ON STAGE
Holiday Showtime In The Big Apple
With the Rockettes high kicking the season into high gear and Scrooge doing his bah-humbugging in traditional and unexpended ways, it’s clear that holiday theatrics are back, rolling onto the theater scene in jolly New York style. So, don ye now your masks bedecked with candy canes, dreidels, snowflakes and Santa’s, it’s time to get down with some razzle-dazzle comfort & joy!
CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR STARRING THE RADIO CITY Rockettes
Boasting “More Rockettes numbers than ever before”—nine to be exact—NYC’s holiday show of shows promises fans and newcomers a wondrous mix of nostalgic and high-tech show-stoppers. From the celebrated dancers’ famous “March of the Wooden Soldiers” to “Snow,” a heart-stopping transformation of Radio City’s Great Stage into a glorious winter wonderland, this annual production will be sparkling from December 5th through January 2nd. Info: rockettes.com
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE…
Cirque du Soleil injects its signature magic into the iconic 1823 Christmas poem vis a vis a merry band of engaging characters and fantastical acts. Expect everything from acrobatics to skating to inspired cavorting, with plenty of giggles along the way. In short, the unabashed enchantment only Cirque can deliver. Performing at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater, the show is a family tradition in the making! December 9th through 27th. Info: msg.com/cirque
A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT
THE MERCHANT HOUSE
After a year away, one of Gotham’s treasured Christmas traditions returns to its Victorian home: downtown’s Merchant’s House Museum. Here candles illuminate vintage décor and holiday flourishes, as Charles Dickens (John Kevin Jones) spins his classic tale of Scrooge’s encounter with three life-altering spirits. Bonus: Every Friday and Saturday through December 18th, and all performances December 21st through 28th, include A Holiday Reception with Mr. Dickens. December 1st through December 31st. Info: summonersensemble.org
JIM HENSON’S
EMMET OTTER’S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS
Jim Henson’s warmhearted 1977 TV special, this New Victory Theater production reunites the residents of Frogtown Hollow as Ma and Emmet Otter selflessly try to make each other’s holiday dreams come true. It’s assured that new generations of kids will fall under the spell of the story, the characters (played by actors and puppets), and the rollicking score by noted songwriter Paul Williams. December 10th through January 2nd. Info: newvictory.org
A SHERLOCK CAROL
In a deliciously clever literary twist, Arthur Conan Doyle’s primary sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, is called into action when Tiny Tim hires him to investigate the suspicious death of Ebenezer Scrooge. Not surprisingly, this new spin on the well-known Dickensian tale unfolds on an eerie Christmas Eve tinged with the supernatural as a trio of ghosts from the past, present and future show up to haunt the investigation. November 11th through January 2nd. Info: asherlockcarol.com
Like Broadway, Off-Broadway productions require proof of vaccination and masks. For theatre-specifics, which may vary, visit individual show websites.
Fame may be fickle or fleeting but climbing (clawing?) your way to the top of the Broadway ladder couldn’t be more awesome than when you’re put through your paces courtesy of Be a Broadway Star! In this showbiz savvy board game, a role of the dice takes you from Acting School through a labyrinth of auditions, expenses, performances, contract renewals, to the ultimate theatrical coup: The Broadway Hall of Fame.
Along the way, Audition Cards may have you singing or dancing your way to coveted Fan Cards, while Agent and Publicist Cards can put a hefty drain on your bank account. And no matter how far ahead you think you are, a bad review can send you back to the rehearsal room or worse, dinner theater!
Breaking News: You can now scoop up the New Holiday Edition Pack as an addendum to the current game. Included in the big buzz mix are White Christmas, Elf the Musical, Annie, Moulin Rouge, Six and American Utopia, as well as other Broadway hits.
Info: beabroadwaystar.com
