Sweden will celebrate Strindberg with several events, including “Strindberg” at the Nordiska Museet in Stockholm (through Jan. 1, 2013), featuring personal items, family photos and original manuscripts. “Sender A. Strindberg” at the Post Museum in Stockholm (March 23 to Dec. 31) focuses on the author’s letters and correspondence.

For clients who’d like to walk in Strindberg’s footsteps, the Strindberg Museum (Strindbergsmuseet) is housed in his reconstructed apartment complete with his 3,000-volume personal library. The Intima Teater, founded by Strindberg in 1907 and restored in 2002, is now a 100-seat theater for live performance, especially works by Strindberg.

Röda Rummet, the inspiration for Strindberg’s 1879 novel “The Red Room,” is a magnificent Baroque-style room in Stockholm’s Berns Hotel. A gathering place for bohemians and free-thinkers in Strindberg’s day, the Red Room is now used for private dinners and gatherings.

Las Vegas, Nev. – The Nevada Conservatory Theatre at UNLV proudly presents Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull” Jan. 27 – Feb. 5 in the Judy Bayley Theatre. Directed by Michael Lugering, “The Seagull” was first produced by the Moscow Art Theatre in 1898 and is rated G.

When famed actress Arkadina arrives with her young lover, the writer Trigorin, at her country estate in turn of the century Russia, the romantic entanglements, artistic conflicts and jealousies that erupt threaten to tear her family apart. This Chekhov classic is renowned for its comedy and cruelty, plunging into the funny and frightening lives of people who suffer for their passions.

The cast features Rayme Cornell as Arkadina and Brian Vaughn as Trigorin. Vaughn is the Co-Artistic Director for the Utah Shakespeare Festival and was last seen in NCT’s “Dracula.”

Others in the cast include John Maltese, Taylor Hanes, Analisa Kimball, Todd Espeland, Melissa Ritz, Dhyana Dahl, Phil Hubbard, Gerrad Taylor, Dakota Baker, Darren Krattli, Gayle D’Elia, and Chris Rosado.

Lugering is a master teacher of voice, movement and acting at UNLV and has spent more than 15 years researching the physical, psychological, behavioral and aesthetic aspects of human expression. His book THE EXPRESSIVE ACTOR: An Integrated Method of Voice, Movement & Actor Training is published by Heinemann Drama Books. He has served as a professional voice coach for the Utah Shakespearian Festival and the NCT.

Performances are Jan. 27 and 28, and Feb. 2, 3, and 4 at 8 p.m., and Jan. 29 and Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20-$30 on sale at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office. Special rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Performing Arts Center Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The box office may be reached at pac.unlv.edu by calling 895-ARTS (2787).

The Swan Theatre’s “A World Elsewhere” is a trilogy of newly adapted international plays, in repertoire from November, under the banner “A World Elsewhere” (a quote from Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, sharply reminding Rome’s citizens that there are other countries and cultures apart from their own). Curated by Chief Associate Director Gregory Doran and Associate Director Roxana Silbert, the ambition of the season is to explore what was going on in the rest of the world in Shakespeare’s lifetime.

Gregory Doran will open the season with what is sometimes referred to as the Chinese Hamlet, and tracing its origins to the 4th century BC, “The Orphan of Zhao” is a powerful tale of self-sacrifice and revenge. It became the first Chinese play to be translated in the West, in an adaptation by Voltaire. This production, based in part on a version by Ji Junxiang, published in 1615, is adapted by James Fenton.

An adaptation by Adrian Mitchell of Alexander Pushkin’s play, “Boris Godunov,” will be the first time this adaptation has been staged. It was Adrian Mitchell’s final project, completed before his death in 2008. Then Bertolt Brecht’s “Galileo” will play in repertoire in a new translation by Mark Ravenhill, who has recently been appointed the company’s latest Writer in Residence. Arguably Brecht’s greatest play, “Galileo” explores the confrontation of religious fundamentalism and scientific evidence, through the trial of the great scientist and philosopher Galileo in 1616.

