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Find Christmas Onstage with BroadwayWorld's Holiday Guide 2015!
By: Nicole Rosky Dec. 17, 2015
The holiday season is here at last, and in just weeks, the world will be spreading yuletide cheer by decking the halls, wrapping the gifts and sipping the eggnog. There are plenty of ways to join in the spirit, because for theatre fans, Broadway is everywhere this season... and BroadwayWorld has a complete guide of where to find it!
This year's guide is brought to you by the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The Rockettes® bring all of the joy of the holiday season at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular® presented by Chase. Share unforgettable moments together as you experience the magic of Christmas in New York! Radio City Music Hall® is transformed into a holiday wonderland with Santa spreading cheer to all.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Where: Radio City Music Hall (1260 Avenue of the Americas)When: Now through January 3, 2016
About: The 2015 production features dazzling Rockettes dance numbers, spectacular costumes and state-of-the-art technology. The RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR continues to be enhanced with fresh and dynamic content while preserving what has made the production a beloved holiday tradition. The CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR recently introduced a new finale number called "Snow," which features GPS-enabled snowflakes. This was followed with the debut of the re-imagined "Rag Dolls," a classic dance number that originally debuted in 1940. Santa's enchanted workshop in the North Pole serves as the backdrop for this high-energy tap routine, featuring the Rockettes as rag dolls. The 2015 CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR will feature both of these performances, which take the Rockettes signature technique and athleticism to greater heights, and will join classic performances, including "Living Nativity," which takes audiences on an awe-inspiring journey, and "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," which sets the standard for the Rockettes style of precision dance.
More Info: http://radiocitychristmas.com/
ELF THE MUSICAL
Where: The Theater at Madison Square Garden (4 Pennsylvania Plaza)
When: Now through December 27, 2015About: ELF The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy's enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.
More Info: http://www.theateratmsg.com
A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL
Where: Paper Mill Playhouse (22 Brookside Dr, Millburn, NJ)
When: Now through January 3, 2016About: Based on the popular 1983 film. A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL has a book by Joseph Robinette with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Ralphie wants only one thing for Christmas: an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL is the hilarious account of Ralphie's desperate quest to ensure that this most perfect of gifts ends up under his tree this Christmas. Straight from Broadway‚ this musical captures holiday wonder with such deliciously wicked wit that it is sure to delight children and grown-ups alike. Bring the whole family‚ again and again. The holiday movie that the whole world loves comes to musical life. A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL features a cast of Broadway veterans and amazing young talent.
More Info: http://www.papermill.org/
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
Where: New York City Ballet
When: Now through January 3, 2016About: Tschaikovsky's iconic score transports you to a world of wonder where mischievous mice are foiled by toy soldiers come to life, and a blizzard of ballerinas reveals the enchanting Land of Sweets. This is "the mother of all Nutcrackers" (The New Yorker) - the version that originated a beloved American tradition.
More Info: http://www.nycballet.com
THE HARD NUT
Where: BAM'S Peter Jay Sharp Building (30 Lafayette Ave.)
When: Now through December 20, 2015About: Mark Morris Dance Group's beloved retro-modern reimagining of The Nutcracker-based on E.T.A. Hoffmann's original story and the comic book art of Charles Burns-comes home to BAM for the holidays. A cascade of wit and wintry beauty featuring Morris' lyrical modern dance choreography, this lavish, gender-bent love letter to a classic transplants the story from the straight-laced 1890s to the swinging 70s, with raucous parties, dancing G.I. Joes, whimsical costumes, and a Waltz of the Snowflakes like no other. Tchaikovsky's complete original score, performed live by the 53-piece MMDG Music Ensemble drives this colorful retelling, which playfully preserves the warm spirit of an essential holiday tradition.
More Info: http://www.bam.org
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Where: Bergen Performing Arts Center (30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ)
When: December 20, 2015About: This Theatreworks production is a musical interpretation of the Charles Dickens classic. A Christmas Carol captures both the humorous and touching moments of the classic story with witty dialogue and fresh new songs, conveying Dickens' original message that the holiday season should be a "kind, forgiving, charitable time," a sentiment which still rings true today.
