1Those looking to ring in 2011 close to home are in luck — from plays to music, events for revelers of all interests will take place in the Greater Newburyport area on Friday, Dec. 31.
An Amesbury gala
For 32 years, The Amesbury Playhouse has hosted its New Year's Eve Gala.
It's a way to "start New Year's with a laugh," owner Bill Brooks said.
"It's always a big success," with some revelers returning each year, he added.
The evening will begin with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner. At 9 p.m., patrons will take in a performance of "Revenge of the Comedy Thieves."
"They're all sort of seasoned actors who have done a lot of theater, so it should be a lot of fun," Brooks said. "It will make a few people smile."
Gala attendees will see some familiar faces from performances at the Playhouse and the Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport.
The show will end in time for a champagne toast at midnight, followed by dancing to tunes from DJ Ed McGee, Brooks added. Jim Manclark is directing the show.
Each year on New Year's Eve, Brooks said, people are optimistic for the year ahead, Brooks said.
"I really think that, the year's gone by, whether it's been good or bad, or otherwise, and there's an anticipation that it's going to be a good year and something better," Brooks said. "Everybody's quite light and positive on New Year's Eve."
Entrain takes the stage at Blue Ocean
A New Year's Eve party with Entrain will be at Blue Ocean Music Hall in Salisbury.
Often called eclectic, the Martha's Vineyard-based six-piece Entrain has recorded seven albums. The show will begin at 9 p.m.
They style encompasses rock, blues, calypso and ska, to zydeco, jazz and funk — usually within the same song.
Blue Ocean Music Hall in Salisbury will host a New Year's Eve party with Entrain, hosted by Billy Costa of the radio station KISS 108.
A variety show at the Actors Studio
Growing up in Newburyport, Brendan Pelsue remembers the city's New Year's Eve celebrations.
Back then, Pelsue, now 24, said he believed all communities hosted elaborate First Night events.
"Unfortunately, it's not even happening in town on the organized level it was," he said.
But this year, Pelsue, who now lives in Cambridge, is offering the community a new event for the big night.
His improvisation duo The Dangling Conversation will be hosting a variety show at the Actors Studio in The Tannery. The evening will include song, dance, short plays and skits by local artists.
All of the performances are original works and will include artists from around the area, he added.
"A lot of people were just really excited by the idea," Pelsue said. "It's a fun, structured, creative way to spend New Year's Eve."
The Actors Studio is a space to showcase new works and experimental arts, and the night will offer those artists working on all sorts of projects to highlight their talents, whether by performing a scene from a play, a dance, or even sharing a newly written song, Pelsue said.
The show will begin at 9:30 p.m. and will conclude at midnight — ringing in the new year with a celebration of culture, Pelsue added. There will be a party and sing-along following the show, for those who wish to stay out longer.
"I think it's really going to be a blast," Pelsue said.
Sacred Circle Dance in Newburyport
The annual New Year's Eve Sacred Circle Dance will return once again to the Belleville Congregational Church in Newburyport where revelers can welcome in 2011 with dance, song, ritual and meditation.
Ellen Kennedy will host the event with musical intuitive Deirdre Drennen guiding the group in sacred song.
Festivities will include a potluck meal with desserts and healthy snacks. No experience is necessary; each dance will be taught.
Participants should enter the church hall on the corner of High and Chapel streets.
The sacred circle dance community began in 1976 at the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland. The Newburyport circle is among the offshoots worldwide.
AMESBURY PLAYHOUSE NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA
Where: 194 Main St., Amesbury
What: Cocktail hour begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner. A performance of "Revenge of the Comedy Thieves" begins at 9 p.m., followed by a champagne toast, dancing and music until 2 a.m.
Tickets: $80, can be purchased at 978-388-9444
VARIETY SHOW AT THE ACTORS STUDIO
Where: The Tannery, Mill 1, Suite 5, Newburyport
What: The show will include song, dance, short plays, and skits by local artists
When: 9:30 p.m. to midnight
Tickets: $9, can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling the Actors Studio at 978-465-1229
New Year's Eve Blue Ocean Bash
Where: Blue Ocean Music Hall, 4 Oceanfront North, Salisbury
What: Entrain
When: Show begins at 9 p.m.
Tickets: VIP Premium Seating $25. Limited floor tables of 4. Reserved Seats $20; call 978-462-5888
Sacred Circle Dance
Where: Belleville Congregational Church Hall, High and Chapel streets, Newburyport
What: An evening of song, dance, ritual and meditation
When: 9 p.m. to midnight
Admission: $15. Reservations are requested. Contact Ellen Kennedy at 978-465-8604 or dancingspiral@aol.com.
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