Dispatch exclusive: Wine lovers edition.
But first: a fire and ice Christmas, and we hear from Steve...kind of.
We’ve got a Dispatch exclusive to add merriment to your final holiday shopping crush…and Steve — at last! — resurfaces. Kind of.
But first…
Fire and ice…and some of Broadway’s finest with iTheatre
An Elemental Christmas
🎟️ Showtime: Friday Dec. 19, 8 p.m. and Saturday Dec. 20, 2 p.m., Saratoga Music Hall
iTheatre is putting a twist on tradition in a way that only composer Will Severin and playwright Mary Jane Hansen can, with An Elemental Christmas, which hits the Saratoga Music Hall’s downtown stage this weekend. “It’s a very warm and laidback affair in a historic space at City Hall,” says Severin, iTheatre’s founder. “We have a killer band of top-notch musicians and singers — these players have performed in Broadway orchestras and shared the stage with everyone from Brand X to American Idol alumni.”
To keep things fresh, iTheatre splashes out a new theme every year for its family-friendly show, this time playing with the elements (think fire and ice) — including the human one. “Humans are the element of surprise that shifts and mutates in a way that inspires joy and, at times wreaks havoc, chaos and complete devastation,” Severin says, “much like fire and water, wind, and our radical planet.”
This year’s program promises everything from “Let it Snow” and “Winter Wonderland” to Joni Mitchell’s “River” and Sting’s “Hounds of Winter.” And Tango Fusion is bringing in some dance numbers. “The audience is seated at large family-style tables,” Severin says, “and are free to roam and check out the gift vendors or head over to our concession.”
“Even the concession offerings are impressive,” a friend told me when making sure I knew about the show. She’s right: craft beer from Whitman Brewing Company, SingleCut Beersmiths and Common Roots; wine from Purdy’s; plus snacks and sodas.
For more information and tickets, visit itheatresaratoga.ticketspace.com.
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Steve speaks! (kind of)
Ever since the Dispatch’s co-founder, Steve Thurston, disappeared, we’ve both been silent about it…for a reason. We scheduled a sit-down chat for this morning to finally answer all of your burning questions (do you have any burning questions?)…but then he bailed. Kidding! “I got my wires all crossed,” he says, promising a raincheck — soon. “I’m looking forward to it. And everyone reading this should pay for a subscription if they do not already have one!” We try.
Stay tuned…
Dispatch exclusive: Opening date for downtown’s new tasting room
If you’ve peeked into Keuka Spring Vineyards’ stunning new tasting room on Spring Street half as often as I have, you’ll be pumped to know that is officially opening in time to enjoy a beautiful glass of vino whenever you need a wine break during this final holiday shopping crush.
“Hi Dispatch!” says Autumn Manning, the East NY Region Manager for the esteemed brand from the Finger Lakes. “You heard it here first — Keuka Spring Vineyards is officially opening our doors this Thursday, the 18th! 🎉🍷.”
After outgrowing its shop in the Marketplace, Keuka Spring has been working with Julie JMP Interiors and DiSanto’s Contracting to create this beautiful tasting room right off Broadway on Spring.
“We’re thrilled to be opening our first-ever satellite location right here in Saratoga Springs,” Manning says, pointing out that the Finger Lakes just won “wine region of the year” (!) by Wine Enthusiasts. “Even more of a reason to come on in and try the amazing wine coming from right here in New York,” she says.
Hard to argue with that.
The tasting room serves wine country-style tastings — $15 for a flight of the classics; just $3 bucks more for estate pours — in addition to standard glasses and bottles. Snack on local treats from brands such as Saratoga Chocolate, Bread Basket Bakery and Argyle Cheese. Dancing Grain is in there, too, for days you’re simply wined out.
Grand opening celebrations will follow!
For more information, pop in starting Thursday: 15 Spring Street, near Broadway. Hours: Sunday–Wednesday: 12–6 p.m.; Thursday–Saturday: 11–8 p.m.
Every time a bell rings…
The Angel Room tradition at the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs has become a beloved snapshot of a community that’s been shaping creative, thoughtful minds in the area for decades — and this year was no exception.
During the cherished holiday event, older students — the school children from early preschool through eighth grade — serve as “angels,” guiding the littles through a winter-themed space where they can pick out handmade presents to gift their loved ones. The interaction between students, of course, is the focus of the tradition. Older children practice responsibility and care; younger ones experience trust, wonder and generosity. Parents gather nearby, talking, reconnecting and watching the community they’re part of in action.
This cross-age exchange reflects the Waldorf School’s distinct presence in Saratoga Springs. As a non-traditional school, it has long attracted families who value creativity, experiential learnin, and education that extends beyond test scores. Its curriculum integrates academics with art, music, movement and hands-on work, creating an environment where imagination and human connection matter.
In a city known for culture and creativity, the Waldorf School remains a steady contributor to the community it serves. The Angel Room is just one example of how education, when treated as a shared endeavor, can strengthen the fabric of a town such as Saratoga.
This news was brought to you by…
Save the date: this year’s Chowderfest is Saturday, February 7!
Got a story to share, event to promote or business to advertise? Simply respond to this email or reach Abby at abby@saratogadispatch.com.
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