Bob Goepfert

This past year was tough on the arts. National policies like gutting grants and contracts from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for Humanities (NHA) have affected many local arts organizations.

Once upon a time the decision to be made was go out or stay home. Nowadays, most venues time their vents to end around 10 pm so you can do both.

“The Cottage” is a comedy set in England in 1923. It was written in this century and made its debut on Broadway in 2023. That it was directed by Jason Alexander, who gained fame playing George in “Seinfeld”, gives you a good idea about the humor in the play.

If you ever wondered why “A Christmas Carol” has endured for almost two centuries you should visit an almost secret alleyway in downtown Troy. At The Waiting Room there is a very special presentation of the Charles Dickens’ classic story taking place.

In theater, the equivalent of the Holy Grail is a Christmas show that can be performed on an annual or near-annual basis. Of course, “ A Christmas Carol” heads the list.

Anyone in need of cheer this holiday season will find it at Capital Repertory Theatre. They are offering the charming and clever “Murder for Two: the Holiday Edition,” through December 28th. It’s a guaranteed smile inducer.

This week is not only Thanksgiving, it’s also the start of the holiday season. There is an abundance of things to do between Thanksgiving and Christmas. So much so that many worthy events go under the radar and can easily be missed.

David Amram turned 95 on Monday. On Friday, the Musicians of Ma’alwyck are honoring the legendary composer with a concert featuring several of his compositions and remarkably, a performance by Amram himself.

Perhaps because of the many holidays in November it is a slow month in theater. But what is available is well-worth attending.

The musical “Wicked” is in the middle of its two-weekend run at Proctors in Schenectady. If you haven’t seen it yet, you should.