December has crept up on us faster than the Grinch stole every last present in Whoville. Luckily for us, the holiday season in Pittsburgh means some of the best, festive shows around. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite upcoming productions that are sure to fill you with holiday cheer, whether you’re Buddy the Elf or Mr. Scrooge.
Midnight Radio’s Holiday Spectacular!, Bricolage Production Company
Holiday radio programs have been a nostalgic staple in this country ever since kids were decoding crummy commercials for Ovaltine in the 40’s. Bricolage Production Company continues their popular series, Midnight Radio, to bring this beloved Christmas entertainment to life! Midnight Radio’s Holiday Spectacular! is in the form of a 1940’s radio broadcast where you are the live studio audience. Raucous humor, classic stories, and Pittsburgh-themed spoofs can be expected every night, but be sure to check the schedule for special events like an Ugly Sweater Contest, photos with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, local musical guests, and a hands-on sound effects workshop! The show runs downtown from December 1- 17.
The Nutcracker, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater
Pittsburgh Ballet Theater’s brings the Tchaikovsky’s classic, The Nutcracker, closer to home. Rather than the 19th century Germany setting, this version begins in a beautiful old home in Shadyside during the Gilded Age. A number of characters and props are homages to famous Pittsburghers like Heinz, Carnegie, and especially the Kaufmanns, and the set will give you a glimpse of the Mt. Washington view from a hundred years ago. Stunning costumes, choreography, moving sets and magic tricks never fail to delight audiences of all ages. Don’t miss this dazzling, dancing tradition at the Benedum, December 2- 27.
A Christmas Carol, Little Lake Theatre
Don’t be fooled– this isn’t the same story you’ve heard before! In this funny little twist from Little Lake Theatre, a comedic adaptation of this Dickens’ favorite is done a la Groundhog Day, as Scrooge is forced to relive his ghostly Christmas Eve journey year after year. A Christmas Carol is the perfect family festivity from a faithful cast that considers performing at Little Lake to be part of their own holiday traditions. This show will be shaking things up like the bells on Santa’s sleigh, so go see it from December 1- 18.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Pittsburgh Playhouse
Point Park University’s Conservatory Theatre Company brings you this unconventional Christmas comedy. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the six Herdman children, AKA the “worst children in the world,” who have been known to shoplift and smoke cigars. Upon hearing that snacks are served at church, the children weasel their way into playing in their Sunday School’s annual Christmas pageant, and chaos and holiday hilarity ensue. This show runs December 9- 18 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
Naughty or Nice 2: A Holiday Concert, PARK Productions
Tickets for all of these shows are on sale now! Get yours and get in the Christmas spirit. Plus, stay tuned for our reviews of these shows and so much more this season!
Oh, and remember…
Categories: Feature