The holiday season is upon us, and what could be better than taking a break from the crowds and to-do lists and creating new family memories with a special outing to the theater? It is one gift that will keep on giving as it’ll allow your loved ones to fully be present in the magic of the holidays and to cherish those moments for years to come.
StageBuddy has done the work for you and compiled a list of some of the best and brightest holiday shows around the NYC-area, including MA, PA, NJ, and CT – consider it an early holiday gift!
NYC:
Wishes come true! The beautifully timeless holiday movie It’s A Wonderful Life will be presented by the Chain Theatre, as a radio program for audiences to enjoy -- with the actors bringing the story to life with special music and effects. Artistic director Kirk Gostkowski will take on the role of George Bailey and be joined by a talented cast to continue sharing this classic masterpiece with fans of all ages! Runs December 15-18. Visit www.chaintheatre.org for more info.
Want a dose of reality with your holiday cheer? Blessed Unrest, a local theatre company not afraid to shake things up, presents Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but seeks to do more than just entertain. This innovative company’s production will leave audiences pondering society’s biggest issues and hopefully giving some thought to delivering the best present of all: acceptance and love for mankind. Runs December 21 through January 1. For more information and tix, visit: https://www.blessedunrest.org/
The New York Pops will be returning to Carnegie Hall this December! Get swept up in the holiday magic as Liz Callaway, Ann Hampton Callaway, and Will and Anthony Nunziata take the stage and treat your family to the most beloved sounds of the season. Performances: December 16 and 17. For tickets and information, call CarnegieCharge at 212-247-7800 or visit www.carnegiehall.org. Read our interview with the Nunziata brothers about making their Carnegie debut here.
Fourth Street Theatre offers a thought-provoking take on the holidays through the eyes of a child struggling to find her place in her family structure with Holiday House: Christmas Bends. Feelings of loneliness and confusion plague her existence as she uses her imagination to make sense it all. Runs December 3-23. For info, visit: https://mason.holdings/
Apollo Theater presents The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s production of The First Noel, as part of the “Holidays at the Apollo” programming. This one-of-a-kind musical will spotlight new music along with traditional holiday carols featuring pop, jazz, and gospel influences. Runs December 10-18. For more, visit: https://www.apollotheater.org/firstnoel/
Company XIV's burlesque edition of The Nutcracker, Nutcracker Rouge, is not the kiddie version you're used to! It is, however, the perfect date night pick for parents and couples this season. Runs through January 7. Get tickets at https://companyxiv.com/ and check out our interview with Allison Ulrich, who stars as Marie-Claire, here.
MA:
Berkshire Theatre Group presents the timeless Dickens’ tale, A Christmas Carol, in its historic and charming Colonial Theatre in Western Massachusetts. Runs December 10-22. For more, visit: https://www.berkshiretheatregroup.org/
PA:
For a truly unique event from the Amish Experience Theater, families have to check out the Christmas Journey Magic Lantern Show. Audience members will travel through time to learn what a Victorian Christmas Eve celebration entailed, complete with family stories and traditions. Performances: November 27 through December 31. For more, visit: https://amishexperience.com/magic-lantern-shows/christmas-show/
NJ:
Now in its 46th year, the New Jersey Ballet's Nutcracker will be presented at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, creating a world of fantasy and bliss for fans of all ages to enjoy and will be joined by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Runs December 9-24. Visit: https://www.mayoarts.org/event/nutcracker for more.
CT:
A trio of holiday classics in CT will make your spirits bright!
A Charlie Brown Christmas -- Runs December 10-18.
Elf the Musical Jr. -- Runs December 9-11.
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical -- Runs December 9-11.
