Prairie Folklore Theatre will celebrate “A Celtic Winter Solstice” with 1000-year-old songs and stories. The Bishop Hill Creative Commons will host this musical theatre presentation Friday, Dec. 22 at 7 pm.
“It was more than 20 years ago on the winter solstice that Barry Cloyd and I gave our first performance together,” said performer Brian “Fox” Ellis. “ We have since written more than 20 musicals and performed all across the United States.”
The Celtic Winter Solstice is a modern re-enactment of an ancient tradition. On the longest night the Celtic people gather to celebrate their cultural heritage and relationships within the cycles of nature. Legends of the old kings and the Fairie realm, songs of love lost and won, poetry and music blend together in this celebration of the winter season.
“Though I have told a few of these stories for more than 20 years, there is always something fresh and exciting as I bring a new perspective to the telling and the listening,” Fox said. “It is amazing that these stories have been handed down from the oral tradition for a thousand years because they still speak to us as humans about our basic humanity. A lot of folks come back year after year because it helps them feel connected to something larger.”
Barry Cloyd will perform with Fox in the musical theatre presentation.
“This show is a great experience to share with your out-of-town guests to give them a real taste of our shared Midwestern and Irish cultures,” said Cloyd.
The Bishop Hill Creative Commons will open at 6:30 pm, and the show begins at 7 pm. Folks are encouraged to come for the day to visit museums and get in a little last minute shopping, or to have dinner next door at The Filling Station.
A suggested donation for the event is $10 to $20 at the door.
The two men will give an early preview of “A Celtic Winter solstice: A Celebration in Story and Song” on Monday, Dec. 18, at the Fox Pub and Cafe in Peoria. Doors open at 6 pm, with the performance at 7 pm. Again, the suggested donation is $10 to $20 at the door.
