THE PATRIOT LEDGER – It might still be flip-flop weather, but some local arts and entertainment organizations have announced their holiday programming. Here’s a quick dash through the shows:
A merry musical at the Wang
The Tony Award-nominated musical “A Christmas Story,” about a young boy determined to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, will return to the Boch Center Wang Theatre for 16 performances Dec. 7-19. An adaptation of the 1983 film that grew into a cult classic, the show made its Broadway debut at Christmastime in 2012. Based on the writings of radio humorist Jean Shepherd, the musical also features many of the time-honored trappings from the film, including the fish-net adorned leg lamp, the pink bunny suit and the triple dog dare. Tickets for “A Christmas Story” start at $25 at can be purchased at www.bochcenter.org.
Holiday cheer at Emerson Colonial
Emerson Colonial Theatre will reopen in September and will be a hub of holiday entertainment this winter. Giving off a radiant holiday glow, New Orleans-based Lightwire Theater brings its “A Very Electric Christmas” spectacle to Boston for some in-the-dark fun. The troupe, a finalist on “America’s Got Talent,” mixes electroluminescent artistry, poignant storytelling and music ranging from Tchaikovsky to Mariah Carey to deliver a family-friendly holiday show. The lights go out Nov. 27. “Hamilton” Tony winner Leslie Odom Jr.’s “Christmas Tour” takes the stage Dec. 9. Saxophonist Kenny G performs holiday hits Dec. 17. The national touring production of the acclaimed “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” dances into town on New Year’s Day for a pair of performances that merge modern dance moves with Tchaikovsky’s romantic score. Tickets for these holiday shows go on sale at noon July 16. Emerson Colonial Theatre is at 106 Boylston St., Boston; emersoncolonialtheatre.com.
Boston Ballet dances back with ‘Nutcracker’
Boston Ballet will return to live, in-person performances on Nov. 26 with its annual Thanksgiving-to-Christmas run of “The Nutcracker,” the granddaddy of holiday entertainment. Set to Tchaikovsky’s romantic score, the “Nutcracker” ballet is a whimsical Christmas fantasy about Clara, a little girl who flies off to a magical land when her nutcracker doll comes to life. With a full orchestra and featuring members of Boston Ballet, Boston Ballet II and Boston Ballet School students, the production boasts tons of action, bright colors, exciting special effects and a lively pace. It will be onstage Nov. 26 through Dec. 26 at the Citizens Bank Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. Subscriptions go on sale June 21. Single tickets go on sale Sept. 8. For more information, call 617-695-6955 or go to bostonballet.org.
Holiday Pops in Plymouth
Conductor Steven Karidoyanes leads the Plymouth Philharmonic in the orchestra’s annual “Holiday Pops.” Tenor Matthew Anderson and soprano Kristen Watson return to sing holiday classics from Irving Berlin’s Broadway musical “White Christmas,” inspired by the 1954 film starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. The Plymouth Community Intermediate School’s sixth grade chorus will sing “Somewhere in My Memory” by John Williams from the film score to “Home Alone,” and “We Need a Little Christmas” from the Broadway musical “Mame.” Plus, Santa Claus will lead the March of Toys parade. Performances are at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 3 p.m. Dec. 12 at Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., Plymouth; plymouthphil.org.
Plymouth troupe doing Dickens
After canceling last year’s holiday performance (bah humbug!), The Americana Theatre Company is back to present “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play” as its seasonal show. See Charles Dickens’ classic story of greed and redemption come to life as a 1940s radio broadcast. Performance dates and venue are to be announced. For more information, log on to Americana’s website at americanatheatre.org.
A Christmas comedy show
Comedian and filmmaker John Waters (“Pink Flamingos”) is coming to town with his more-naughty-than-nice one-man show, “A John Waters Christmas.” The mirth and merriment gets underway at 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass. Ave., Boston. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased at berklee.edu/BPC.
Three ghosts and a good time
There’s a good reason to drive to Beverly: the 30th annual production of “A Christmas Carol” at the North Shore Music Theatre. The troupe has found the perfect balance of music, special effects and good old-fashioned storytelling in a production that’s become a true, enduring holiday tradition. It will run Dec. 2-23. Tickets start at $28 and can be purchased at nsmt.org.
Living ‘Large’
“A Holiday Show with Storm Large” isn’t your run-of-the-mill “Jingle Bells” Christmas performance. The Pink Martini vocalist from Southboro, who can be seen on the reality singing competition “America’s Got Talent,” is known for her provocative charm, powerhouse vocals and big personality. She’ll spice up the holiday season with her takes on songs including “Hallelujah” and “Sock it to Me, Santa.” The show starts at 8 p.m. Dec. 17 at The Spire Center, 25½ Court St, Plymouth, $40.50; spirecenter.org.
By Dana Barbuto
