By Jordan Wright (Photo/Chris Banks)
When not sending out cards, trimming the tree, wrapping gifts, and savoring a dram or two of Christmas cheer, be sure to catch one or more of these fabulous holiday shows.
MetroStage’s rollicking send-up of a classic tale with “A Broadway Christmas Carol” is not your mama’s cup of eggnog. The endearingly outrageous three-person cast of Russell Sunday, Peter Boyer and Tracey Stephens will delightfully dissect your funny bone with parodies of 31 recognizable show tunes from the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Rodgers and Hammerstein and Stephen Sondheim.
Boyer is this year’s newcomer to the cast, and he’s absolutely phenomenal as Ebenezer Scrooge in this madcap holiday whirlwind of costume changes and characters, sung by some of the best pipes in the business. Look for pianist Howard Breitbart to get into the act in “The Phantom of Christmases Yet to Come.”
It’s a hoot and a howl for adults only.
“A Broadway Christmas Carol” runs through December 22. For tickets and information, call 703-548-9044 or visit www.metrostage.org.
A MORE CLASSIC TELLING OF A CLASSIC
At The Little Theatre of Alexandria, it’s time once again for “A Christmas Carol.”
Directed and adapted by Rachael Hubbard, this family-friendly version of the Charles Dickens classic will warm the cockles of everyone’s hearts. Replete with elegant Victorian costumes, the accursed curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge and the adorable Tiny Tim, you can almost smell the chestnuts roasting as ghostly guides transport you through Christmas past, present and future.
Relive this Currier and Ives picture postcard of a show that reveals the true meaning of Christmas.
“A Christmas Carol” runs through December 22. For tickets and information, call 703-683-0496 or visit www.thelittletheatre.com.
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
Signature Theatre’s holiday season lineup has something for everyone. “Holiday Follies” is back with a wonderful wintry lineup of Signature’s closest friends and artists. There’s never been a better way to keep company on a cold winter’s night.
In addition, Matt Conner will star in “A Matt Conner Christmas.” Promising to be a cozy evening of Conner on piano, sharing cherished Christmas memories, the composer — known for his work on “Crossing,” “The Hollow” and “Nevermore” — will be “blending them with some of [his] favorite Christmas songs, along with a few surprise guests. The show will range from bluegrass to classical with a lot in-between, all full of holiday cheer.”
Be sure to check out the special New Year’s Eve party and midnight toast for ticketholders of Signature’s latest extravaganza, “Gypsy,” one of the greatest American musicals ever written, starring Sherri Edelen as Mama Rose.
“Holiday Follies” runs from December 17 to 23. “A Matt Conner Christmas” runs from December 11 to 15. For tickets and information, call 703-573-SEAT or visit www.signature-theatre.org.
A DASH OF SHAKESPEARE FOR THE TEEN IN YOUR LIFE
Family holiday shows are everywhere, but where can you find one that’s tailor-made for teens?
This year the Synetic Theater teen ensemble is tackling the company’s Silent Shakespeare version of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and it promises to be scintillating. In this beautifully re-imagined production, local teens star as feuding fairies, lost lovers and merry mechanicals in a production directed by Alex Mills.
In addition to the performances, Synetic will host a special night for teens after the final showing December 14, when young adults can hang out with the cast and dance to a DJ onstage. And this Sunday, at 2 p.m., the theater will host a family-oriented holiday party. Expect a visit from Santa as well as snacks and games in the company’s new space.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs through December 14. For tickets and information, call 866-811-4111or visit www.synetictheater.org.