More Info: https://www.bergenpac.org
NUTCRACKER ROUGE
Where: Minetta Lane Theatre (18 Minetta Lane)
When: Now through January 17, 2016About: NUTCRACKER ROUGE is a sparkling reimagining of the beloved Nutcracker tale told with erotic, sensual and opulent flair. From award-winning director/choreographer Austin McCormick comes a baroque-burlesque confection of theatre, dance, music, circus, opera, fashion and sumptuous design. Enjoy a libation as you immerse yourself in a hedonistic display of gorgeous and decadent winter entertainment in this thrillingly unique fusion of nightlife and theatre. The show contains partial nudity - 16 & over admitted.
More Info: http://companyxiv.com/nutcracker-rouge/
Norm Lewis Wishes You a Swingin' Christmas
Where: Feinstein's/54 Below (254 W 54th St.)
When: December 20-24, 2015
About: Norm Lewis Wishes You a Swingin' Christmas is an all-new show that will help you ring in the holidays and remind you why he is one of Broadway's greatest singers and most sought-after leading men. Norm and his swingin' band put a mark on holiday classics, sing some of the songs he is famous for, and surprise you with some you would never expect to hear him sing.
More Info: http://54below.com/artist/norm-lewis/
Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso & Billy Stritch In A Swingin' Birdland Christmas
Where: Birdland (315 W 44th St.)
When: December 21-25, 2015
About: This is the sixth year of "A Swinging Birdland Christmas," starring Birdland regulars Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch. In the tradition of beloved seasonal specials, Blackhurst, Caruso and Stritch will perform swinging arrangements of" Christmas Waltz," Kay Thompson's "Holiday Season," "Sleigh Ride," and "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm," "Snow," and "It Happened In Sun Valley" among other favorites. The singers will be joined by Steve Doyle on bass and Daniel Glass on drums.
More Info: http://www.birdlandjazz.com
The 8th Annual Joe Iconis Christmas Spectacular
Where: Feinstein's/54 Below (254 W 54th St.)
When: December 18-19, 2015
About: A New York City Twisted Holiday Tradition - now in its eighth year! Joe Iconis and his merry band of musical theater punks are proud to bring their insane celebration of all things red and green to Feinstein's/54 Below! Directed by John Simpkins and produced by Jennifer Ashley Tepper, this wild yuletide explosion is part rock concert, part theater piece, and part theme park attraction come to life. Featuring brand new holiday songs, old favorites, a huge cast of musical theater all-stars, tiny elves, enormous reindeer, an inebriated Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and more whiskey-fueled shenanigans than you can shake a candy cane at, it promises to be the hap-hap-happiest holiday hoedown ever seen on stage.
More Info: http://54below.com/artist/joe-iconis-family/
Where: Feinstein's/54 Below (254 W 54th St.)
When: December 20-30, 2015
About: Come celebrate a true miracle on 54th Street this holiday season! Michael Feinstein, the acclaimed Emmy and Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling entertainer proudly welcomes everyone to the newly-renamed Feinstein's/54 Below for his annual holiday engagement. The New York Times hailed Michael's show "as much a Christmas season ritual as catching the Rockettes at Radio Music Hall or visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree."
More Info: http://54below.com/artist/michael-feinstein/
CHRISTMAS CAROL COCKTAILS
Where: The Elektra Theatre (300 West 43rd Street)
When: Saturdays through January 2, 2016
About: It's the morning after Scrooge's spectral visits, and our hero is determined to celebrate Christmas by throwing a party "just like old Fezziwig!" However, he realizes he has no idea how to go about the thing, and the libations prove particularly puzzling. Summoning Marley back for some additional help, they depart on another trip through time and space - with acapella accompaniment! - to mix cocktails past, present, and future under the expert tutelage of three Christmas Spirits. Discover the stories behind our most cherished holiday drinks of days-gone-by, sample cutting-edge molecular cocktails of holidays yet-to-come, and learn how to make today's hottest beverages for your very own seasonal celebrations. After this epic and edifying journey, Scrooge is again returned to his chambers, this time not only wanting to keep Christmas but also knowing how. He's now ready to throw the best Christmas party London has ever seen - and you will be, too!
