WED ▪ 19
In Amadeus, the character of Mozart dismisses the genre of opera seria and its fusty conventions as being populated by “people so lofty, they sound as if they shit marble.” In real life, Mozart took to opera seria late in his career, accepting a commission to write La Clemenza di Tito, about a Roman emperor who discovers a plot against his life. The work puzzles Mozart scholars, but it’s still worth a listen in an encore broadcast of the Met’s production from last month. The opera screens at 6:30pm at various movie theaters. Check Calendar for locations. Tickets are $12.50. Call 818-761-6100.
THU ▪ 20
For better and worse, Charles Dickens pretty much invented the Christmas season as we know it, with family gatherings, gifts, and turkey. Retired English professor Don Vann will be on hand to read from Dickens’ writings and explain the famous novelist’s role in our Christmas celebrations. British Emporium’s Dickens in December celebration begins at 7pm at 140 N Main St, Grapevine. Admission is free. Call 817-421-2311.
FRI ▪ 21
Runway Theatre looks to 2013 as the company holds its fund-raising gala Christmas in Concert this evening. Members of the troupe will entertain you with performances, along with music by Dylan Deanda to go with your hors d’oeuvres and beverages. The event starts at 7pm at 215 N Dooley St, Grapevine. Tickets are $20-25. Call 817-488-4842.
SAT ▪ 22
America’s Got Talent finalists The Texas Tenors conclude their two-week holiday engagement this weekend at Grapevine’s Palace Arts Theatre. The trio adds Christmas music to their usual repertoire of country, popular, and classical music. The show runs thru Sun at 300 S Main St, Grapevine. Tickets are $25. Call 817-410-3100.
SUN ▪ 23
Still gunning for the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys play their home regular season finale against the New Orleans Saints. Led by Drew Brees and an explosive offense, the Saints also have a defense that can’t stop a determined caterpillar from gaining yardage. Their defenders were better when they were being paid extra to hurt people, it seems. The game kicks off at noon at Cowboys Stadium, 1 Legends Way, Arlington. Tickets are $75-500. Call 800-745-3000.
MON ▪ 24
“Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveler, thousands of miles away, back to his own fireside and his quiet home!” — Charles Dickens. Merry Christmas to you all from Fort Worth Weekly.
TUE ▪ 25
How’s this for dedication? For the fifth year running, Daniel Lawrence Walker will play on Christmas Day. The Texas roots/blues musician will trot out songs from his as-yet-untitled new solo album, with his regular band Oakhurst taking time off. You’ll even get a break on admission if you say you were at his show last year. Don’t abuse the Christmas spirit by claiming you were there if you weren’t. The music starts at 8pm at The Wild Rooster, 3204 Camp Bowie Blvd, FW. Admission is $10. Call 817-332-9453.
