Tis the season to dress up and get cultured — with theater, dance and music that is. Here, festive productions that will put the entire family in the holiday spirit.
The timeless tale of Scrooge discovering the meaning of Christmas is a perpetual holiday favorite, but this isn’t 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 caroling and handbells, rambunctious ghosts and original music.
Dec. 10-15, Epic Players Theatre, 410 W. 42nd St.; from $35
Adding to this Tony award-winning musical’s exciting return to the stage: Whoopi Goldberg joins the cast as Miss Hannigan beginning December 11 through the end of the run. “I love the theatre, and in my mind, there is no better way to spend the holidays than to get back on stage,” said Goldberg, an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) award-winner.
This limited engagement marks the first return of this heartwarming show in a decade.
Through Jan. 5, the Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza; from $49
This holiday jam reimagines Chanukah classics with fresh jazz-infused melodies and musical twists. The concert, which takes place in the Museum at Eldridge Street, a meticulously restored 1887 National Historic Landmark synagogue, will end with the lighting of historic menorahs from the museum’s collection.
Dec. 25, Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St.; from $15 (includes museum admission).
“The Magic Flute”
Julie Taymor’s family-friendly production of this famed opera by Mozart returns to the Metropolitan Opera with 17 performances featuring colorful sets, costumes and puppets. “The Met’s holiday presentation of Mozart’s classic fairy tale — sung in English and under two hours — is a seasonal treat for audiences of all ages,” said Nicholas Rinehart, the Met’s associate director of education.
Dec. 12-Jan. 4, Metropolitan Opera, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza; from $35
Broadway buffs are going to love the New York Pops’ performance at Carnegie Hall, featuring guest artist Jessica Vosk (soon to be appearing in Broadway’s “Hell’s Kitchen”). Expect classic carols 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 cheer, 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 sense of warmth and togetherness.”
Dec. 20 and 21, Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Avenue; from $65
The stage opens on a grim 1930s-era factory, where the only bright color you see is one character’s red and white striped socks. It’s easy to think that this show at 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 glued to their seats watching these incredibly talented acrobats, jugglers and gymnasts transform their sad workplace into a festive factory — and do some high-flying stunts in the process.
Through Dec. 29, New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St.; from $29.
Going nuts: Variations on the holiday classic
These reimaginings of Tchaikovsky’s 132-year-old ballet “The Nutcracker” will leave all the family enthralled.
“The Nutcracker”
The 35 professional dancers of the Ukrainian Grand Kyiv Ballet are from the Kyiv State Choreographic College, destroyed two-and-a-half years ago during the war with Russia, killing some students.
“The colorful costumes, stunning choreography and iconic Tchaikovsky score captivate both young and old alike,” said Oleksandr (Alex) Stoianov, the troupe’s co-founder and principal dancer.
Dec 14, Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Ave; from $39.50.
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker”
For one night only, a dozen all-star dancers, an onstage DJ and an electric violinist will grace the stage for this upbeat, high-energy remix of Tchaikovsky’s 130-year-old ballet “The Nutcracker” hosted and MC’ed by Kurtis Blow, hip-hop’s founding father. Thanks to digital graffiti and visuals, it reimagines the story to contemporary New York City.
Dec. 23, Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Ave; from $45.
“Nut/Cracked”
From choreographer David Parker, this Bang Group revue has tap, vaudeville, ballet, disco and contemporary dance.
“It features people living and dancing out their holiday fantasies in funny and beautiful ways,” said Parker. “They indulge in guilt-free pleasures like tap dancing on bubble wrap and in toe shoes, slipping and falling with abandon on the winter ice, raising the perfect Christmas tree, eating an endless noodle and generating the merriest mayhem imaginable.”
Dec. 14 and 19, 92Y, 1395 Lexington Ave; from $20.