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The holiday season has always been a time to gather with family and friends for singing carols and telling stories. All over the Twin Cities, singers, dancers, and actors have been adapting classic works and practicing brand new ones to share with the community. Here are a few on tap for December.
A Christmas Carol
Guthrie Theater, now through Dec. 27
A true tradition: The Guthrie has been performing Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story for the last 41 years. Read our review of the 2013 performance, which includes many of the same elements as this year’s show.
A Hunting Shack Christmas
Yellow Tree Theater, now through Dec. 27
The difficulties and eccentricities of Minnesotan life are lampooned in this holiday ode to venison jerky, passive aggression, and the great North Woods.
The Trump Who Stole Christmas
Brave New Workshop, now through Jan. 30
The Brave New Workshop’s 2015 comedy review includes sketches about fad diets, tongue twisters, and, of course, America’s most infamous Grinch. It was one of editor Quinton Skinner’s top picks for November.
Black Nativity: A Tradition of Love and Light
Penumbra Theatre, Dec. 3-20
This annual production is a re-telling of the nativity story, written by Langston Hughes, and features rich gospel music. Check out our recent profile of performer Dennis Spears. On Dec. 10 and 17 there will be a post-play discussion about how to live the values of community and peace we celebrate at Christmas.
Lorie Line: Christmas in the City
Ames Center, Dec. 4-5
Minnesota sensation and pianist Lorie Line is celebrating the holidays (and her recent induction into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame) with three performance of her Christmas show at the Ames Center in Burnsville.
Nutcracker (Not So) Suite
Cowles Center, Dec. 4-20
The James Sewell Ballet puts a psychedelic spin on the well-known performance by placing it in 1960s New York. The trip from the Upper East Side to a beatnik downtown vibe is accompanied by a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and Christmas carols.
Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold
Ordway Concert Hall, Dec. 6
One night only, it’s CSI: Bethlehem as the irreverent Sister from Late Night Catechism tackles the mystery of whatever happened to the Magi’s gold using her own scientific method.
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
Park Square Theatre, Dec. 9-20
Like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, this play turns a supporting character into a star. Wry, funny, and heartfelt, this is Jacob Marley’s life-after-death story.
Tonic Sol-fa Holiday Tour
Ames Center, Dec. 15
These Minnesota boys have made good, and are bringing their beautifully bare-bones vocal and percussion show to the Twin Cities. Expect soulful renditions of holiday classics.
Girl Singers of the Hit Parade Christmas Show
Ames Center, Dec. 22
From their red Christmas ball gowns to the rockin’ songs in their repertoire, the Girl Singers of the Hit Parade offer up a loving tribute to the blow-out Christmas shows of yesteryear.
