Performing Arts

Please call the phone number listed with the venue for specific dates, times and ticket information.

dance

• THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Spiritoso Ballet presents this holiday favorite along with the second act of "The Nutcracker." Sat, Dec. 16, 11am & 2:30pm; Sun, Dec. 17, 2:30pm, $14, Sellersville Theater, 136 N. Main St., Sellersville, 215-257-5808.
• THE NUTCRACKER This classic story of a girl who dreams of a nutcracker prince and a mystical land of sweets is accompanied by the Philadelphia Orchestra and Philadelphia Boys Choir performing Tchiakovsky's famous score. Runs through Dec. 31, $22-$113, Academy of Music, Broad & Locust sts., 215-893-1999.
• THE NUTCRACKER Presented by Brandywine Ballet. Runs through Dec. 17, $15-$35, Philips Memorial Building, High St. & University Ave., West Chester, 610-696-2711.
• NUTCRACKER BALLET AND TEA PARTY Valley Forge Dance Theatre presents this 26th annual performance of the classic seasonal show, Sun, Dec. 17, 1pm, $5, Radisson Hotel, 1160 First Ave., Valley Forge, 610-337-1772.
• PHILLY-NUTT-CRAK-UP This spoof of a certain holiday classic is presented by ContempraDance Theatre. Featuring a "rappin" sugar plum fairy, music of different genres and a little bit of Philly itself. Runs Dec. 15-17, $20-$25, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914.