More Info: http://imbible.org/
THE ASTONISHING TIMES OF TIMOTHY CRATCHIT
Where: The Workshop Theater (312 West 36th Street)
When: Now through December 19, 2015
About: Twelve years after the close of A Christmas Carol - Timothy Cratchit - now 19 - leaves the home of his benefactor, Ebenezer Scrooge, in order to find his place in the world. On his path he encounters many trying, eye-opening and comical situations, but it is with the magnificent stage clown, Grimaldi, and his troupe of lively performers that he discovers his true identity.
More Info: http://www.workshoptheater.org
A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES
Where: DR2 Theater (103 East 15th Street)
When: Now through January 3, 2016
About: On that legendary "Snowy Christmas Day" songs are sung, cakes are gobbled up, ghost stories are
whispered, and wild Indians roam the City Park! While the uncles, stuffed with pudding, nap and bellow on the parlor couch. . .
More Info: http://www.irishrep.org
A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT THE MERCHANT'S HOUSE
Where: The Merchant's House Museum (29 East 4th Street)
When: Now through December 24, 2015
About: In December 1867, Charles Dickens arrived in New York City for a month of sold-out performances of his beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Join Mr. Dickens, portrayed by actor John Kevin Jones, as he tells his timeless Christmas tale in the elegant intact Greek Revival parlor of the landmark 1832 Merchant's House Museum. Surrounded by 19th century holiday decorations, flickering candles, and richly appointed period furnishings, audiences will be transported back 150 years in this captivating one-hour performance created from Dickens' own script.
More Info: http://merchantshouse.org/christmascarol2015/
OUR FRIENDS THE ENEMY: THE 1914 CHRISTMAS TRUCE
Where: The Lion Theatre (410 West 42nd Street)
When: Now through December 20, 2015
About: The Western Front, Christmas 1914. British and German soldiers stop their fighting, emerge from their trenches and meet between the firing lines. The events that follow are the most astounding stories of the Great War told through the eyes of one soldier. Private James Boyce takes us on a magical, haunting journey through the remarkable Christmas Truce.
More Info: http://www.theatrerow.org/lionnowplaying
PLAID TIDINGS
Where: The York Theatre Company (619 Lexington Ave.)
When: Now through December 27, 2015
About: THE HEAVENLY PLAIDS ARE BACK IN A BRAND NEW SHOW! For the first time in New York, our favorite foursome returns to put on yet another posthumous performance to bring harmony to our troubled world (they get to sing with Perry Como-on stage!), with a holiday special,Plaid Tidings. They are bringing back holiday classics with a Forever Plaid twist- such as "Jingle Bells," "'Twuz The Night B4...," and "The Dreidel Song" while filling the night with general hilarity. Sprinkled among their holiday offerings are audience favorites like their riotous three-minute version of "The Ed Sullivan Show"-this time featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks, the Vienna Boys Choir, and a Plaid Caribbean Christmas which puts the "Day-O" in "Excelsis!"
More Info: http://www.yorktheatre.org/plaid-tidings.html
THE 3 BEARS HOLIDAY BASH
Where: The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre (79th Street and West Drive)
When: Now through December 30, 2015
About: The Three Bears Holiday Bash is a variety show that celebrates the holiday season in song, dance and puppetry. This production quickly becomes a comedy of errors when Baby Bear invites Santa to star in Mama and Papa Bear's annual holiday show. The audience also gets to join in on the fun with a "12 days of Christmas" sing-a-long during the performance! Written and directed by the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre's longtime Artistic Director, Bruce Cannon, The Three Bears Holiday Bash draws from the stories of Hanukkah, The Night Before Christmas, and Kwanzaa, making it a great way to get into the holiday spirit!
More Info: http://www.cityparksfoundation.org
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