In the mood for a holiday show? 'The Nutcracker,' 'Elf' and more on metro Phoenix stages
The holiday season is here and so are the shows that celebrate.
For "Nutcracker" fans, there are several choices available. Those with kids can see Childsplay's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" or Arizona Broadway Theater's "Elf." And for those who want to sit down for an evening, or afternoon, of chorale music, the Phoenix Boys Choir and Phoenix Chorale can hit the spot.
If you're in the mood for a soulful rendition of Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity," the Black Theatre Troupe has brought back the show for that group's 50th anniversary.
Several theaters and venues have COVID-19 protocols in place. Make sure to check the website for mask and vaccine safety measures.
Ana María Ruimonte's Noche de Paz
Join Ana Maria Ruimontes, renowned Spanish soprano of the Spanish National Chorus and Royal Theater of Madrid, who will perform at St. Mary's Basilica on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. The concert will feature a program of Spanish villancicos (Christmas songs) from the 19th century that share the Christmas soul of Spanish families throughout history.
Details: Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Saint Mary's Basilica, 231 N. 3rd St. Phoenix. Tickets: $15, $10 for children and seniors. nochedepaz.eventbrite.com.
'13 Days of Christmas'
Join Fountain Hills Theater for a musical show of 13 holiday tales that feature Christmas songs new and old. A performance made for the whole family, "13 Days of Christmas" includes everything from the simple moment of cutting down a Christmas tree to spying into Santa’s Christmas plans. The show is the work of Fountain Hills Theater’s artistic director, Peter J. Hill.
Details: Through Dec. 19. Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. Tickets: $18-$35. 480-837-9661, https://fhtaz.org/
'Black Nativity'
Black Theatre Troupe is celebrating its 50th anniversary season. The latest production, "Black Nativity," the legendary holiday show by Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes, will be in Phoenix from Dec. 3-19. A conglomeration of singers, actors, dancers and musicians from the Black Theatre Troupe, the song-play show will feature gospel choruses, soloists and dance ensembles. Plus, it’s the company’s 50th anniversary season — an anniversary that marks the start of a brand new show.
Details: Through Dec. 29, Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St, Phoenix. Tickets: $42. 602-258-8128, https://www.blacktheatretroupe.org/
'Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley'
This show is an invitation to traverse back into the world of Jane Austin. Those who love the acclaimed novelist should take a closer look at this holiday show. "Miss Bennet" follows the classic "Pride and Prejudice" in a play that invites the audience through the comical, heartwarming life of Mary Bennet, the middle Bennet sister, in the midst of the holiday season.
Phoenix details: Through Jan. 2, Herberger Theater Center, 222 E Monroe St., Phoenix. Tickets: $50-$83. 602-256-6995, arizonatheatre.org
'The Nutcracker' at the Orpheum Theatre
Join The Phoenix Ballet for its annual "Nutcracker" performance at the Orpheum Theatre. Directed by Slawomir Wozniak, the show will integrate acrobatic choreography, humor and ballet for an innovative performance worth checking out.
Details: Through Dec. 23, Orpheum Theater, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix. Tickets start at $50. 877-798-3447, www.phoenix-theater.com/
Ib Andersen’s 'The Nutcracker' with Ballet Arizona
Pair the Phoenix Symphony’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s "The Nutcracker" with artistic director Ib Andersen’s rendition of the ballet — and more than 100,000 Austrian Swarovski crystals — and you’ve reached Ballet Arizona’s famed take on the holiday classic.
Details: Through Dec. 24. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. Tickets start at $25. 602-381-1096, https://balletaz.org/
'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'
This year’s Childsplay performance will bring audiences back to an old childhood classic and musical adaption of the television special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." The show is catered toward young audiences, but open to the whole family. And it’s loaded with the full cast of holiday favorites, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, and, of course, the beloved Rudolph.
Masks are required for the entirety of the show.
Details: Through Dec. 24. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. Tickets: $13. 480-921-5700, https://www.childsplayaz.org/index.php
'Elf'
Based on the 2003 film starring Will Ferrell, "Elf" tells the tale of Buddy, who travels from the mystic North Pole into New York City just in time for the Christmas season. A perfect blend of the humorous and the heartfelt, the holiday show retells the modern classic through an interactive musical performance, and features both a locally and nationally acclaimed cast.
And those willing to spend just a little extra can opt for the dinner and show.
Details: Through Dec. 29. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. Tickets start at $47.99. 623-776-8400, https://azbroadway.org/
‘The Spirit of Christmas’ at Chandler Center for the Arts
For another holiday-themed offering, check out Tempe Dance Academy’s "The Spirit of Christmas," at the Chandler Center for the arts. The production is a variety show featuring a cast of more than 100 dancers, singers and special guest performers.
Details: Dec. 18-19. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Phoenix. Tickets start at $30. 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org/
Phoenix Boys Choir's 'Let All the World Sing'
Find a venue near you for the Phoenix Boys Choir's "Let All the World Sing" concert. The show will feature music from across the globe, including both a cappella and chamber orchestra pieces. Song highlights include "Joy to the World," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "Peace, Peace/Silent Night" and the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel’s "Messiah."
Performances are held at several venues. Check the Phoenix Boys Choir website for venue details.
Details: Dec. 18-19. https://www.boyschoir.org/
Phoenix Chorale's 'A Chorale Christmas'
The Phoenix Chorale will perform arrangements of European carols from the King’s Singers’ album, "Christmas Songbook." Shows will be performed across the Valley at five venues. A highlight of the show includes the world premiere of a new commission entitled "Trinity Triptych," a three-part piece composed by Cecilia McDowall and written to honor Trinity Episcopal Cathedral — home to the Phoenix Chorale.
Performances are held at several venues. Check the Phoenix Chorale website for venue details.
Details: Dec. 16-20. Tickets: $40. 602-253-2224, https://phoenixchorale.org./
Phoenix Theatre Company's Million Dollar Quartet Christmas
From Johnny Cash to Elvis Presley to Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, enjoy the world premiere of "Million Dollar Quartet Christmas," which will feature both the music and story of all four rock n' rollers. The show will invite audiences into a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes experience when all four artists recorded an impromptu record at Sun Records in Memphis in December of 1956.
Details: through Jan. 2. Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N Central Ave, Phoenix. Tickets: $110-$140. 602-254-2151, https://www.phoenixtheatre.com.
Zoppé Italian Family Circus in Chandler and Tempe
The 179-year-old Zoppé Italian Family Circus will present a circus experience with a holiday twist. High-flying trapeze artists, Italian clowns, Spanish webs, aerial hoops, fire dancers and a balancing baby are all part of the act. Plus, you can't beat a two-hour show that's performed in an actual circus tent.
Chandler Details: Through Dec. 19. Rawhide Western Town, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler. Tickets: $30-$60. zoppe.net.
Tempe Details: Dec. 23- Jan. 3. Big Surf, 1500 N. McClintock Drive, Tempe. Tickets: $30-$60. zoppe.net.
Reach the reporter at sofia.krusmark@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram @sofia.krusmark.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Things to do in Phoenix: Holiday-themed shows include music and dance
