Holiday Shows Promise Plenty Of Laughter And Thrills

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As Bill Murray’s character Frank Cross so eloquently declared in “Scrooged,” we all act a little nicer, we smile a little easier and we cheer a little more during the holidays. This season, there are plenty of plays, musicals, ballets and concerts to cheer for around town as you celebrate the occasion with the gift of entertainment.

“A Christmas Story: The Musical”

Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Now through January 5

A triple dog dare, a leg lamp and a quest for a Red Ryder BB gun — more than 35 years after its release, “A Christmas Story” continues to resonate with audiences. Now, theater-goers can catch the show live at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia to experience the beloved story in a new way.

Join the bespectacled Ralphie Parker in 1940s Indiana. Along the way, encounter yellow-eyed bully Scut Farkus, young Randy as he shows mommy how a piggy eats, and the other characters who proclaim, “You’ll shoot your eye out.”

Showtimes are 8:00pm Tuesday through Saturday evenings, 12:30pm for Wednesday matinees and Sunday brunches, and 7:00pm Sunday evenings. For tickets, visit www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or call 410-730-8311.

“A Christmas Carol”

Annapolis Shakespeare Company

November 30-December 29

As the Annapolis Shakespeare Company website states, “Charles Dickens’ original story was written to inspire people to give to others less fortunate with a charitable heart. This production, updated for the 2019/20 season, is a perfect way to share the holiday with friends and family.”

For an updated version of a timeless classic, adapted by Sally Boyett and Donald Hicken, plan to see the show. Tickets go from $39 to $59. Go to www.annapolisshakespeare.org or call 410-415-3513 for details.

“Scrooged For Christmas”

Pasadena Theatre Company

December 5-8

This comedic retelling of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens focuses on a self-centered businessman who lacks compassion for his colleagues, subordinates and family members. Is there hope for him? To find out, join Pasadena Theatre Company’s cast of 32 as they take the stage in the humanities building at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold for a five-show run. Shows are at 7:30pm December 5-7 and at 3:00pm on December 7 and 8. General admission is $15. Purchase tickets at www.ptcshows.com.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

Colonial Players

December 5-15

In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids - probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem - and the fun - when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on.

To see a full list of December showtimes, call 410-268-7373 or go to tickets.thecolonialplayers.org.

 

“A Celebration of Christmas”

Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts

December 6

The Annapolis Chorale, the Annapolis Chamber Orchestra, and Artistic Director J. Ernest Green will join forces for an evening of music to get attendees in the holiday mood. Tickets range from $18 to $58. The show starts at 8:00pm. To learn more, or to find details on student discounts, visit www.marylandhall.org.

“The Nutcracker”

Ballet Theatre of Maryland

December 7-8, 14-15

The possibility of dreams and the magic of Christmas merge through young Clara’s adventures to rescue her beloved Nutcracker from the Rat Queen’s evil spell. Audiences are invited to share in the romance, vision and triumph of the show as they rediscover the magic of this timeless holiday tradition through Artistic Director Dianna Cuatto’s award-winning choreography. BTM’s professional dancers will bring these characters to life on December 7, 8, 14 and 15 at Maryland Hall in Annapolis.

Nicole Kelsch, Emily Brennan, Lynne Bellinger and Hayley-Ann Vasco head BTM’s cast as Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy, with Alexander Collen, Jackson Kettell, Chang-Hyun Seo and Mark Andrew McCormack sharing the role of the Nutcracker Prince.

Performances are at 7:00pm on December 7 and 14, and are at 1:00pm and 4:30pm on December 8 and 15.

“I can’t think of a better way to spend the holidays with family or friends than by attending a live performance of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ‘Nutcracker,’” Cuatto said. “This season marks my 16th year of presenting this ‘Nutcracker’ to BTM audiences, and I still get chills whenever I hear Tchaikovsky’s famous overture for the ballet!”

For tickets, go to www.marylandhall.org or call 410-280-5640.

“The Nutcracker”

Chesapeake Ballet Company

December 14-16, 20-22

Here’s another opportunity to witness a Christmas party at Clara's house, as Herr Drosselmeyer gifts her with a Nutcracker. After the guests leave, the magic begins as Clara witnesses a fierce battle between the mice, their Mouse King, and Clara's brave Nutcracker. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince through the magical snow forest to the land of the sweets, where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Showtimes are 1:00pm and 4:00pm at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for children under 12. For more information, visit www.chesapeakeballetcompany.com.

“The Holiday Pops”

The Broadway Tenors And Annapolis Symphony Orchestra

December 13

Tis' the season! The Broadway Tenors join the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra at Maryland Hall to bring the greatest holiday songs to life. With classics like “The Christmas Song” and newer favorites like “All I Want for Christmas is You,” this concert offers the perfect way to make a spirit bright.

The show starts at 8:00pm. Tickets go from $50 to $100. Learn more by calling 410-263-5544 or going to www.marylandhall.org.

 

“An Unexpected Christmas”

Chesapeake Christian Center

December 13-14

Chesapeake Christian Center’s new pastor, the Rev. Jonathan Fuson, and his wife, Missy, will take the lead roles in “An Unexpected Christmas.” The show takes place in an airport terminal where people gather as they wait to return home for Christmas and face an unexpected delay.

Performances are at 7:00pm on December 13 and at 2:00pm and 7:00pm on December 14. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Dinner includes salad, choice of pork loin or stuffed breast of chicken, with curry roasted sweet potatoes and Italian-style green beans.

To learn more, call 410-903-2420.

“Ring In The Holiday 2019”

Talent Machine Company

December 13-15, 19-22

This high-energy production will feature holiday classics with an Annapolis twist. Watch the Talent Machine kids, Rudolf, the elves, Frosty, and Santa’s other North Pole friends in a holiday musical revue. Traditional holiday favorites will be performed as well as some new dance numbers that will delight audiences of all ages. Experience this 25-year Annapolis tradition, performed by a cast of 60 talented children ages 6 to 18. Gracing the stage from Severna Park are Olivia Blake, Anthony and Gianna Dicks, Kate Hibbard, Delainey Parker, and Abby Schemmel. From Pasadena are Aiden Smith and Jasmine Dominiguez-Taco.

Shows will be held at St. John’s College Key Auditorium in Annapolis. Evenings and matinee show times are available. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door, online at www.talentmachine.com, or by emailing the box office at tmcholiday@hotmail.com.

“An Annapolis Christmas”

Annapolis Musicians Fund At Rams Head On Stage

December 16-17

Inspired by the popular holiday album “An Annapolis Christmas” 21 years ago, this event has become a tradition for music lovers who come to see hometown artists performing a mix of original and classic holiday songs. The concert is also a fundraiser for the Annapolis Musicians Fund for Musicians Inc. (AMFM).

The Monday lineup will have Matt McConville, The Geckos, Skribe, Meg Murray and Bryan Ewald, Angie Miller, The Remnants, Doug Segree, Dean Rosenthal, Gary and Leah and Friends, and East is East. Tuesday’s show features Matt McConville, Higher Hands, The Hypnotic Panties, Dan Haas, The Unified Jazz Ensemble, Swampcandy, The Johnny Monet Band and The Big Money Band, Michael K and PJ Thomas, and David Majerowicz.

Both shows start at 7:00pm. Tickets are $42 and are available at www.ramsheadonstage.com.

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