Also under the umbrella of “A World Elsewhere,” a Japanese epic, especially commissioned for “A World Elsewhere,” “Anjin: The English Samurai” tells the story of William Adams, the first Englishman in Japan, who was shipwrecked off the coast in 1600. He arrived at a pivotal moment in Japanese history, and became close to the Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. The play is a major Anglo-Japanese cultural event, co-authored by Mike Poulton and Sho Kawai and with a cast of British and Japanese actors. This production, directed by Gregory Doran, builds on a long relationship between the RSC, Thelma Holt and the Japanese media company Horipro. The production is spoken in both Japanese and English with subtitles and transfers direct from Tokyo to Sadler’s Wells, for 10 performances in January 2013.

From April 2012, the RSC begins a new touring and education partnership with five regional theatres — Hull Truck Theatre Company, Newcastle Theatre Royal, York Theatre Royal, Hall for Cornwall and Nuffield Theatre, Southampton.

You’ll get a glimpse of what goes on behind-the-scenes in a producing theatre, as well as learning more about the construction of this landmark building that has everyone talking.

The tour will last one hour approximately and normal tour days are Fridays at 11am and Sundays at 1pm. Please note the schedule, and the route taken on the tour, may be affected by other activities in the building.

Telephone:+44 (0)28 9038 1081
Website: www.lyrictheatre.co.uk

Address: Lyric Theatre 55 Ridgeway Street, Belfast, BT9 5FB

LONDON, ENGLAND– A chance to witness Totem by Cirque du Soleil awaits people visiting London in early 2012.

The touring show will return to the Royal Albert Hall in January due to popular demand, giving more theatre-goers an opportunity to enjoy this stunning visual and acrobatic spectacle.

Totem, which premiered in Canada last year, uses the contemporary circus arts to trace the evolution of the human species from its amphibian state to the ultimate desire to fly.

Cast members perform using roller skates, unicycles, Russian bars, trapezes, devil sticks, bars, rings and other items to bring this fascinating tale of mankind’s development to life.

Described by Cirque du Soleil as lying “somewhere between science and legend”, the show has been performed in front of sold-out audiences across Canada, the US and Europe.

Totem can be seen at the Royal Albert Hall from Thursday January 5th to Thursday February 16th. Tickets are available online, priced between GBP20.50 and GBP84.

Circus fans can browse a wide variety of places to stay in London at LateRooms.com, which recommends the 41 Hotel for those seeking intimate and luxurious accommodation in the capital.

Visit http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/default.aspx  to find more information about this event.

SINGAPORE– Acclaimed dance show Ballet Revolucion will be making its debut in Asia next month at Singapore’s Esplanade Theatre.

Having enjoyed major success in Australia and Switzerland, the production will be coming to the city state between January 10th and 15th 2012, offering a unique fusion of ballet, contemporary dance and hip-hop moves.

Ballet Revolucion has its roots in South America and will be staged by a troupe of 17 skilled Cuban dancers, performing to tracks from the likes of Shakira, Santana, Enrique Iglesias and Beyonce.

The show is the brainchild of the noted choreographers Aaron Cash and Roclan Gonzalez Chavez, with a live band from Havana set to perform the musical accompaniment on the night.

Performances start each evening at 20:00 local time, with additional daytime shows at 14:30 on the Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets range in price from S$40 to S$120 (GBP19.80 to GBP59.40), plus a booking fee of S$3.

Those wishing to attend can easily travel to the venue by taking the MRT to the Esplanade Station, with food and drinks available at the nearby Esplanade Mall.

Dance enthusiasts can find a massive selection of Singapore hotels at AsiaRooms.com, such as the Fragrance Hotel.

Full ticket booking details for the show can be found at http://www.sistic.com.sg

CARDIFF, WALES — Oliver!, one of the most popular British musicals of all time, will be on stage in Cardiff over the festive period.

