A wonderful organization ! Wholesome, beautiful, festive, celebratory and family friendly. Hi there, Tao here to highlight the Revels Theatre. As a 2025 chorus participant, I have learned so much about early music and the performance of a medieval story as well. The staff is so professional and helpful as well. Highly recommend you to get your tickets soon for the upcoming Mid Winter Revels play *The Fool* It's all about humor and lighthearted fun. Upcoming shows are to be held in the Douglas Morrison Theater in Hayward during the second week of December. Bring your friends and kids ! read more

Ihjave attended performances for many years. It is a very special Yuletide (as opposed to xmas) experience with traditional folk dance, storyline, singing, small gifts for sale in lobby and simple treats available during intermission, audience participation, lots of singing and instrumental music. The company is deeply commited to multicultural performance troupe and content. Fabulous venue on Lake Merritt in Oakland. A treasure of the Bay Area! read more

The Christmas Revels is true old-fashioned holiday magic. This particular production (set in Queenstown, Ireland circa 1906) is wall-to-wall action with Celtic songs; classic holiday tunes; plenty of folk dances; and energetic Irish Step Dancing. Every year, my family and I look forward to this lovely celebration, and days later we are still humming tunes and skipping around with true Revelry in our hearts. If you are looking for an authentic holiday celebration to warm your spirit, look no further then the California Revels! read more

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California Revels had been the centerpiece of my family's holiday celebration for more than 25 years. In our family we celebrate traditions that echo through the ages, not just Christianity and Revels had something for everyone. Alas, all things must change. We miss the Scottish Rite terribly but even made the long drive from San Jose to Revel at the church. We were saddened when Covid took away the opportunity Lord of the Dance with our Revels family. We miss learning about Yule traditions from other times and places. And we are heartbroken that there will be no Revels this year but instead caroling in Berkeley neighborhoods. I am disabled and can't do that kind of walking (or standing lol) and will miss the mummer's play, and Lord of the Dance, and the reading of the Shortest day as we welcome's yule. Brightest blessings to all who do attend and participate in caroling this year. read more

A friend brought me to Christmas Revels more than ten years ago. She's one of those Holiday people - the kind who remember everyone's birthday, decorates her cubicle for every minor celebration. I was apprehensive, especially when we got there and I saw words and music in the programs - we're expected to sing along?! My distress was growing. Also, as a non-Christian who grew up in the Midwest, Christmas is not my favorite holiday. I had apprehension, turning to trepidation, as we wandered into the splendid performance hall. Little children were dressed in button-down shirts and velvet dresses for the occasion, eerily reminding me of "Sunday Best". My friend urged me on, despite the feeling of intruding on someone else's holiday. I'm glad she did. Let me share my friend's secret with all my fellow travelers who don't share the faith aspect of the holiday. Think of Christmas - parties, Santa Claus, light displays, and gifts for children - as an American ETHNIC celebration. The religious apsects of the holiday rightfully belong to the faithful. The Revels is about sharing the joy and the light through the dark winter days, and everyone is welcome and included. The Revels has a different theme each year - usually European, and usually focusing on somewhere in the past eight centuries - but each time you'll learn something new. Winter-solstice traditions were amalgamated into Christmas, the ethnic and traditional given a respectable veneer of the sacred, so they could be continued without being denounced as "pagan". That first year, the Revels helped peel back the layers for me. Instead of Christmas being "theirs", a bit of it could be mine too. I could stand up and hold hands with strangers, and sing a song about dancing away the darkness. I could marvel at a medieval Danse Macabre, where an amazing actor waltzed around the stage with a life-size skeleton puppet. I could listen to the storyteller spin a tale about giants. By the second act I realized I was relaxed and at peace with Christmas, my trepidation forgotten. What an amazing gift! I've been many times since, and now I bring my children. Get your tickets (calrevels.org) in late November and GO. People who love Christmas need no encouragement, so this review is not targeted for them. This warm, welcoming celebration is for everyone, the faithful and the secular, the children (5 and up) and the old, and especially for people who have forgotten how to sing along. It's fun, it's joyful, and you don't want to miss it. read more

