By Karen Isaacs
You’ll need more than the twelve days of Christmas to take in all the holiday theater, music, and dance local arts groups are offering up this year. Besides the old favorites, you can also see some brand-new works, as well as what I call “variations on a theme.”
The New
Scrooge & Marley is a world premiere at the Legacy Theatre from Wednesday, Dec. 3, through Sunday, Dec. 14. Artistic Director Keely Baisden Knudsen used the book Jacob T. Marley as inspiration for this story about how the young Marley met Scrooge, they became business partners, and developed their miserly behaviors. The cast features Allison Miller, who starred in the TV series A Million Little Things, as the Ghost of Christmas Past and Mrs. Cratchit. Dan Frye is Scrooge, and Chris Lemiuex is Marley. Tickets are available at LegacyTheatreCT.org.
Classic radio shows, particularly The Grand Old Opry, are the inspiration for the original Ivoryton Playhouse holiday show, Playhouse Holiday Jamboree, created by Katie Barton and Ben Hope. The family-friendly show blends family stories, folk tales, traditions, and even recipes, with music – from fiddle breaks to rich vocal harmonies. The music includes traditional holiday songs. It runs from Thursday, Nov. 20, to Sunday, December 21. You can get tickets at IvorytonPlayhouse.org.
New to Connecticut is All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 at West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park. On Christmas Eve in 1914, the first Christmas during WWI, it is said that German and British soldiers put down their guns and met in No Man’s Land to celebrate the holiday. The show not only recreates that event but also other events from that war, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. It runs from Friday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 21. This may not be the best show for pre-teens. Tickets are available at PlayhouseonPark.org.
Goodspeed’s production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is almost sold out, despite being extended to Wednesday, Dec. 31. The show is based on the movie, which starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen. BUT it is different from the film, although the plot is basically the same. Expect lots of great dancing and wonderful Irving Berlin tunes. The movie and the show are known for the spectacular final scene. If you are lucky, you might snag a ticket at Goodspeed.org.
Old Favorites
Hartford Stage’s production of A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas has been enchanting audiences since 1988, with a brief pause during Covid. Adapted and directed by Michael Wilson, former Hartford Stage artistic director, it regularly sells out. Giuseppe Jones takes over as Scrooge, succeeding Allen Gilmore, but many of the cast are returning, including Noble Shropshire as Marley and Rebecka Jones as Christmas Past. Once again, ghosts will fly. The show runs from Saturday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Dec. 28. Tickets are available at HartfordStage.org. A sensory-friendly performance is on Saturday, Dec. 6, an open-captioned performance on Sunday, Dec. 7, and an audio-described performance on Saturday, Dec. 13; all are matinees. For tickets or information, visit HartfordStage.org.
Christmas on the Rocks has become a holiday favorite in Connecticut. The show is at TheaterWorks-Hartford from Tuesday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Dec. 21. Richard Kline will return as the Bartender, as will Jen Cody as the Woman. Mattew McGloin will make his debut this year as the Man. In a rundown bar on Christmas Eve, the bartender is surprised by a parade of guests – children from favorite Christmas specials and movies – now all grown up. In a series of short comic scenes, they pour out their woes to the patient bartender. As usual, director Rob Ruggiero promises surprises – perhaps a new scene, the return of an old favorite, and some rewrites. This is more appropriate for teens and adults. Tickets are at TWHartford.org.
Right up there with A Christmas Carol, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is a classic Christmas story. You have at least three different productions to choose from, most featuring guest dancers from major companies as the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
New Haven Ballet is offering four performances of its Nutcracker at the Shubert Theatre, from Friday, Dec. 12, through Sunday, Dec. 14. Harrison Coll and Sara Adams of the New York City Ballet will guest as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Tickets are at Shubert.org.
Kaitly Casey and Daniel Durrett of the Boston Ballet are the guest artists for the Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s Nutcracker, which is set in New London in the 1859s. The set includes tall ships in port, lighthouses, and a sea captain’s Victorian home. Performances are Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Garde Theatre in New London. For tickets, visit GardeArts.org.
