10 shows to celebrate the holidays

The hustle and bustle of the holidays isn’t solely reserved for the nearest department store. After all, an appealing of array of holiday-themed productions catering to traditional fare, alternative fare and family-friendly fare are heading your way. From charming musicals and elegant ballet to soaring rock opera and an edgy one-man comedy, here are 10 shows to keep in mind.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Nov. 2-Dec. 31, 2016, La Comedia Dinner Theatre

La Comedia Dinner Theatre presents a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, a moving story of forgiveness, friendship and redemption concerning miser Ebenezer Scrooge. The production includes the organization’s traditional rendering of “O Holy Night.”

Tickets: Adults: $57-$73; Children (11 and under): $30. Call (937) 746-4554 or 1-800-677-9505 or lacomedia.com

ELF – THE MUSICAL

Nov. 22-27, 2016, Schuster Center

Based on the popular 2003 film of the same name starring Will Ferrell, “Elf – The Musical” tells the kooky story of Buddy, a young orphan child mistakenly transported back to the North Pole. His size and toy-making abilities proving problematic, Buddy, with Santa’s permission, is sent to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. This national tour, which previously starred Dayton native and Wright State University graduate Matt Kopec as Buddy, is a special Star Attraction courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association.

Tickets: $30-$97. Call (937) 228-3630 or ticketcenterstage.com

CHILDREN OF EDEN

Nov. 25-26, 2016, Victoria Theatre

Dare to Defy Productions presents Stephen Schwartz and John Caird’s tuneful, thought-provoking musical. As familiar tales from the Book of Genesis leap forth concerning Adam, Eve, Noah and others, themes of family, faith, loss, regret and hope deeply resonate. Songs include “The Spark of Creation,” “Lost in the Wilderness,” “In Whatever Time We Have” and “Let There Be.”

Tickets: $23.50-$53.50. Call (937) 228-3630 or ticketcenterstage.com

THE LITTLEST ANGEL

Dec. 2-3, 2016, University of Dayton Kennedy Union Boll Theatre

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s production of Charles Tazewell’s 1946 tale of giving, humility and sacrifice is back by popular demand for the third consecutive season. New this year is the Angel Café, an opportunity for guests to create a pair of angel wings, decorate holiday cookies and meet the dancers. Angel Café is offered for an additional $10 per ticket.

Tickets: $25-$45. Call (937) 228-3630 or ticketcenterstage.com

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA: THE GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS EVE

Dec. 3, 2016, Wright State University Nutter Center

The musical and audio visual extravaganza Trans-Siberian Orchestra, one of the world’s biggest rock acts, presents a rock opera concerning a runaway who breaks into an abandoned vaudeville theater on Christmas Eve. While seeking shelter, the teen is discovered by the theater’s caretaker who uses the ghosts and spirits from the building’s past to turn her life around. The score includes “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24,” “Good King Joy” and “Christmas Canon.” The tour also consists of an all-new second set containing some of the troupe’s greatest hits and crowd-pleasers.

Tickets: $40-$73. Visit ticketmaster.com

THE SANTALAND DIARIES

Dec. 8-17, 2016, Loft Theatre

Crumpet is back! Human Race Theatre Company resident artist Tim Lile takes another walk on the bad side in David Sedaris’ naughty comedy concerning a disgruntled Macy’s elf attempting to navigate hectic holiday chaos. Thanks to Lile’s comedic timing and Sedaris’ knack for filling Crumpet’s misadventures with witty irreverence, this special engagement could repeat its 2015 sold-out success.

Tickets: $24. Call (937) 228-3630 or ticketcenterstage.com

HOMETOWN HOLIDAY

Dec. 9-10, 2016, Schuster Center

The second Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra SuperPops concert of the season embraces an uplifting tone with “Hometown Holiday.” Taking a cue from Perry Como’s rendition of the 1954 classic “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays,” the concert notably gathers choirs and choruses from around the region. In addition to the DPO Holiday Festival Chorus, audiences will be treated to jazz/rock ensemble Felita LaRock and Moment’s Notice. Selections overall will consist of an array of memorable and sacred music of the Christmas season.

Tickets: $29-$79. Call (937) 228-3630 or ticketcenterstage.com

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

Dec. 15-18, 2016, Sinclair Community College

An awkward tree in need of a little love, a heartwarming Biblical recitation putting a school play into perspective, and the breezy music of jazz master Vince Guaraldi are some of the familiar elements fueling Sinclair Community College’s production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” for the third consecutive season. Based on the popular 1965 TV special of the same name, this adorable look at Charles M. Schulz’s iconic characters grappling with the meaning of Christmas promises big laughs, touching sentiments, and a lot of snow.

Tickets: $8. Call (937) 512-2808 or sinclair.edu/tickets

THE NUTCRACKER

Dec. 16-23, 2016, Schuster Center

Dayton Ballet’s sparkling annual holiday tradition tells the story of precocious Clara and her whimsical adventures in the Land of Sweets as choreographed by Dayton Ballet artistic director Karen Russo Burke. Also, Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous music will once again be performed by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Neal Gittleman. Striking costumes by Lowell Mathwich and attractive sets by Ray Zupp (who recently created luminous set and costume designs for Dayton Ballet’s “Dracula: Bloodlines”) are added delights.

Tickets: $21-$72. Call (937) 228-3630 or ticketcenterstage.com

URBAN NUTCRACKER

Dec. 16-17, 2016 Dayton Playhouse

SMAG Dance Collective, a contemporary fusion dance troupe, restores its holiday production of “Urban Nutcracker.” Spearheaded by SMAG founder/artistic director Michael Groomes, the concert is a non-traditional, urban-infused take on the classic story such as the incorporation of Mama Blackberry (Sugar Plum Fairy) and the Blackberry Club (Land of Sweets). Guest artists scheduled to appear include dancers from Redemption Dance and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company in addition to actor William “Kip” Moore and belly dancer Deniz Miller.

Tickets: Adults: $15; Seniors/students: $10. Visit smagdance.org

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