The event was raucous in the best way possible. This was my first Revels but I am aware of its traditional presentation and this production absolutely went its own way. The review from Grace P (13 Dec) is spot-on. It includes various traditional elements: Father Christmas, Dickens-era London, several of the traditional greetings and poems/songs, and the oddly compelling mummers and morris dancing. It added (among things not mentioned in Grace P's description) Gulah stick pounding, Capoeira-esque dancing, a hybrid sea monster, and various sea shanties. Everyone on stage looked like they were having a great time. Also, if you cannot or choose not to go physically, there is a video option available. read more

The Christmas Revels has been a part of my life since I was 4 years old. I've gone to more shows than I can remember, and I just keep coming back. It wouldn't be winter without the revels. It's called the Christmas Revels, but really it's about the solstice and yule and all the traditions that come from all over the world to celebrate the turning of the year and to drive away the darkness. Revels creates a sense of community that draws people in. Even just sitting in the audience, you feel like you're a part of this wonderful celebration. It's absolutely amazing, and if you've never been, you're missing out! read more

The California Christmas Revels is a yuletide blend of music, dance, and storytelling fit for the winter solstice it honors. It is both a reflective backward glance toward the past beyond recapture, and a joyous look forward to the dawn of a new year with all its untried possibilities. This year's celebration carries the audience to the midst of the Irish diaspora, to a loading dock in Queenstown 1905 where the emigrating families have gathered for departure to new beginnings in America. The are bringing with them all their musical heritage and Celtic Culture take the opportunity (or time) to share with each other, and us, as they wait (while away the time) until their ship arrives to take them to America. (to take them on board). The plaintive opening notes of Shira Kammen's fiddle and the Wexford Carol lead us back to this bygone era. The families arrive by tram, singing, and we sing with them. The children's games and dances give us energy and hope for the future. Shay Black's masterful storytelling, the hauntingly beautiful harmonies of the Cobh Chorus, the exuberant singalong finale well known to those who have come to the Revels' past productions--all these combine to make a truly magical musical evening not to be missed, a true celebration of the yuletide season with something for everyone. Performances at Oakland's Scottish Rite Temple December 10-19, 2010. Reservations 510-452-8800 or www.californiarevels.org Review by David Hirzel www.davidhirzel.net read more

First if you have never seen this show before I strongly recommend you go, it is well worth it! As a regular though it's no longer for me. I've attended Revels for 11 years without missing a show. The first four to six years they were a five star show, for a while after that they were a three star show, and now they have promise of creeping back up - but for me it is too late and I can't give them more than four stars (and even that is only for their legacy). The people who work this show care about the art they perform, you can see it in the way the present themselves and how they perform, you can see it in the way most of them give honest smiles when they interact with the audience. My issue is the redundancy of the performance. Year after year it is the same thing, yes in the last two years they have tried to add some new things but they show some bits (like the mummers dance) no matter what the theme and some times it just rings false. I love the Norris dancers, but surly they have more in their repertoire than just the two or three things they do. In 2011 they finally mixed it up a bit, but with a year to prepare I would expect more of a difference. Think of wanting to watch them as a marathon, once you were a few in you woulnd't want to continue through with the series. This is why I am breaking tradition and will not be going for a 12th year. Thought there are small parts of the show that still make me smile most of it is now old hat and just not worth the trip, and that makes me really sad. I know people who will continue to go and I hope that in another year or so they will tell me about how the show has been reinvigorated and that I really need to see it again. Until then I'll find something new. Thank you to the cast, out of 11 years you have put out 10 shows that were good as standalone events and about 6 shows that were truly outstanding. read more

Yesterday evening I was mesmerized by the production of "La Sirene". Coming here to read these reviews I am struck by how far this production company has come. What most impressed me was the focus on diversity, equity and inclusion - this production did not just contain euro-centric stories and traditions. In addition it had Caribbean influences, Black drumming, stiltwalking and a whole new set of energy. An entirely refreshed celebration of creativity, performance and reverence for history and tradition. Very worthwhile. read more

