Holiday theatricals!

It's easy to get in the holiday spirit, whether you're at the Tiny Tim or the Scrooge end of the spirit spectrum. Gull Lake alumna Lisa Watson is stage managing the fun family musical cabaret Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings, now through December 27 at the Farmers Alley Theatre. Enjoy dessert and coffee along with some great holiday harmonies in the intimate Farmers Alley space downtown.

If you're a little more on the adult/cynical side, you'll enjoy seeing Gull Lake's Adam Carter as one of the title characters in The Eight: Reindeer Monologues at the Whole Art Theatre mainstage in the Epic Center through December 19. As the Whole Art puts it: "Accusations, rumors and all-out attacks are flying fast and furious around Santa's toyshop this holiday season. Told in a series of witty monologues, each of Santa's flying hoofed critters confesses the truth behind the reported shocking allegations. The jolly old elf himself is at the top of the naughty list, and you won't believe what his trusted reindeer have to say. If you've had your fill of traditional, feel-good Christmas fare, leave the kids at home and enjoy an antler-packed evening of acid-tongued reindeer."

Enjoy!

Time for Wassailing!

It's December and that can only mean . . . Wassailing in Richland! Come out for more fun than ever this Thursday, December 3, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in and near the village square in Richland. There will be treats of all kinds, and music galore. On the village green, you can hear the Gull Lake Middle School Band, the Ryan Chorus, the Middle School Minors, and the High School Choir. After 6:30, groups from the Gull Lake High School Band will play at the Richland Community Library. At the Little Yellow Frame Shop and Gallery, enjoy the seasonal harmonies of the Kalamazoo Barbershop Chorus. The choir will be practicing inside First Presbyterian Church. And students from the Daisies Dance Studio will perform at the Library at 5:30 and 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, Richland merchants will be open and offering deals and treats, Santa will be at the Community Hall, the Scouts will be selling Christmas trees, the Presbyterian Church will have an alternative gift market going on, and there will be live reindeer in the park. The whole festive evening is sponsored by the Richland Area Business Association. Happy holidays!