the donor’s or honoree’s name will be on it forever.
Every season brings exciting family entertainment to Brea’s Curtis Theatre, and theater tickets make perfect holiday gifts. One size fits all.
Terri Daxon is a freelance writer and the owner of Daxon Marketing Communications. She gives her perspective on Brea issues twice a month. Contact her at daxoncomm@gmail.com.