Connecticut Offers Holiday Entertainment for All Ages and Tastes

Have you hauled out the holly yet? Theaters in Connecticut already have or will soon be doing so.

No matter what your age or what your preferences are for holiday entertainment – funny, serious, or sentimental – there is something for you and your family.

Are you a fan of A Christmas Story? If watching the classic movie that seems to be a nonstop spool on cable is a must, you will be delighted with the musical version now at Goodspeed in East Haddam through Sunday, Dec. 29. I saw the original production on Broadway and fell in love with it. The show received numerous award nominations, which is unusual for a seasonal show.

Goodspeed has assembled a top-notch cast – several have appeared on their stage before. The great thing about the show is that it is appropriate for children; they will identify with Ralphie, his brother, and the other kids.

The stage musical version of White Christmas, now titled Irving Berlin’s White Christmas takes the sentimental movie that starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen and converts it to the stage with most of the Berlin songs.  The show has not been performed in Connecticut, but this year, MTC in Norwalk will present it, from Friday, Dec. 6, to Sunday, Dec. 22 (weekends).

I’m not sure how director Kevin Connors will create the final spectacular scene on the small stage, but he usually manages to do a great job. In addition to the title song, which was actually written for Holiday Inn, the show includes “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean,” and more.  You need to get tickets very soon; several performances are already sold out. Contact MusicTheatreOfCT.com.

Amahl and the Night Visitors is a seldom performed holiday musical/opera. In fact, it was aired live on television in 1951, when it was written and became the first television holiday show to be rebroadcast. The one-act opera written by Gian Carlo Menotti is about a young boy (Amahl) and the three kings. Madison Lyric Stage is presenting this rarity on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15, at the First Congregational Church in Madison. For information, visit MadisonLyricStage.org.

How many different variations of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol are on the stage in Connecticut? It is hard to keep track – you have both musical and non-musical versions of the show, along with productions that draw on the story as part of their plots.

Hartford Stage has been presenting an iconic, non-musical version for more than 25 years. Last year, Michael Wilson, the former artistic director and the adaptor/director of the piece, returned to Hartford to oversee some changes in the show. Those continue this year. This version of A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas emphasizes those elements of the show plus incidental music from the period. Allen Gilmore, who took over the role last year, is returning as Scrooge; as is director Wilson. Many of the supporting cast members return year after year, including Noble Shropshire as Marley, John-Andrew Morrison as the Spirit of Christmas Present, Rebecka Jones as the Spirit of Christmas Past and others. Plus, children from the greater Hartford area and students from the Hartt School at the University of Hartford round out the cast. The show is running from Saturday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Dec. 29.  A sensory-friendly performance is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, an open captioned performance on Sunday, Dec. 8, and an audio-described performance on Saturday, Dec. 14. For tickets, visit HartfordStage.org.

If you want a less ghostly Christmas Carol, the Legacy Theatre in Branford is presenting their smaller scale production from Wednesday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 15. This year, Rob Brogan takes over the role of Scrooge, and you’ll see some other new faces as well. Children will enjoy this introduction to the classic story – it is less frightening and shorter. But get your tickets now; some performances are already sold out. Visit LegacyTheatreCT.org

Another version, this one with more music, is at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven for just three performances – Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8. It includes what is described as “a selection of holiday songs.” Tickets are at Shubert.com.

Want a Less Traditional Christmas Carol?

Two shows feature elements of the Dickens story incorporated into other plots.

Jacqueline Hubbard, artistic director at Ivoryton Playhouse, wrote just such a version, God Bless Us, Everyone!, which is running through Sunday, Dec. 15. It is set at the Playhouse, where crew members find themselves trapped by a snowstorm on Christmas Eve. Soon, they are joined by the ghosts of the Playhouse who, each Christmas Eve, perform the classic story. It includes humor, magic, a little spookiness, and music. Visit IvorytonPlayhouse.org for tickets.

Last year, one of my favorite shows was A Sherlock Carol at Westport Country Playhouse. This combination of the classic story and Sherlock Holmes was a delight – inventive and humorous. In the play, it is Holmes who must be saved by no less than the spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge. It all begins on Christmas 1894 in London when the grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the death of Scrooge. Last year’s cast returns. It runs from Tuesday, Dec. 17, to Sunday, Dec. 22. Children, teens, and adults will enjoy this. Visit WestportPlayhouse.org.