The Wales Millennium Centre is set to play host to Cameron Mackintosh’s new touring production from Saturday December 10th to Saturday January 21st 2012, giving theatre lovers in the Welsh capital a chance to see the show after its record-breaking West End run.

Featuring songs such as Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself and I’d Do Anything, Oliver! boasts a timeless score by Lionel Bart and a cast of larger-than-life characters from the classic novel by Charles Dickens.

The Cardiff production will feature Neil Morrissey, star of Men Behaving Badly and Waterloo Road, as Fagin. Other cast members include Samantha Barks as Nancy and Iain Fletcher as Bill Sikes.

Tickets for Oliver! can be purchased online, priced between GBP19.50 and GBP60.

Evening performances at the Millennium Centre’s Donald Gordon Theatre will begin at 19:30 GMT and matinee shows are due to start at 14:30.

Cardiff theatre-goers can browse a variety of last minute hotels in the city at LateRooms.com, such as the Riverbank Penthouse & Apartments.

Visit http://oliverthemusical.com/  or contact the box office on 02920 636464 for further details about this event.

Major Special Events, New Hotels, Attractions and Museums Debut

DENVER – Colorado is gearing up for a big year in 2012, a year that will bring a slew of new developments, including new hotels – from luxury brands to outdoor cabins – new attractions, museums, special events, cultural exhibits and more. Below is a rundown of the exciting news for Colorado visitors in 2012. For more information visit www.colorado.com .

NEW HOTELS, HUTS AND LODGING OFFERINGS

The OPUS Hut (Ophir Pass Ultimate Ski Hut) is a new high alpine backcountry lodge nestled on the southern face of 13,666-foot Lookout Peak in the Northern San Juan Mountains of Colorado, halfway between Telluride and Silverton. The solar-powered and heated hut, easily accessible via Ophir Pass, offers access to some of the best backcountry skiing in the northern San Juans. The hut will also remain open year round for recreational and educational use.

Guests can reserve a bed in the Bunk Room from $30 per person, per night, opt for a private room from $60-$150 per night, or reserve the entire hut for $450 per night. There is also a “Hutkeeper” option to keep the fire warm and prepare meals for a group. www.OpusHut.com

Point Breeze Cabin, the newest addition to the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association, opened on November 9, 2011.

Located almost on top of the Continental Divide at 10,500 feet in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado, the two bedroom Point Breeze Cabin is nicely appointed and accommodates eight guests. This hut features a gas-fired outdoor grill, a small refrigerator and other comfort amenities. Outside the cabin, visitors will find more than 15 miles of rewarding beginner to intermediate cross-country ski trails. www.Huts.org

The Mining Exchange, a Wyndham Grand Hotel, is set to open in downtown Colorado Springs in spring 2012. The hotel is set amongst four historic buildings dating back to the early 20th century.

The 110 year-old Mining Exchange building, the oldest of the four, at one time served as the primary stock exchange for the western U.S. The original exterior features solid granite walls and is being restored to maintain its original grandeur.

The hotel’s 119 guest rooms, which include two presidential, 12 grand and 35 junior suites, boast 12-foot ceilings, handcrafted furnishings, and other luxurious appointments. The hotel also includes a full-service spa and a signature restaurant, X300, offering 100 beers, 100 wines and 100 “tapatizers.

www.MiningExchangeHotel.com

The Viceroy in Snowmass brings “Slow Booze” to cocktail lovers and locavores. The iconic hotel recently launched a range of cocktails produced from locally sourced spirits offering flavorful refreshment and winter warmth, all of which are inspired and use liquors from Colorado’s artisan distillery movement.

www.ViceroyHotelsandResorts.com/snowmass

The Little Nell in Aspen is catering to families that want to learn more about the outdoors. The hotel’s new overnight horse pack trip begins in 2012, and they have dubbed it “Cowboy Camp 101,” as families learn the art of backcountry living from starting a fire to catching a fish. The Little Nell’s family activities also include family fly fishing clinics, stand-up paddle boarding, geocaching activities and much more.

