The Powel Crosley Estate takes center stage
The Powel Crosley Estate plays host to more than 150 events per year, with many of the private events being destination weddings, fundraising events or corporate meetings. Although the Powel Crosley Estate caters well to these private events, you may not know that the Mediterranean Revival-style mansion is also the stage for interactive theatrical performances showcasing the historic home of early inventor Powel Crosley Jr.
On Dec. 8, the estate will begin its ninth Crosley Theatre season with Dickens at the Crosley. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-10; at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11-13; at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15-17; and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 and Dec. 20.
Dickens at the Crosley offers six stories that will be presented throughout the mansion:
"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens
Gather around the Great Room as Powel and Gwendolyn Crosley portray Charles and Catherine Dickens, as well as other characters. Watch the dynamic duo as they perform this classic holiday tale of the redemption of one miserly Ebenezer Scrooge.
"The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde
Sometimes referred to as "The Angry Giant," this story is one of the few short stories that the brilliant playwright Oscar Wilde penned. The scenic views of the Sarasota Bay make the Bayfront room the idyllic place to view this lovely tale with a poignant and surprising ending.
"A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement C. Moore
This classic poem is also recognized as "The Night Before Christmas" and known for the snowy Christmas Eve night as St. Nicholas descends down the chimney and fills the stockings with toys. This holiday favorite was anonymously published in 1823. Clement Clark acknowledged authorship in 1837.
"The Real Peter Pan" written by James M. Barrie, adapted and performed by Ann Morrison
The story of Peter Pan has been adapted many times in both live performances as well as in movies. This favorite is about Peter Pan, a mischievous boy who can fly and never grows up. His everlasting childhood adventures take place on the small island of Neverland, where Peter Pan is the leader of his gang, the Lost Boys. Ann Morrison will perform an excerpt from
the novel and share how Peter got his magnificent Christmas present.
"Christmas Dinner with the Cratchits" by Charles Dickens
This popular scene was made famous in Charles Dickens' classic story, "A Christmas Carol." Scrooge visits the Cratchit family with the Ghosts of Christmas Present and the Ghosts of Christmas Yet to Come.
"The Burglar's Christmas" by Willa Cather
This short story follows two burglars looking for food on Christmas Eve. William, one of the burglars, breaks into a house to steal jewelry, but is instead greeted by a familiar face.
Shakespeare at the Crosley
In January, the Powel Crosley Estate will launch "Shakespeare at the Crosley." The performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19-21; at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22-24; at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26-28; and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29-31, and will include classic scenes and sonnets from some of the works of master playwright William Shakespeare. The following Shakespeare pieces will be performed:
"Much Ado About Nothing" -- to be performed in the Great Room.
"Shakespeare's Sonnets" -- to be performed in Gwendolyn's Room.
"Hamlet" -- to be performed in the Library.
"King Lear" -- to be performed in the Bayside room.
Buy your tickets to enjoy this unique theater experience in a historic setting on Sarasota Bay. You will enjoy interacting with professional actors who come from many parts of the country, and you will view each show in rooms within the mansion that will seat 40 attendees per room. Reserve your ticket now by going to ticketmaster.com/Powel-Crosley-Estate-tickets-Bradenton/venue/106972 or calling the Bradenton Area Convention Center box office at 941-722-3244, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. I assure you your experience will be unique, entertaining and eventually will become a tradition.
For more information about the Crosley Theatre, visit bradentongulfislands.com/crosley-theatre/.
Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, can be reached at Elliott.Falcione@BACVB.com or 941-729-9177, ext. 222.
This story was originally published November 8, 2015 at 11:45 PM with the headline "The Powel Crosley Estate takes center stage ."