Less Sentiment, More Laughs

Christmas on the Rocks, the laugh-filled show created by Rob Ruggiero, artistic director of TheaterWorks Hartford, returns. The grown-up versions of famous Christmas children – from Ralphie and Charlie Brown to Hermie the Elf and Clara, show up at a bar on Christmas Eve and share what has happened to them since their moments of fame. Richard Kline (the bartender), Jen Cody, and Harry Bouvy return. Each year, you may find a new character. It runs from Friday, Nov. 29, through Sunday, Dec. 22. Tickets are at TWHartford.org

When did ugly Christmas sweaters become a thing for parties? Who knows? Playhouse on Park in West Hartford is presenting the East Coast premiere of The Ugly X-mas Sweater Musical from Wednesday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 22. According to the press material, employees try to save their company from being bought out by an international conglomerate by creating the best ugly Christmas sweater ever made. Tickets are at PlayhouseOnPark.org.

If you are a fan of the Nunsense series of plays, you will want to see Shelton’s Center Stage Theater production of Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical. It’s presented as the first TV special taped in the studio built in the convent basement. Expect lots of laughs and some audience participation. It runs Friday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 15. Information is at CenterStageShelton.org.

Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury is bringing back Earlene who is turning off the lights at her diner and retiring. Last Call for Christmas at Earlene’s Diner runs from Friday, Dec. 6 to Sunday, Dec. 22. Earlene serves up laughter, songs, and cups of coffee. Visit SevenAngelsTheatre.org for tickets and to see the special pre-show event calendar.

Pantochino Theatre in Milford presents their original show Dorothy’s Christmas in Oz from Friday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Dec. 22. Dorothy leaves Kansas again to experience Christmas in Oz with all her friends. You can bring your own food and drink. The performances are at the Milford Arts Council. Information is at Pantochino.com.

The Nutcracker

It’s a holiday tradition – Tchaikovsky’s classic The Nutcracker ballet, which tells the story of Clara and her dream about a Prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and dueling mice, among other characters. Most of Connecticut’s ballet companies offer productions, usually bringing in stars from major companies to dance the roles of the Nutcracker/Prince and Sugar Plum Fairy.

New Haven Ballet will perform at the Shubert Theatre with Sara Adams and Harrison Coll from the New York City Ballet as guest artists. Performances are from Friday, Dec. 13, to Sunday, Dec. 15. Tickets are available at Shubert.org.

The Connecticut Ballet is offering eight performances – four at the Palace Theatre in Stamford (Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15) and four at the Bushnell in Hartford (Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21 and 22). The leading roles will be danced by principal dancers from the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and Pennsylvania Ballet. The principals will meet audience members in the lobby following each performance; plus, there is a Nutcracker Holiday Boutique. Tickets are available at PalaceStamford.org or Bushnell.org.

If New London is closer to you, the Eastern Connecticut Ballet  is featuring Emily Kikta and Preston Chamblee of the New York City Ballet in it’s production of The Nutcracker. This staging is set in New London in the 1958s, making it a unique performance. The performances are on Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Garde Theatre. Visit EasternCTBallet.org for tickets.

Music, Music, Music

Starting the holiday season is Orchestra New England’s annual Colonial Concert Ye Olde Tymes, on Saturday, Nov. 30. The Colonial Concert features music of the period, often presenting new works that just arrived in the colonies. The performers are in period costumes. It’s held at United Church on the Green in New Haven. Tickets are available at OrchestraNewEngland.org.

It’s the third year for the winter cabaret series at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. Four cabaret and Broadway performers bring their holiday shows to the center for one performance each.  It kicks off with Marissa Mulden in Merry & Bright on Thursday, Dec. 12 featuring holiday classics as well as jazz, pop, and Broadway selections. On Friday, Dec. 13, The Mike Flanagan Trio, featuring vocalist Lauren Scales presents Holiday Swing! Broadway’s Julia Murney (The Wild Party, Wicked) offers A Toast to the Season. Finally, on Sunday, Dec. 15, Jelani Remy (The Lion King, Back to the Future) presents A Broadway Christmas! Tickets are available at TheONeill.org.

The New Haven Symphony can always be counted on for holiday music. Holiday Extravaganza: Joy to the World!  With Conductor Chelsea Tipton II, leading the NH Symphony Pops with St. Luke’s Steel Band in three concerts this season: Friday, Dec. 13 at West Haven High School, Saturday, Dec. 14 at Lyman Center on the campus of SCSU. and Sunday, Dec. 15, at Shelton High School.

