‘Tis the season for local holiday revues

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‘Tis the season for local holiday revues
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By Jordan Wright (Photo/Veronica Bruno)

The best way I know of to get excited about the Christmas season is to get yourself (and your family) to the theater where you can watch dancers soar in Septime Webre’s “The Nutcracker” performed by The Washington Ballet, sing your heart out to the National Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at the Kennedy Center, or be transported by the Victorian charms of “A Christmas Carol.” Whether you’re a modernist or a creature of tradition, there’s something for every taste and plenty of holiday spirit for the kids too.

At Signature Theatre, it’s zany adult fare with a new spin on the beloved seasonal revue, “Holiday Follies.” Directed by Walter Ware III with musical direction by the inimitable Howard Breitbart, it’s a requests-welcome evening featuring four fabulous performers, Gannon O’Brien, Stephen Gregory Smith, Delores King Williams and Bayla Whitten in a cabaret set list that changes with each performance.

For tickets and information visit www.signature-theatre.org or call the box office at 703-820-9771.

At MetroStage, the Great White Way is celebrated in “A Broadway Christmas Carol,” a spoof of the classic tale featuring the usual suspects — Marley, Scrooge, Mrs. Fezziwig, The Cratchits and Tiny Tim. Set to familiar Broadway standards, this madcap yuletide special is performed by three phenomenal singer-actors, Peter Boyer, Michael Sharp and Tracey Stephens plus alternating pianists Howard Breitbart and William Knowles.

Lyricist Kathy Feininger has concocted all the belly laughs you can handle in this riotous revue that draws its musical chops from all your favorite shows, like “Oklahoma,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Les Miserables,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “The Wiz” and many more. More than 60 tunes and a whirlwind of wacky costume changes pack this hilarious parody directed and choreographed by Michael Sharp.

For tickets and information visit www.metrostage.org or call the box office at 703-548-9044.

For the traditionalist, The Little Theatre of Alexandria presents its annual heartwarming classic, “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens’ classic tale of transformation and redemption.

Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, the show has gorgeous costumes, ghastly spirits and charming children. Rachael Hubbard adapts and directs this picture-perfect Christmas postcard for a family friendly show that reminds us all of the true meaning of the season.

If it’s a Currier and Ives Christmas you hunger for, this is the show for you. For tickets and information visit www.thelittletheatre.com or call the box office at 703-683-5778.

“Holiday Follies” runs through December 23 at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave. in Arlington. “A Broadway Christmas Carol” runs through December 28 at MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St. in Alexandria. “A Christmas Carol” runs through December 20 at The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St. in Alexandria.

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