www.TheLittleNell.com/ebook/index.html

FRESH COLORADO EVENTS

Yoga Rocks the Butte (February 10 – 12, 2012) will feature a weekend of inspiring yoga classes, live outdoor music, organic food, a yoga marketplace and more at multiple venues throughout Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. This new event taps into the area’s health and wellness philosophy and brings in experts from around the globe. www.YogaRockstheButte.com

Colorado Springs hosts the first Ultimate Disc Open. As many as 600 of the world’s best Ultimate disc athletes will play on 24 teams in three divisions – Open, Women’s and Mixed. The inaugural international contest takes place July 4-8, 2012 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. www.USAFA.af.mil

The inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge weaved through 11 host cities from August 22-28, 2011, generating excitement in the cycling community. Exactly 135 of the world’s top cyclists traversed 518 miles during the most demanding bike race ever held on American soil as racers experienced breathless altitudes. The event will make a return next year, with more details of the second annual USA Pro Cycling Challenge and the 2012 host cities to be announced soon. www.USAProCyclingChallenge.com

NEW COLORADO ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Ouray 2011-2012 Kids Ice Climbing College is a new and free program for kids ages 8-17 to try the exciting sport of ice climbing. The Ouray Ice Park features a Kids Wall: a specially developed 40 foot high, 140 foot wide slab of ice located on top of the ice park with easy walking access. It features a dozen different routes with various levels of difficulty.

Enrollment is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Seasoned San Juan Mountain Guides will provide harnesses, helmets, boots, crampons, and ice tools. Participants should bring a fun-loving adult to sign paperwork, warm clothes, gloves, and warm hat (ski clothes work well for climbing).

Choose from four dates: Monday, December 26, 2011, 12pm-4pm; Sunday, January 8, 2012, 10am-2pm; Saturday, January 7, 2012, 10am-3pm; Sunday, February 12, 2012, 12pm-4pm. www.OurayClimbing.com/pages/show/KIDS%20Ice

Valmont Bike Park, America’s largest free urban bike park, recently announced it will be open year-round in Boulder. Originally slated to close this winter, it is the size of 30 football fields and features off-road cycling for all levels, from a trike track and a mellow trail to gnarly jumps.

Open since June 2011, the Valmont Bike Park is a place where every type of off-road cycling can come together for fun, racing and learning. www.ValmontBikePark.org

Walking Mountains Science Center moved to a new facility in Avon in fall 2011, offering educational, hands-on exhibits, interpretive trails, family and community programs, a nature nook and more. Visitors can explore the weather station, take an astronomy class or experience the surrounding mountain environment with a naturalist-guided snowshoe tour or nature hike.

www.WalkingMountains.org

Distillery 291 in Colorado Springs combines distiller Michael Myers’ two passions, photography and spirits, by using the same copper photogravure plates to distill as he used to print an art show shortly after 9/11.

A former fashion photographer in New York City, Myers was itching to open his own distillery. Current spirits include “The Fresh” Colorado Whiskey and Colorado “White Dog” Rye.

www.291ColoradoWhiskey.com

The Purgatory Plunge Zipline in Durango offers an entirely new experience this winter as “Plungers” zip over skiers hanging out on Purgatory Beach and Purgy’s patio. Thrill seekers soar for more than a football field at 35 mph, and will enjoy an après ski experience that is unique to most U.S. ski resorts.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort also unveiled a Zip-Line Canopy Tour this season that will be open year-round, enabling guests to ski to it during the winter months.

www.DurangoMountainResort.com, www.SkiCB.com

Iceland Air recently announced year-round, nonstop service from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Reykjavik, beginning in May 2012. With the addition of flights to and from Reykjavik, the airport will receive visitors directly from five different countries.

www.IcelandAir.com

Garden of the Gods Park was recently designated one of 10 Great Public Spaces for 2011 by the American Planning Association (APA) under the organization’s Great Places in America program.

www.GardenofGods.com

Western Colorado offers three National Conservation Areas within 50 miles of each other, the largest concentration of NCAs in the country. Along with this unique designation, the Gunnison Gorge NCA has just opened up the Sidewinder Trail.