The Symphony, under the baton of music director Perry So, and the Elm City Girls Choir presents Caroling, Caroling on Sunday, Dec. 22 at Woolsey Hall. The first half of the show features classic carols by composers Bach, Handel and Vivaldi. The second half brings the classic holiday songs – from Sleigh Ride and Jingle Bell Rock to Feliz Navidad. It includes a sing-along.

The Kate in Old Saybrook is offering a variety of one-night concerts featuring holiday music of all genres. Award-winning fiddler Eileen Ivers and her band offer A Joyful Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 1. On Friday, Dec. 6, it’s The Celtic Tenors: Christmas Tour 2024. The vocal quartet Windborne presents Music of Midwinter on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Mary Fahl: Winter Songs is on Friday, Dec. 13. She was the lead singer of October Project. Grammy-nominated country artist David Nail, with special guest Jacob Tolliver, is presenting A Campfire Christmas Tour on Thursday, Dec. 19. Tickets are available at TheKate.org.

The Big Apple

The holiday season is magical in New York City – you have so many options – the Christmas Markets at Grand Center, on 42nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenues, and around Columbus Circle, among others, offer unique gifts.

The Tree at Rockefeller Center and the Rockettes kicking up their heels at the Radio City Show are famous. As are the spectacular window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue – opposite the tree and Macy’s, plus others along 5th Avenue.

New York’s Irish Repertory Theatre is continuing its holiday tradition of a production of A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas. It’s a memory of his youth, with all the warmth and joy of the season. It runs from Wednesday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 22. This adaptation features heartwarming contemporary and traditional music with the story. You can find more information and purchase tickets at IrishRep.org.

Elf the Musical has returned to Broadway for a holiday season run. This is a delightful adaptation of the movie with the addition of great tunes. It originally was on Broadway in 2010; it got great reviews. It is running at the Marquis Theatre through Saturday, Jan. 4. Grey Hensen stars as Buddy, and Sean Astin plays Santa.

Don’t forget the Rockettes and spectacular show at Radio City Music Hall. The show runs through Sunday, Jan. 5 with multiple shows each day. One word of warning: if you search the internet for tickets, make sure you go to the official Radio City site, which is part of msg (Madison Square Garden). The link is msg.com/radio-city-music-hall. Be careful not to land on a ticket reseller site.

Great for Kids

East Haven’s Shoreline Trolley Museum has a Pancake Breakfast with Santa on Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21. It includes food, holiday fun, and a visit from Santa, who brings a special gift. Then there is a trolly ride. Reservations are required. The Visit with Santa is more informal. Running weekends from Dec. 29 to Dec. 22, it includes a trolley ride to visit Santa. It’s a great opportunity to take photos. For more information, visit ShorelineTrolley.org.

Younger children may find a traditional theater event too long, but they will be delighted with the children’s theater productions at Bridgeport’s Downtown Cabaret Theatre. You sit at tables, you can bring or purchase refreshments, and no one gets upset if the children want to walk around. This year, they are presenting Santa Story 2 from Saturday, Nov. 30 to Sunday, Dec. 29. Santa and Mrs. Kringle encounter unexpected challenges as they try to return to the North Pole after vacation. Meanwhile, two elves at the North Pole, Jolly and Joy, race to save Christmas from a mischievous gingerbread villain. Shows tend to sell out, so contact DTCab.org.

Other Events

Look at what Christmas in Connecticut was like in 1876 with a visit to Mystic Seaport’s Lantern Light Village. It’s open Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6, 7, 13 & 14, and Friday to Sunday, Dec. 20 to 22. “Residents” will share with you their memories and traditions, musicians will perform, and you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride or go below deck of the Charles W. Morgan. Reservations are required. Visit MysticSeaport.org. Children under 3 are free.

The Mark Twain House in Hartford is decorated in Victorian style beginning Friday, Nov. 11 through Tuesday, Dec. 31. Twain (or Samuel Clemons) lived in the home for 17 years. The guided tour of the house and decorations even includes a visit to the “Santa Suite” – which, most of the year, was Clemons’ billiard room. Other events include Graveyard Shift: Holiday Spirits Ghost Tours on Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, led by Clemons’ butler. On Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, Get a Clue is an interactor murder-mystery tour, based on the well-known game, led by Sea Tea Improv. All the information is at MarkTwainHouse.org/visit.

These are just a smattering of the great theater, musical, and holiday-themed events and activities that you can find in Connecticut.