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COMMA's upcoming events for the New Year

By Bill Wilson | The News Herald

Published: December 29, 2008

Well, my earnest request of the dairy gods to allow us to have eggnog at other times of the year than only during the Christmas and New Year's holiday has once again gone unanswered, and most probably ignored. It doesn't seem like that's a lot to ask. I know they're not holding back because of a sincere sentiment to protect our fragile cholesterol levels.
The campaign for year-round eggnog renews Jan. 1 for those who wish to add their names to the petition for we can always hope for justice in the New Year.
The New Year will still be in its extreme infancy on Jan. 5 as MainStage Morganton wastes no time getting back into the groove of Broadway musicals on the CoMMA stage. "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is much more of a Broadway musical than its title might indicate. For those of us who can remember the trials and challenges of our teenage years, "Spelling Bee" is just the ticket to resurrect the good old days and the feelings that went along for the ride.
Just to be clear, this bright, funny and ingenious musical comedy is probably not for anyone below the age of a middle-schooler. I have never liked rating' plays, but it is about the only way there can be a bit of truth in advertising. So to be fair, it could easily be said that "Spelling Bee" should be rated PG-13, or maybe Pg-12 if that one exists.
Giving that sort of friendly warning can help and hurt attendance. MainStage season subscribers always support the shows of the year while those single ticket purchasers pick and choose.
Some choose not to come for fear of the unknown' while others' curiosity intrigues them enough to give it a whirl.
Now before we jump to any drastic conclusions, some of the adjectives in the reviews of "Spelling Bee" include wonderful, charming and joyful. "Arts and Letters" declared the kids to be A-L-R-I-G-H-T!. "AP Arts" pronounced the show to be full of heart and humor. So although there is some cutting edge nerdy lines and situations, there's no doubt it's going to be a lot of fun.
Fans of "Saturday Night Live" and "Mad TV" will certainly latch onto and rave at "Spelling Bee." We hope everyone will. Curtain is 7:30 p.m.
Although the first half of the MainStage season along with many locally sponsored events has kept us hopping, it will be good to get back to doing what CoMMA is meant to do.
After a few days of well deserved rest, our technical crews will be at it again making each and every show unique and exciting to view and hear.
Jumping gears just a bit … I have received numerous reports and positive comments about Ted Neeley's profile and appearance on "Good Morning, America" last week. Neeley, who starred in the lead role of the film "Jesus Christ Superstar," comes to Morganton as the same character he has played for thirty-five years.
His longevity, maintaining voice and appearance make him not only the best, but also probably the best known portrayer of Christ in the Andrew Lloyd Weber rock opera.
Neeley was at CoMMA 12 years ago and reprises the role Sunday, March 15. Curtain is early — a 3:15 p.m. matinee. Purchasing CoMMA tickets with a bit of that Christmas stocking money is a solid investment.
Lots of other shows coming to CoMMA in the winter … including the great gospel musical revue "Your Arm Too Short to Box with God," on February 6 and "Oliver!" a week later on Feb. 13.
You know the number to call 433-SHOW.
The phones aren't ringing off the hook to confirm an eggnog production extension past January, so I suppose we'll all just have to make do the 2 percent milk and Yahoo chocolate drink until they come to their senses.
In the meantime, along with you I'll be making and breaking the same resolutions we all have been grappling with for the past umpteen years. Some things just never change, and that's OK.
The CoMMA staff, crews, and volunteers wish each and everyone a joyous Christmas and the best New Year ever. We'll see you next year — a lot.