theater

• "TWAS THE NIGHT Azuka Theatre Company presents this unique take on a classic Christmas poem. A local television crew is about to do a reading live on TV when they are told they must perform it instead. Comic mayhem ensues as they have but few moments to present a coherent performance of the thing. Directed by Tom Reing. Runs through Dec. 31, $15-$20, St. Stephen's Theater, 10th & Ludlow sts., 215-733-0255.
• 42ND STREET This musical revolves around Peggy Sawyer, a chorus girl in a Broadway show who is given the chance of a lifetime when the star performer injures herself. Music and lyrics by Harry Warren and Al Dubin. Runs through Jan. 7, $10-$67.50, Walnut Street Theatre, 9th & Walnut sts., 215-574-3550.
• ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND Adapted by Timothy Martin and Drew Peterson from the classic Lewis Carroll novel, this play follows the wacky adventures of young Alice as she encounters a host of oddball characters. Runs through Dec. 30, $10-$20, Calvary Center, 48th & Baltimore sts., 215-525-1350.
• ANNIE GET YOUR GUN Irving Berlin's famous musical about this female pioneer and maverick stars Broadway star Andrea McArdle and local favorite Jeffrey Coon. Directed by Richard Parison. Runs through Dec. 31, $35-$55, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-569-9700.
• ANNIE GET YOUR GUN This classic musical revolves around the quintessential maverick female cowboy and her romance/rivalry with Frank Butler. Directed by R. Bruce Warren. Runs through Dec. 16, $10-$22, The Players Club of Swarthmore, Fairview Rd., off Rt. 320, Swarthmore, 610-328-4271.
• BEAUTY AND THE BEAST This classic tale of love and compassion is uniquely staged with masked actors and life-size puppets. Produced by Enchantment Theatre Company. Directed by Leslie Reidel. Runs through Dec. 30, $10-$26, Mandell Theater, Drexel University, 33rd & Chestnut sts., 215-881-9899.
• THE BUTLER DID IT The theater becomes all too real when a director rehearsing his classic thriller encounters his own "whodunit." Directed by Ray Engler. Runs through Dec. 16, $12, Footlighters Theatre, 58 Main Ave., Berwyn, 610-296-9245.
• A CAMDEN CHRISTMAS CAROL Using archived and original multimedia images director Barry Moore aims to bridge the gap between Charles Dickens' Camden and that one which lies within New Jersey's borders. Runs Dec. 16-23, $12, Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts, 326 Penn St., Camden, NJ, 856-225-2700.
• CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN Celebration Theater presents this family comedy about a father trying and sometimes failing to raise his rather large family. Starring Ed Gretz. Runs through Dec. 17, $15-$17, Twentieth Century Club, 84 S. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne, 610-259-1800.
• CHOOSICAL! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL! Using suggestions from the audience, recent and past members of ComedySportz create a totally improvised musical. Presented by Freefall Productions. Runs through Dec. 16, $15, The Theatre at 2111 Sansom St., 302-498-0107.
• A CHRISTMAS CAROL Director Robert Smythe and Co. take an interesting look at this classic Dickens story. Runs through Dec. 31, $1-$30, Mum Puppettheatre, 115 Arch St., 215-925-7686.
• A CHRISTMAS CAROL This classic Dickens tale is directed by Penelope Reed. Runs through Dec. 31, $10-$22, Hedgerow Theatre, 164 W. Rose Valley Rd., Media, 610-565-4211.
• A CHRISTMAS CAROL Charles Dickens' seasonal tradition is brought to life with the Walnut's musical adaptation. Bah! Humbug. Runs through Dec. 19, $12-$14, Walnut Street Theatre, 9th & Walnut sts., 215-574-3550.
• CHRISTMAS TRILOGY O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi" adapted by Brainerd Duffield, "Light Competition" by Louise Helliwell and "The Vision" by William Grandgeorge make up this set of one-acts. Runs through Dec. 17, $10, Playcrafters of Skippack, 2011 Store Rd., Skippack, 610-584-4005.
• CINDERELLA Patricia Goldberg adapts Charles Perrault's classic tale and Kevin Arruda provides an original music score. Starring Charlene Angelini in the title role. Runs Dec. 18-30, $10-$12, Storybook Musical Theatre, St. Joseph's University, 56th St. & Overbrook Ave., 215-659-8550.
• DOUBLE JEOPARDY A "Jeopardy!" murder mystery over dinner and dessert. Runs through Feb. 28, 7pm, $39.95, Bistro Romano, 120 Lombard St., 215-925-8880.
• THE EIGHT: REINDEER MONOLOGUES In a series of eight monologues, this politically incorrect comedy details the events surrounding Promiscuous Vixen's allegations against Santa Claus. Presented by BCKSEET Productions. Directed by Gregory G. Decandia. Runs through Dec. 16, $18, Red Room at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. 8th St., 215-923-0210.
• EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD This wacky tale spoofs all your favorite holiday stories. Directed by Pete Pryor. Runs through Dec. 17, $25-$40, Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, 215-654-0200.
• HOLIDAY TALES The Community Education Center's American Concert Theatre presents this seventh annual performance of classic and original stories, poems and songs. Runs Dec. 15-17, $6-$8, Meeting House Theatre, Community Education Center, 3500 Lancaster Ave., 215-387-1911.
• THE KING & I This Rodgers and Hammerstein classic is directed by Lance Moore. Runs through Dec. 16, $20-$25, Plays & Players Theater, 1714 Delancey St., 215-735-0630.
• MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Jeanie Linder's show celebrates "women and The Change." Ongoing, $45, Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. 8th St., 215-923-0210.
• MRS. TINKERTON'S TOY SHOP In this heartwarming tale, the titular shop owner's merchandise—all broken toys—work together to find new talents. The broken drummer boy, for instance, discovers he can dance, and the broken ballerina discovers she can sing. Runs through Dec. 20, $7, The Ritz Theatre Company, 915 White Horse Pike, Haddon Township, NJ, 856-858-5230.
• MY CHILDREN! MY AFRICA! Unfolding against the backdrop of 1984 South African Apartheid indignities, a teacher tries to steer his students—both black and white—toward a peaceful rebellion against the intolerance of the day. Runs through Jan. 7, $35-$50, Wilma Theater, Broad & Spruce sts., 215-546-STAGE.
• THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEEP Complete with werewolves and damsels in distress, this comedy lampoons Victorian melodrama and gothic romance. Starring Walnut Street favorite Jamie Torcellini. Runs through Jan. 21, $28, Walnut Street Theatre, 9th & Walnut sts., 215-574-3550.
• A NIGHT OF SCENES Dramatic readings from the GenerAsian Next theater workshop, in which artists interpret plays written by Asian-Americans, about stereotypes, interracial relationships and family, Thu, Dec. 14, 6pm, FREE, Asian Arts Initiative, 1315 Cherry St., 2nd floor, 215-557-0455.
• THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA This classic story revolves around a mysterious masked man who haunts the catacombs of the Paris Opera House before falling in love with one of the young sopranos who performs there. Runs through Dec. 31, $26.25-$86.25, Forrest Theater, 1114 Walnut St., 215-923?1515.
• ROBIN HOOD This musical is about everyone's favorite outlaw. Directed by David Bradley. Runs through Dec. 31, $28-$48, People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern, 610-644-3500.
• SAM COOKE: FOREVER MR. SOUL This musical covers all corners of the famed singer's life, from pop to gospel. Hits include "You Send Me" and "Chain Gang." Runs through Dec. 24, $28-$48, Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water St., Wilmington, DE, 302-594-1100.
• THE SANTALAND DIARIES David Sedaris' hilarious tale about working as an elf at Macy's Santaland. Adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello. Reservations required. Runs through Dec. 17, FREE, Olivet-Covenant Presbyterian Church, N. 22nd St., 215-232-2019.
• THE SANTALAND DIARIES AND SEASON'S GREETINGS TO OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY Meet the Dunbar family, who just can't seem to get the holiday season right. Flashpoint Theatre presents this Joe Mantanello-adapted David Sedaris story. Directed by Meghann Williams. Runs through Dec. 22, $12-$18, Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St., 215-563-4330.
• SCROOGE This musical version of the classic Dickens story offers a host of other memorable characters such as Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim. Runs through Dec. 17, $17-$23, The Ritz Theatre Company, 915 White Horse Pike, Haddon Township, NJ, 856-858-5230.
• SIDEWALK CAFE Represented Theatre Company's humorous look inside the minds of coffee addicts and their quirks. Written and directed by Darnelle Edwin Radford. Runs through Dec. 17, $15-$20, Walnut Street Theatre Studio 5, 9th & Walnut sts., 215-574-3550.
• SISTER'S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM Maripat Donovan's interactive show follows a nun as she attempts to solve the mystery of the Magi's gold. Runs through Dec. 24, $42-$49, Innovation Studio, Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., 215-731-3333.
• THIS IS THE WEEK THAT IS This contemporary take on political events features appearances and critiques from such social luminaries as Mark Twain and Petroleum Vesuvius Nasby. Created and directed by Jennifer Childs and also starring Scott Greer. Runs through Jan. 7, $10-$32, Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St., 215-592-9560.
• A TIME TO LAUGH Theatre Ariel presents this laugh-out-loud comedy, which is styled after 1940s vaudeville. Starring, among many others, Jennifer Blaine, Sun, Dec. 17, 7:30pm, $54, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-735-9481.
• TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING This comedy dinner show promises a wild and wacky nuptial. Come dressed for a wedding. That means no sneakers or jeans, people! Runs through Feb. 25, $83, Spirit of Philadelphia, Penn's Landing, Pier 3, 800-660-TINA.
• THE VALUE OF NAMES Dan Lauria, the father from "The Wonder Years," stars in this comedy about a retired comic at odds with his comedian daughter. Jack Klugman also stars. Directed by James Glossman. Runs through Dec. 17, $32-$64, George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ, 732-246-7717.
• YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN Based on the comic strip "Peanuts," this musical follows your favorite cartoon character through an "average" day in his life. Directed by Rob Del Colle. Runs through Dec. 16, $20-$25, Academy Theatre, 146 Rt. 130, Bordentown, NJ, 609-2291-9000.
• YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN This musical comedy about the "Peanuts" gang is based on Charles Schultz's beloved comic strip. Music and lyrics by Clark Gesner. Additional dialogue by Michael Mayer and additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Runs through Dec. 31, $22.50-$39, The Media Theatre, 104 E. State St., Media, 610-891-0100.

