the mommy avenger

I have only recently heard of the Covey Center for the Arts and a quick survey of people I know found the same thing–most people were not aware that such an establishment in Provo existed. This gem of a theater is actually so much more than just a stage. It is a center for the arts of all kinds, which includes art galleries, music and dance concerts, theatre, and dance classes for all ages. It is a performing arts complex nestled in the heart of Provo. Upon walking inside, it is spacious, inviting and filled with art. It also has ample parking all around it, making it a breeze to get in and out of. It’s a shame I haven’t heard of it before this week, as it has been a working complex since 2007! But, after my visit last night, I can assure you, I will be back soon!

I love all things Christmas and I especially love when there is something Christmas-y that is new and fresh. I am surprised I found just that in Christmas in Killarney, a special musical touring the nation that arrived in Provo’s own Covey Center for the Arts last night. Set in 1920’s Killarney, Ireland, we are introduced to Katie and her fiancé Christopher who have just arrived from New York City to Katie’s hometown in Ireland to meet her parents and spend Christmas together. We are instantly engulfed in her family’s old world Irish traditions as they are introduced and they prepare for the holiday.

As an audience, we are treated to spectacular Irish dancing, a 3 member band that plays all the music live including drums, guitar, fiddle and flute, and beautiful voices singing Christmas favorites, all intertwined in the story of this family. If you’ve never had the opportunity to watch Irish dancing, you must. It is amazing how quickly they move their feet and kick their legs and how graceful and beautiful it all is.

I was so impressed with all of it. The energy was high, the dancing was tremendous, the voices were soaring and it was a great way to introduce the holiday season with a new and fun twist. We recognized most of the songs, which was really enjoyable, but also were introduced to new ones (well, new to me–they are traditional Irish songs, after all) like Miss Fogarty’s Christmas Cake, which was really fun.

The show was really fun and focused on the true meaning of Christmas, which was wonderful. I would most definitely go see it again. In fact, I hope it comes to a city near me again next year so I can take the rest of my family. You can follow them and see if they are coming to a town near you for the 2023 tour, there are several upcoming dates still.

I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Covey Center of the Arts and am looking forward to coming back to see another performance. There are many upcoming events to choose from including several Christmas shows like A Covey Center Christmas, Marley’s Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, and Peter Breinholt’s Christmas Concert….and all of those are in the line up for just the month of December! Be sure to check out their website for those events and lots more coming up for the rest of the 2023-2024 season. Tickets make great gifts as they create memories and they are easy to fit into stockings!

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are my own*}