All Over Albany

The week ahead

Here are a few things to keep in mind, look forward to, or keep busy with this week, from the weather (unDecember), to Christmas, to holiday shows, to stories, to hoops...

Weather

Here's the paraphrased forecast for this week:

Monday: Cloudy, mid 40s.

Tuesday: Cloudy, maybe some rain. Low 50s.

Wednesday: Repeat.

Thursday: Cloudy, low 60s.

Friday: Sunny and 51.

Weekend: Cloudy, maybe rain, 40s.

UnDecember.

Christmas

As you know, Christmas is Friday. Christians will be celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Many of the related aspects of the holiday have roots that stretch back to traditions that pre-date Christianity, to the Romans and groups in northern Europe. And a lot of those celebrations centered in part on this fact: The day with the shortest daylight of the year just happened, and the days get longer from here. Cheers for that.

Because of the holiday Friday, many things will be closed, of course -- and many places will close early on Thursday. (And it's kind of slow week in general for many sorts of events.)

If you're looking for a place to eat on Christmas, here are some ideas from an Ask AOA question earlier this month.

Hip Hop Nutcracker

Monday: A touring production of The Hip Hop Nutcracker with Guest MC Kurtis Blow will be on the Proctors main stage. Blurbage:

A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker re-imagines Tchaikovsky's classic score through explosive hip hop choreography. A dozen all-star dancers, on-stage DJ and an electric violinist bring the traditional Nutcracker story to life in contemporary New York City. This evening-length show celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season.

Monday 7:30 pm - $20 and up

Storytelling

Monday: The Front Parlor storytelling series will be at the Olde English in Albany. This month's theme is "All in the Family," and Lecco Morris will be guest hosting. Monday 7:30 pm

White Christmas

Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Tuesday-Thursday/Saturday-Sunday: A touring production of the stage musical Irving Berlin's White Christmas will be at Proctors. It's an adaptation of the classic film. Two Schenectady natives also star: Kerry Conte and Rachel Rhodes-Devey. Tuesday-Thursday/Saturday-Sunday various times - $20 and up

White Christmas (the film)
Tuesday: The Palace is screening the 1954 film White Christmas, which stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen -- and for which the classic Christmas song is famous. (Thought the song didn't originate in the film.) Tuesday 7 pm - $5 / $3 kids

A Christmas Story

Tuesday-Thursday/Saturday-Sunday: This is the last week for Capital Rep's production of A Christmas Story, The Musicial. It's an adaptation of the famous film. (Many of these last few shows are sold out or will be soon.) Tuesday-Thursday/Saturday-Sunday various times - $20 and up

Hoops

Siena
Tuesday: The Siena men's basketball team takes on St. Bonaventure at the TU Center. Tuesday 7 pm - $8 and up

UAlbany
Wednesday: The UAlbany men's basketball team faces Niagara at SEFCU Arena. Wednesday 7 pm - $12 and up

To do list

1. Finalize plans and prep for Christmas cooking/entertaining/visiting/travel.

2. If you're thinking about going out on New Year's Eve, it's a good idea to line up reservations.

3. Spend time with family and friends.
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These are a just a few things for this week, not a comprehensive list. Know of something people should be looking forward to this week? Please share!

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photo: United Palace of Cultural Arts