The trail is a multi-use trail that is getting praise from mountain bikers, horseback riders and dirt bikers alike for the challenging and unique features along the trail.

www.Copmoba.org/page.cfm?pageid=15479&rideid=77

Breckenridge named gold-level bicycle friendly community. Breckenridge recently adopted a rolling stop law for bicyclists, which allows them to treat stop signs like yield signs. The move, initiated by the local police department, was one of many efforts that upgraded Breckenridge’s status to a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.

By far the smallest town to achieve this award, Breck shows the bike love to locals and visitors alike. From internationally-recognized and grassroots bike events to a trail and path system that extends for thousands of miles, Breckenridge’s bike offerings suit a variety of ages abilities. www.GoBreck.com

The Asian Tropics at the Denver Zoo exhibit set to open spring 2012 is a $50 million complex that will be the largest bull elephant habitat in the world.

Asian elephants, Indian rhinos and Malayan tapirs will rotate among five unique habitats that will provide abundant space and varied terrain. The ground-breaking LEED complex will be powered by elephant excrement and other zoo waste.

www.DenverZoo.org/AT/index.html

The History Colorado Center is an upcoming experiential museum where visitors will traverse the state in a “time machine,” and is set to open spring 2012 in Denver.

New exhibitions will blend technology, artifacts and environments to shape compelling stories about the state through public programs open to all ages. Visitors are invited to explore a three-story multimedia presentation allowing them to travel across the plains in a Model T Ford, don a headlamp and descend into a hard rock mine, or soar off the world’s first ski jump in Steamboat Springs.

www.HistoryColorado.org/museums/history-colorado-center

The Denver Art Museum will be the only United States venue for Yves Saint Laurent, “A Retrospective” from March 25 through July 8, 2012.

The stunning exhibition will feature a selection of 200 haute couture garments, along with photographs, drawings and films that illustrate the development of the Saint Laurent’s style and historical foundations of his work.

www.DenverArtMuseum.org

The Fort Collins Museum & Discovery Science Center is a hands-on science and technology “museum” featuring over 100 interactive exhibits. Combining science with history and culture, the new museum will provide a deeper understanding of the world and each individual’s place in it.

The museum will be open to the public in summer 2012.

www.FCMDSC.org

South Slope of Pikes Peak has been closed to hikers for more than 100 years. From late June through September 2012 guided tours in this pristine ecosystem will be available for a nominal fee.

The hike covers seven miles of easy to intermediate terrain and takes about 4 hours.

www.TrailsandOpenSpaces.org

WHAT’S NEW ON THE SLOPES

Winter Park’s Rail Yard Terrain Park’s Super Pipe “Dig-In” will be completed during the early season, with the Half Pipe opening by Christmas 2011.

This will result in a reduction of water and energy consumption by using less man-made snow. The resort also launched its loyalty and rewards program this season,

The Winter Park & The Fraser Valley Key Card. The card rewards guests for their purchases by offering incentive dollars through Winter Park-Fraser Valley promotions and is free to all visitors.

www.WinterParkResort.com

Copper Mountain enters ski season in partnership with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (U.S.S.A.) to develop an on-snow training center at the resort.

To support and develop the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center at Copper, the resort is implementing a new automated snowmaking system, as well as safety, communications and timing equipment necessary to develop a unique training venue.

