Christmas musicals, stage works right now around the Valley
The worlds of art and literature for generations have come together to add just the right spirit to the season
(Photo provided by TheaterWorks)
TheaterWorks brings the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” back to Peoria for a Dec. 5-21 stage run.
(Photo provided by The Arizona Nutcracker)
The “Arizona Nutcracker,” the only “Nutcracker” ballet performed entirely by dancers ages 3–18, will be on stage at The Madison Center for the Arts on Dec. 20-21.
Editor's note: This article first appeared in Sun Life Magazine, a Daily Independent publication.
Christmas and the arts, both steeped in tradition, go together better than green and red every December.
It’s a union that has given us timeless adaptations of “A Christmas Carol” since Charles Dickens first published his work in 1843, following the cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge who despises everything about Christmas.
Or Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker.” The Russian composer debuted his piece in 1892, based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse-King.”
It wasn’t always the Christmas tradition we know now. Through the 1950s there actually were very few performances outside Russia.
“How times have changed!,” the Los Angeles Philharmonic celebrates. “For several decades since that observation was made, in America ‘The Nutcracker’ has been – and continues to be – the attraction that says Christmas holiday season from sea to shining sea.”
The Valley has its share of “A Christmas Carol” and “Nutcracker” adaptations this month, as well as other holiday works not to be missed on nearby stages.
Pick out your favorite formal Christmas attire and enjoy these performances all around town this month.
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“A Christmas Carol”
When: Dec. 5-21
Where: TheaterWorks, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria
About: Follow Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly businessman who despises Christmas, as he embarks on a transformative journey through past, present, and future with the help of three extraordinary spirits.
“A Christmas Carol: The Musical”
When: Dec. 5-21
Where: Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills
About: Book and Lyrics by Peter J. Hill, music by Jay Melberg, and based on “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.
“A Christmas Carol”
When: Now through Dec. 28
Where: The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
About: On one fateful Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who guide him through his Past, Present, and Future, leading him to discover the true spirit of Christmas.
About: Celebrate the season of joy featuring carols and hymns from various traditions. Guest conductor Lawrence Loh returns to the Phoenix Symphony, joined by the Symphony Chorus and guest artists.
“Sleigh Bells & High Heels: A Holiday Drag Brunch”
When: 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
Where: Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria
About: The queens are back and are bringing holiday sparkle, sass, and style. A jolly good time packed with over-the-top performances, naughty-and-nice surprises, and a brunch that’s anything but basic. 21+ only.
“Sleigh Bells Swing Holiday Spirit”
When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8
Where: Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria
About: A holiday concert that combines the timeless charm of Christmas classics with the vibrant energy of a New Orleans band.
“The Nutcracker”
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9
Where: Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix
About: Performed by International Ballet Stars, the performance features a brand-new set, dazzling cast, and more than 200 exclusive costumes created especially for this production.
Where: Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria
About: Ralphie dreams of the perfect Christmas gift — a Red Ryder BB gun — in this nostalgic, high-spirited holiday musical.
The Mistletones
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10
Where: TheaterWorks, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria
About: A cappella quartet will perform a variety of festive holiday music selections for the Christmas season.
“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas”
When: Dec. 11-21
Where: Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria
About: Holiday sequel to the hit musical “Million Dollar Quartet” seen on the Arizona Broadway Theatre stage in Season 20. Set on Dec. 4, 1956, at Sun Records in Memphis, it reunites rock-n-roll legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for an electrifying holiday jam session.
“Claus and Effect 25: A Tropical Holiday”
When: Dec. 11-21
Where: Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
About: Written and directed by Jean-Paoul Clemente for Order Chaos Theater Company, on the weekend before Christmas Mrs. Claus is ready to spill a few North Pole secrets in this lighthearted holiday romp as Mrs. Claus and her elves trade snowflakes for sunshine in a tropical twist on the season. Playing at the Herberger Theater Center’s Kax Stage.
“The Nutcracker”
When: Dec. 12-27
Where: Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St., Phoenix
About: Celebrate the joy and wonder of the season with Ballet Arizona and Ib Andersen’s “The Nutcracker” as Tchaikovsky’s cherished score is masterfully performed by The Phoenix Symphony.
“The Nutcracker”
When: Friday-Sunday, Dec. 12-14
Where: Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
About: Delight in holiday magic with The Nutcracker presented by Convergence Ballet featuring students from Ballet Theatre of Phoenix.
Where: The Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix
About: DanceMotion Performing Company, based out of Bender Performing Arts in Phoenix, will debut its original holiday ballet “Nikki Claus and Merry Moose, A Holiday Ballet.” The story follows Santa’s daughter, Nikki, and her loyal companion, Merry the Moose, in a heartwarming holiday adventure filled with choreography, storytelling, and a message of love and forgiveness.
“Sleigh Bells Swing, Holiday Spirit with Big Band Soul”
About: Holiday spirit with big band swing combines the charm of Christmas classics with the energy of a New Orleans band.
Arizona Swing Kings
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17
Where: TheaterWorks, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria
About: This 18-piece band presents its holiday show featuring vocalists Vito Maynes and Bridget Maynes with authentic sounds of the swing and jazz eras.
“The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show”
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17
Where: Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix
About: Award-winning comedy icons, writers, actors, and drag queen powerhouses BenDeLaCreme & Jinkx Monsoon are back in town with the acclaimed “The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show.”
“Christmas Greetings Musical”
When: 4 & 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20
Where: Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
About: Musical that follows Millie, a woman who discovers that every Christmas card she opens unlocks a world of imagination, nostalgia, and joy.
Where: The Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix
About: “The Arizona Nutcracker” celebrates 26 magical years with talented dancers, costumes, falling snow, and timeless holiday traditions, bringing families together for an enchanting holiday experience for all ages.
About: A joyous evening of Baroque and classical masterpieces led by Patrick Dupré Quigley. Charpentier’s “Overture to Te Deum” opens the program, followed by Mozart’s “Symphony No. 1” and Adolphe Adams “Cantique de Noël.”
The “Arizona Nutcracker,” the only “Nutcracker” ballet performed entirely by dancers ages 3–18, will be on stage at The Madison Center for the Arts on Dec. 20-21.
(Photo provided by The Arizona Nutcracker)
Steve Stockmar News Editor | Sun Life Magazine & Arts & Entertainment
YourValley.net
Meet Steve Steve Stockmar joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2017, and has been an Arizona journalist for almost 30 years. He serves as editor of Sun Life Magazine and contributes to West Valley communities where he focuses mostly on arts & culture, education, and profiles of neighbors making a difference.
Community: Every season Steve serves as a “buddy” with the Miracle League of Arizona in Scottsdale, has volunteered his time with Family Promise in Glendale, and previously served on the Ghostlight Theatre board in Sun City West.
Education: Graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a Journalism major and English minor.
Random Fact: Steve once won a 50-player live Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament.
Hobbies: Anguishing over his beloved Chicago Cubs and Bears; listening to Beatles and Grateful Dead music.
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