Forget the common Nutcracker and sugarplums everybody offers in December. The Christmas Revels event will gently enrobe you with pure Holiday magic and awaken long forgotten childhood memories. Wonderful place to go to with your family! I attended last years performance and fondly remembered my Childhood in Europe. The costumes were great and the songs perfectly chosen. It was obvious that the show is written with knowledge and love as well as performed with true adoration for music and traditions. And you get to sing along! The Scottish rite Center alone is already an architectural gem. Add The Christmas Revels and you will experience a Holiday memory you wont soon forget! I can't wait to attend this years Christmas revelers. It wouldn't be December without it! Let the celebrations begin! read more

Since writing this review, my child had the great good fortune of being part of the cast in last Winter's show. It was an incredible experience for her and our family. She grew tremendously through the season of rehearsals and performances. The Revels has a wonderful community surrounding it, and I feel more even more positively about it since I originally wrote this review. The California Revels had become an integral part of my families holiday tradition. I can't imagine the season without it. The atmosphere draws on ancient traditions, and the annual themes span history and culture. There is reverence for the season and cultural tradition. Talent is drawn from the community with some imports. We always know someone who is performing. The music harks to another era, and the audience is encouraged to join in the song. The stories are captivating, the costumes imaginative and the children's chorus delightful. In recent years we have expanded our family's tradition to create a holiday season, rather than focus on gift giving on a particular day. Attending The Revels is the perfect infusion of Yuletide spirit to connect our very beings to the magic of those longest nights. read more

My last review gave some very harsh criticism of the venue but not the show itself. I'd like to update now that I've seen the show because it's a very happy ending. After I posted here and on Goldstar, I was shocked to receive an offer of comp tickets from the show's producer who felt bad that we weren't able to use our tickets on 12/10 because of the traffic and parking issues. Incredible! I've never had anything like that happen before. It was the nicest gesture. Thank you for that! We finally did see the show on 12/17 and we were not disappointed. The show featured incomparable talent and imaginative production. Bravo!!! We especially loved the audience involvement they've woven into the performance. We laughed, we sang, and we were caught up in the merriment with an entire audience of Yule celebrants. (I say Yule because this is not your average American Christmas pageant - you'll hear new tunes that are really old tunes and see them presented in ways much older than our American heritage.) In all, it was a lot of fun and I can honestly say that we cannot wait to see it again next year! One last note on transportation: We decided to take BART this time, since the weather was again pretty lousy and we didn't want to get stuck in the slow tunnel traffic again. I was surprised to find that it was very easy. We made one simple train change at Macarthur station to the Fremont line and walked a short few blocks from the Lake Merritt station to the theatre. No parking spot to find. No parking cost to bear. Couldn't be simpler! Highly recommended, even in the rain. read more

The Christmas Revels is a fantastic East Bay holiday treat for our family. Let the wild rumpus begin! When my 8 year old heard the band warming up - he said "if the rest of the show is this great, I want to come back a MILLION times!" read more

I count on my annual visit to the Scottish Rites hall to kick off my holidays and, as usual, this year's Revels did not dissapoint. The peformance focused on the music of the British isles, at the turn of the century, and a group of immigrants waiting in Ireland for an English ship--stalled by bad weather-- to take them to America. The costumes were put together with lavish detail and an obvious eye for the styles of that era and the music, singing, and dancing was both evocative and festive: folk tales and Irish step dancing mixed with the bittersweet and the joyous. So don't miss your opportunity to step away from the holiday crazies and slip back in time to celebrate the Winter Solstice and welcome Yule with this talented community of performers. read more

This was the best Christmas event my family did and we did a lot including the Polar Express Train in Sacramento, the Nutcracker, even Disneyland for Christmas! It was perfect this year, the Americana music, perfectly orchestrated, various ages of performers, brought years to my eyes. It was lovely to be in an auditorium with like-minded folks. My favorite part was intermission linking arms and singing "this land is your land". The Scottish Rite Center is perfect setting for this Winter Solstice magical event! Can't wait until next year! read more

Excellent show! The cast beams on stage! The story is charming and witty and this years performance is unlike any other year they've done.

