‘Tis the season to dress up and be cultured – with theatre, dance and music. Here, festive productions that will put the whole family in the holiday spirit.
The timeless story of Scrooge discovering the meaning of Christmas is a timeless holiday favorite, but it’s not what you might expect. “It’s true to the classic story while adding our own fun comedic twist,” said Travis Burbee, associate artistic director of EPIC Players Theatre, New York’s premiere neurodiverse theater company.
Audiences can expect lots of carols and bells, rampant ghosts and original music.
December 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Epic Players Theatre, 410 W. 42nd St.; from $35
Adding to this exciting return of the Tony Award-winning musical to the stage: Whoopi Goldberg joins the cast as Miss Hannigan from December 11 through the end of the series. “I love the theater, and in my mind, there’s no better way to spend the holidays than to be back on stage,” said Goldberg, an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) winner.
This limited engagement marks the first return of this exciting show in a decade.
Throughout January. 5, Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza; from $49
This holiday now reimagines Chanukah classics with fresh jazz-infused tunes and musical twists. The concert, which takes place at the Eldridge Street Museum, a meticulously restored 1887 synagogue, will conclude with the lighting of historic menorahs from the museum’s collection.
Dec. 25, Museum on Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St.; from $15 (includes museum admission).
“The Magic Flute”
Julie Taymor’s family production of this famous opera by Mozart returns to the Metropolitan Opera for 17 performances with colorful sets, costumes and puppets. “The Met’s celebration of Mozart’s classic tale—sung in English and under two hours—is a seasonal delight for audiences of all ages,” said Nicholas Rinehart, the Met’s director of education.
December 12-January. 4, Metropolitan Opera, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza; from $35
Broadway fans will love the New York Pops performance at Carnegie Hall, featuring guest artist Jessica Vosk (soon to appear in Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen). Expect classic songs and contemporary holiday favorites at this concert that rings in the holiday season every year.
“Our annual holiday concert is truly a night full of joy, with surprises and special guests from the North Pole and wonderful music played by 78 of the best musicians in New York,” said Steven Reineke, music director and conductor. “It’s a time when we experience that wonderful feeling of warmth and togetherness.”
December 20 and 21, Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Avenue; from $65
The scene opens in a bleak 1930s-era factory where the only bright color you see are a character’s red and white striped socks. It’s easy to think this show at the New Victory Theater will be somber, but in fact, it’s an energetic circus spectacle presented by Cirque Mechanics. Kids 5 and up will be on the edge of their seats watching these incredibly talented acrobats, jugglers and gymnasts transform their dreary workplace into a festive factory – and pull off some high-flying stunts in the process.
Until December. 29, New Victory Theatre, 209 W. 42nd St.; from $29.
Mad Men: Variations on the Holiday Classic
These reimaginings of Tchaikovsky’s 132-year-old ballet The Nutcracker will leave the whole family spellbound.
“The Nutcracker”
The 35 professional dancers of the Ukrainian Grand Ballet of Kyiv are from the Kyiv State Choreographic College, which was destroyed two and a half years ago during the war with Russia, killing several students.
“The colorful costumes, stunning choreography and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score captivate young and old alike,” said Oleksandr (Alex) Stoianov, troupe co-founder and principal dancer.
Dec. 14, Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Ave; from $39.50.
“Hip Hop Nutcracker”
For one night only, a dozen star dancers, an on-stage DJ and an electric violinist will grace the stage for this upbeat and energetic remix of Tchaikovsky’s 130-year-old ballet “The Nutcracker” conducted and MC’d by Kurtis. Blow, the founding father of hip-hop. Through graffiti and digital footage, she reimagines the history of contemporary New York City.
Dec. 23, Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Ave; from $45.
“nut/cracked”
Choreographed by David Parker, this Bang Group revue features tap, vaudeville, ballet, disco and contemporary dance.
“It features people living out and dancing their holiday fantasies in funny and beautiful ways,” Parker said. “They indulge in guilt-free pleasures like tap-dancing on bubble wrap and pointy shoes, slipping and falling with abandon on winter ice, erecting the perfect Christmas tree, eating bottomless noodles, and generating the most joyous chaos imaginable.”
December 14 and 19, 92Y, 1395 Lexington Ave; from 20 dollars.
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