Connecticut Ballet will perform in both Stamford at the Palace and Hartford at the Bushnell on the weekends of December 13-14 and 20-21. Live music will be provided by the Hartford Symphony. The principal dancers hail from the New York City Ballet, the Philadelphia Ballet, and the American Ballet Theatre. Tickets are on sale at either PalaceStamford.org (Dec. 13-14 performances) or Bushnell.org (Dec. 20-21 performances).
Variations on a Theme
The classic Dickens’ story has engendered multiple iterations. This year, the Legacy Theatre is presenting a new play, Scrooge and Marley.
Actor Dick Terhume has created a one-man performance of the classic; he plays thirty characters from the novel in the solo performance show. Watch him transform from Scrooge to the ghosts to Marley. It’s at Waterbury’s Palace Theater on Sunday, Dec. 7. PalaceTheaterCT.org has information and tickets.
What if Sherlock Holmes is asked to investigate Scrooge’s death? The adult Tiny Tim thinks Scrooge was murdered. That’s the premise of A Sherlock Carol, making its third appearance at Westport Country Playhouse. It is a delight as Tiny Tim appeals to Holmes; the result is a sequel to the Dickens story. The audience will delight in the subtle references to the Sherlock Holmes stories as well. Yes, Holmes will say “the game’s afoot.” Tickets are at WestportPlayhouse.org.
Another one-man telling of A Christmas Carol is at Shelton’s Center Stage Theatre. Tom Simonetti of Valley Shakespeare Festival will play 25 characters. It is on Thursday, Dec. 11. Contact CenterStageShelton.org for additional information.
Music, Music, Music
The New Haven Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Chelsea Tipton, II, brings its Holiday Extravaganza to three locations this season. Under the direction of the ebullient Tipton, the Pops Orchestra features favorites, a carol sing, and Santa as a special guest. Students from New Haven, West Haven, and Shelton High Schools will perform. It’s at West Haven High School on Friday, Dec. 19, Shelton High School on Saturday, Dec. 20, and New Haven’s Woolsey Hall on Sunday, Dec. 21. Tickets are available through NewHavenSymphony.org.
Four cabaret nights are scheduled for the O’Neill Theatre Center in Waterford, in their second annual Winter Cabaret Series, programmed by John McDaniel. It opens on Thursday, Dec. 11, with Tony-winner Matt Doyle featuring songs from his album Make the Season Bright. Friday, Dec. 12, will feature Aisha de Haas in Musical Musings, followed on Saturday, Dec. 13, by award-winning cabaret artist Mark Nadler in You Better Watch Out! The series concludes with McDaniel and Mary Callanan in That Holiday Feeling! on Sunday, Dec. 14. Tickets are available at TheONeill.org.
MTC in Norwalk is featuring two Holiday cabarets. On Friday, Dec. 12, Mia Scarpa is bringing her Home for the Holidays solo show – an evening of songs, stories, laughter, and nostalgia. The following week, Friday, Dec. 19, A Festive Friday features Frank Mastrone and friends in an evening of holiday favorites and Broadway favorites. Tickets are at MusticTheatreofCT.com/holiday-cabaret-2025.
In Hartford, TheaterWorks’ Living Room Concert Series presents Christmas Kisses with Briana Maia on Monday, December 8. This series features intimate concerts that showcase both local musicians and visiting artists. Tickets are at TWHartford.org.
Engelbert Humperdinck is at New Haven’s Shubert Theatre on Monday, Dec. 15, with his A Winter World of Love show. It features not only some of his classic hits but also holiday favorites. Visit Shubert.com.
If you loved Riverdance or the PBS series Ireland with Michael, the host of that show, Michael Londra presents A Celtic Christmas on Friday, Dec. 19, at the Shubert Theatre. It features traditional Irish carols, Gaelic version of popular Christmas hits and his own carol, “Beyond the Star.”
Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury is presenting The First Noel – A Christmas Cabaret on Friday, Dec. 12 and 19. It promises an evening of music, laughter, and holiday joy featuring performers well-known to Seven Angels audiences.