Just saw the current show- it says Christmas Revels but really it was solstice, harking back to earlier traditions. It was lovely and good for all ages. Geoff Hoyle is a master that you don't get to see perform too often, so check it out. The costumes and music were great. The show really moves. read more

This was one of the best Revels yet! What a wonderful story line with great music and interesting dancing (really enjoyed the Shaker dance). With all the tension across the united states concerning political views, it was really nice to see the country united by music and dance in this amazing show. The talent of the cast was, as usual, fantastic. We invited a friend who had never seen the Revels and I think she is hooked. We have now grown to a group of 8 who annually attend the Revels. The Holiday season would not be complete without it! Thanks to all of those wonderful people who made it possible. read more

I loved this years show. Very well written and executed with something for everyone. If they are going to tweak it, I would add a bit more magic, less Abbots Bromley and better mic'ing especially for the children. read more

I've been going to revels for my entire life. It's an integral part of the turning of the year for me. For an hour or two, both the performers and the audience get drawn together into a world of song and celebration. It's an experience like nothing else. read more

Part of my holiday tradition for over 5 years -- looking forward to this year's English manor theme. Reduced prices for kids and seniors, and certain shows on the first weekend. Also usually on Goldstar, It's only performed for two weekends in December, so don't miss it! read more

The 2011 "Arthurian" Revels is a beautiful show! The jewel-toned costumes and charming set stand out this year. Singing and dancing were top-notch, with every bit of excellence one comes to expect at Revels. The added wonderment of live stage magic (Silverman is brilliant as Merlin), a juggling fool, and mumming entirely done by the youth chorus (and one lovable dog) complete the picture. Gentle strength, shining warmth, heroic modesty: this show is Arthur at his very best. read more

Pageantry, comedy, great music and a loving look at holiday traditions worth remembering. What's not to love?

The California Revels has been a tradition with my family for more than 20 years. It's like becoming part of a really big family for the duration of the show - the whole audience is a part of making something magical and celebrating the bringing of the new year. I can't imagine going without it. read more

I am a little biased, as I am part of the Revels organization, but I just wanted to point out that the address shown for Revels is in fact their office on 17th St in Oakland. The performances of the Christmas Revels are at the Scottish Rite Temple, on Lakeside Drive next to Lake Merritt, which is worth seeing inside as an architectural gem in its own right. This coming weekend is the finale for this year, there are shows on Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and early evening, and Sunday afternoon and early evening. Don't miss it, this is not your usual Nutcracker/A Christmas Carol type of show, it is very special. read more

The 2011 Christmas Revels, with its Arthurian theme, could be the best one yet. I loved the splashes of surprising Merlin magic throughout the show. (In real life, the actor who plays Merlin is principal research scientist at Apple, so it's hard to tell where the magic truly ends. Brilliant performance.) The entire cast was superb. King Arthur was wonderful and commanding, as was Queen Guinevere, Sir Gawain, Dagonet, Sir Leodegrance (who has an incredible voice) and more. The Abbots Bromley Dance was breathtaking this year- quiet and very spiritual. We also loved Diana Bowen's performance on harp and the "Buffens" battle dance with swords. Talented young performers. Gorgeous, richly hued costumes and set design. Excellent music as always. The chorus harmonies really filled the beautiful Scottish Rite Center with heavenly spirit. If you've been before, this is one for the memory book. If you've never been to Revels- go! It'll put you in the holiday spirit. I love that the shows don't beat the audience over the head with any particular belief system. It's more of a universal sense of joy and celebration associated with this special time of year. read more

This was our first time at the Revels, and we had no idea what to expect. We were certainly not disappointed! We loved the Arthurian Olde England theme with a fantastic cast of all ages, costumes, sets, singing, dancing, and Merlin's magic were all just wonderful and perfect for the season. There are singalongs and some audience participation that was funny. I encourage parents and grandparents to take children, and others to get into the holiday spirit with Revels! The Scottish Rites Temple's architecture is well worth seeing inside and out. Side seating would have worked. We took balcony seating, but could have been closer at the side with little problem. We parked about 4 blocks away for $5, as the SRTemple lot had been booked. The walk seemed quite safe in daytime, and one can also pop into the huge post office and library nearby, and you can walk along lovely Lake Merritt for a way, too. Second act was a bit slow, needed some magic and better singalong. First act terrific! Highly recommended read more