Opening Night at the Commonweal Theatre: Make It a Lanesboro Holiday Getaway
On Saturday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m, opening night excitement returns to downtown Lanesboro with The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley, a festive holiday comedy filled with wit, romance, unexpected drama, and the spirit of forgiveness.
Written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon and directed by Craig Johnson, the play transports audiences into the world of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. At the grand estate of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, Christmas celebrations are underway upstairs while the household servants keep everything running smoothly downstairs. But holiday harmony quickly unravels when Lydia's troublesome husband, Mr. Wickham, arrives uninvited, intoxicated, and ready to stir up trouble.
As secrets emerge and loyalties are tested, the worlds of upstairs and downstairs collide in a heartwarming holiday tale about class, second chances, and the generosity of forgiveness. A witty companion to Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, this festive production offers plenty of laughter, a little mischief, and a reminder of what matters most during the holidays.
Get tickets to The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley →
A Perfect Excuse for a Holiday Night Out in Lanesboro
Opening night at the Commonweal is more than just a performance. It's a community celebration and a chance to experience live professional theatre in the heart of downtown Lanesboro.
Before the show, make an evening of it. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, browse downtown shops and galleries for unique holiday gifts, or take a stroll along Parkway Avenue as the holiday season approaches. With the Commonweal Theatre located right downtown, it's easy to combine a night at the theatre with the dining, shopping, and welcoming atmosphere of Lanesboro.
And on opening night, the experience traditionally continues after the curtain falls with a special reception. Guests can meet the cast, enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres, and celebrate the opening of the show with fellow theatre-goers. It's a chance to linger a little longer, share favorite moments from the performance, and enjoy the festive atmosphere that makes opening night at the Commonweal so memorable.
Opening night carries that extra spark: the buzz of the audience, the excitement of the cast and crew, and the feeling of being part of something special.
Come for the Show, Stay for the Weekend
November marks the beginning of a wonderful time to visit Lanesboro. The pace of the season begins to slow, local businesses prepare for the holidays, and downtown's historic storefronts offer an inviting setting for a relaxing getaway.
Make it a weekend by booking a stay at one of Lanesboro's historic inns, hotels, B&Bs, cabins, or vacation rentals. Spend an afternoon browsing galleries, discovering locally made gifts, enjoying a leisurely meal, or exploring the beauty of Bluff Country before returning downtown for an evening of theatre.
There's something especially appealing about stepping away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season for a weekend of good food, unique shops, comfortable accommodations, and a live performance that brings a little Christmas spirit to the stage.
Can't Make Opening Night? Make It a Holiday Theatre Getaway
Opening night on Saturday, November 14, is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season, but if you can't make it, there are plenty of opportunities to experience The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley throughout November and December.
In fact, the holiday festivities in Lanesboro are just getting started!
On Saturday, November 28, downtown comes alive for Experience the Magic of Lanesboro, a festive celebration featuring holiday shopping, cookie decorating, wagon rides, visits with Santa, and activities for the whole family. That same weekend, visitors can enjoy the dazzling Legion Lights display at Sylvan Park, with thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays illuminating the holiday season.
And there's more holiday fun to come! The Lanesboro Holiday Dinner Dance on December 5 offers another reason to plan a festive visit, while downtown shopping, seasonal dining, and holiday lights make Lanesboro an inviting destination throughout the season.
With The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley running through December 21, visitors have plenty of opportunities to pair a performance with the sights, sounds, and traditions of the holidays in Bluff Country.
Whether you come for opening night or choose a weekend filled with holiday festivities, a night at the Commonweal makes a wonderful centerpiece for a seasonal getaway.
Plan Your Holiday Theatre Getaway
Whether you're a longtime Commonweal fan, a Jane Austen enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable way to celebrate the season, opening night of The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley is the perfect excuse to plan a trip to Lanesboro.
Grab your tickets, book your stay, and make Saturday, November 14, a holiday night out in Lanesboro, complete with live professional theatre, downtown dining, an opening night celebration, and a little Christmas magic.
Can't make opening night? Choose another performance and make a festive weekend of it with holiday shopping, twinkling lights, and seasonal celebrations throughout Lanesboro.
Plan your visit: Find places to stay, dining and shopping, upcoming events, and more at Lanesboro.com.
Purchase tickets: Visit the Commonweal Theatre website for tickets, performance dates, and show information.