Also at Seven Angels is A Fortier Family Christmas on Wednesday, Dec. 17. This celebration of the holiday features the father-and-children trio. Tickets for both are at SevenAngelsTheatre.org.
Special for Children
Introduce kids to the magic of ballet. The Connecticut Ballet is offering a special condensed performance of The Nutcracker, an hour and 15 minutes on Friday, Dec. 19, at the Bushnell. Contact ConnecticutBallet.org for information and tickets.
Are the villainous Krampus trying to take down Santa? Will Rudolph and Dasher and the elves save Christmas? The answers are in Santa Story 3 at Bridgeport’s Downtown Cabaret Theater. It is a favorite for younger children. You sit at tables and can bring your own food and beverages, and no one objects if the kids walk around or squirm. The cast features many young people. Santa Story 3 is the new show this year, running from Saturday, Nov. 29 to Sunday, Dec. 28. Don’t worry, you don’t have to have seen Santa Story 1 & 2 to thoroughly enjoy this one. Book your tickets or get more information at dtcab.com.
Winter Wonderland – A Family Friendly Experience is at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury, December 13-14 and December 20-21. This is a one-hour show that includes meeting Santa, hot cocoa, and Christmas characters who have come to life.
Excursions
If you want something more interactive, three possibilities come to mind: the Essex Steam Train, the Shoreline Trolley Museum, and Mystic Seaport.
The popular Polar Express is sold out at the Essex Steam Train (check next summer for tickets), but there is still the Santa special daytime train excursion. The decorated vintage railway cars travel alongside the Connecticut River. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit every child. Breakfast with Santa isn’t held on the train but at the historic Witch Hazel Works Building. It features a story time with Santa, a breakfast buffet, Mrs. Claus with her sugar cookies, and a surprise visit from Rudolph. Each table has a special moment with Santa. Tickets are at EssexSteamTrain.com.
The Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven offers two special events designed for kids. Next Stop: Santa! runs weekends from Saturday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 21, featuring a ride on a heated holiday-decorated trolley with Santa on board. On Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13, and 20, there’s a Pancake Breakfast with Santa; Santa visits everyone, then you can finish the morning with a trolley ride. Tickets are limited; visit ShorelineTrolley.org.
The Lantern Light Village at Mystic Seaport takes you back to Christmas in the 1880s, replete with horse-drawn carriages, music on the historic whaleship the Charles W. Morgan, seasonal crafts and even the ghosts from A Christmas Carol. Interpreters are there to explain holiday traditions at that time. Learning history was never so much fun. For tickets, visit MysticSeaport.org. It is open Fridays and Saturdays from Dec. 5.
NYC
The Big Apple is magical at the holidays – the tree in Rockefeller Center, the store windows, and the Christmas markets – with one even in Grand Central Station. Another is at Columbus Circle, and a third is behind the Public Library on 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue.
Six years ago, The Christmas Carol, in a production adapted by Jack Thome and directed by Matthew Warchus, blew me away. It has been an annual production in London since 2017. Though it was supposed to do the same on Broadway, Covid and other things got in the way. Now it is back, in an off-Broadway production which is more like the London production, with the audience surrounding the stage. It’s at the Perelman Performing Arts Center near the World Trade Center. It runs from Sunday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Jan. 4. Tickets are available at PACNYC.org.
One of the hits of the season is The New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker, choreographed by George Balanchine. It’s at Lincoln Center; watching the tree rise on that very large and tall stage is spectacular.
Also at Lincoln Center is Amahl and the Night Visitors, an opera by Gian Carlo Menotti, that was first performed on television. It runs Tuesday, Dec. 16, through Sunday, January 4.
The Christmas Show at Radio City, featuring the Rockettes, is a must-see experience for everyone. They are still doing their famous toy soldier routine; their synchronization is the best, and the nativity tableau features live animals.
When you go to see the tree at Rockefeller Center – a must – don’t miss the light show provided by Saks Fifth Avenue directly across the street. It took a hiatus last year, but it is back and always spectacular.
With so much going on, pull out your calendars and start planning now.
This content is courtesy of Shore Publications and Zip06.com