opera

• HUMPERDINCK'S HANSEL AND GRETEL Center City Opera Theater presents this classic tale to the accompaniment of piano. Semi-staged in the intimate 200-seat Innovative Studio, Sun, Dec. 17, 2:30pm, $36, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 260 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999.
• THE INVITATION John B. Hedges' new ship wreck opera in one act. Libretto by short story writer Aimee Bender. Featuring soprano Julieanne Klein. Conducted by Sarak Hatsuko Hicks, Mon, Dec. 18, 8pm, FREE, Curtis Institute of Music, 1726 Locust St., 215-893-5252.
• KING ISLAND CHRISTMAS This holiday oratorio tells the tale of a group of Alaskan villagers, who in tandem, fight through a storm to reach the North Star freighter where Father Carroll will lead them in Christmas celebration. Libretto by Deborah Brevoort and music by david Friedman. Runs through Dec. 18, $10-$22, Hedgerow Theatre, 164 W. Rose Valley Rd., Media, 610-565-4211.

cabaret

• BOLCOM & MORRIS This husband-and-wife duo perform cabaret songs of the early 20th century, Sat, Dec. 16, 8pm, $10-$22, Field Concert Hall, 1726 Locust St., 215-893-7902.
• CHRISTMAS AT THE HIGH NOTE CAFE Philadelphia Cabaret Company and Franco "The Singing Chef" sing all your favorite Christmas carols while you slurp spaghetti at the former Franco and Luigi's (same place, different name). Admission includes dinner and show. Tue, Dec. 19, $35.95, Franco's High Note Cafe, 13th & Tasker sts., 215-755-8903.
• CHRISTMAS CITY FOLLIES This vaudeville-and-variety show matches rotating ensemble casts with a different "celebrity" each show. Runs through Dec. 23, $18-$20, Touchstone Theatre, 321 E. 4th St., Bethlehem, 610-867-1689.
• LE CABARET MELANGE A funky music, dance and performance art show. Every Fri, 8pm, $10, Monte Carlo Living Room, 150 South St., 267-456-3050.
• PUPPETS GO BANG-BANG Melissa Bang-Bang hosts this night of singing hand puppets and avant-garde improv, Thu, Dec. 21, 9pm, $5, M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 215-739-5577.