The on-snow training center will operate from November 1 – December 10 each winter season, and will bolster the U.S. Teams’ ability to train for speed events before the competitive season begins. www.CopperColorado.com

EpicMix is revolutionizing the way we ski — again. The innovative app that tracks vertical feet and days skied at Vail Resorts added photo capabilities for this winter, making it even easier for skiers and snowboarders to share their on-mountain experience.

www.EpicMix.com

Breckenridge Ski Resort celebrates its 50th Anniversary this ski season. The resort’s golden season will continue to bring signature events like the Nike 6.0 Winter Dew Tour stop in December, Ullr Fest and the International Snow Sculpture Championships in January, and the new Spring Fever Festival in April. In addition, 50th anniversary celebrations and promotions will continue all season long.

www.Breckenridge.com

SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch updates Terrain Park. Leading improvements in SolVista’s terrain parks include: Ted’s Secret Stash, an all natural log park off the Jackalope run; Progression Park, a beginner terrain park at the base area; and the newest feature The Tank, a former underground fuel tank that is eight feet in diameter, 30 feet long, and boasts a quarter-pipe on each end.

www.GranbyRanch.com

Vail’s new on-mountain restaurant opened December 1, 2011.

The restaurant will be named “The 10th,” as a subtle nod to the veterans of the 10th Mountain Division. With more than 13,000 square feet, the “10th” will seat approximately 160 people in the main dining area, 40 more in the lounge and an additional 40 on the south-facing deck. www.Vail.com|

ABOUT COLORADO

Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 26 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state’s breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments, and 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the 2012 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com  or call 1-800-COLORADO.

Follow Colorado on Twitter at www.twitter.com/colorado  or Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitcolorado

An historic moment was witnessed by hundreds of theatregoers as The Mousetrap celebrated its 59th birthday and its 24,587th performance. Agatha Christie’s grandson, Mathew Prichard, was overheard to say “I see no reason why it can’t go in for another 60 years.” And why not. The play is just as spellbinding as it was when originally commissioned as a radio play for Queen Mary’s birthday in 1947.

Producer Sir Stephen Whaley-Cohen (uncle to amateur jockey Sam Whaley-Cohen who won the 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup) also announced that, in addition to the London production, The Mousetrap will start a UK tour from September 2012.

The most remarkable thing about the play is the secrecy surrounding the identity of the murderer – the truth having been faithfully kept secret by its audiences all this time: and only in 2010 was grandson Pritchard dismayed to discover that the ending had been published by Wikipedia on the plays wiki page! Pritchard said of the milestone:

“Sixty isn’t the end, I see no reason why it can’t go in for another 60 years.”

Theatre Breaks for the London production are available at www.theatrebreaks.co.uk  right through until 15th December 2012.

Now a major fixture in the Christmas calendar, Raymond Briggs’ Seasonal Favourite and much-loved book, The Snowman, returns to delight children at the Peacock Theatre this Christmas.
When a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. On their travels, they meet dancing penguins, reindeer and, of course, Father Christmas.
Watch spellbound as the Snowman literally flies through the night sky above you, before escaping the clutches of the evil Jack Frost to return home for Christmas morning. Suitable for all children aged two and upwards, this is a captivating mix of dance, stagecraft and music.
Featuring Howard Blake’s beautiful Walking in the Air, performed by a live orchestra, this is the perfect Christmas treat for all the family.

Possibly the most famous pantomime of them all , Cinderella at the Hackney Empire this Christmas, has all the ingredients to brighten even the dullest, dampest winter night. Told in traditional pantomime style with comedy, ugly sisters, a beautiful princess & a handsome prince it is sure to make the whole family believe in Fairy Godmothers.

Matilda is the new kid on the block in more ways than one. The stage adaptation of Roald Dahls classic tale of the under-kid with music by the magically maniacal Tim Minchin is set to be the “must have ticket” this winter in London just as it was last year in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

The production, the set the aforementioned music and most importantly the performances by both young and old could have this show extending beyond the seasonal slot it is enjoying at the Cambridge Theatre on Seven Dials. It is already the toast of theatreland and it hasn’t even officially opened yet!

Add to this the discounts coming our way for London hotels just before Christmas and over the holidays, not to mention the lure of the seasonal sales, and you have the perfect winter destination – before it all goes a bit mad in the summer.

Winter Theatre Breaks are available at www.theatrebreaks.co.uk