Linda Winer, Newsday, December 9, 2011
Theatergoers and other seasonal frolic seekers can once again imagine snowy evenings on country roads or chorines in Santa hats. Although Broadway isn't offering such special holiday musicals as "White Christmas" and "Elf" this year, there are sleighs full of cheer in theaters around town. For Broadway show times during Christmas and New Year's week, check ilovenytheater.com/PERFORMANCE_TIME.php. Many plays have added Friday matinees on Dec. 23 and 30.
Here is a selection of December goodies, from the traditional to something completely different:
1. 'RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR'
WHAT Annual New York institution starring the Rockettes, a special combination of legs and yule.
WHEN -- WHERE Through Jan. 2 at Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave.
INFO $45-$250, 866-858-0007, radiocitychristmas.com
2. 'THE NUTCRACKER'
WHAT George Balanchine's classic with the New York City Ballet.
WHEN -- WHERE David Koch Theatre, Lincoln Center, through Dec. 31
INFO $55-$150, 212-496-0600, nycballet.com
3. 'SCROOGE & GILBERT & SULLIVAN'
WHAT The Village Light Opera's combination of Dickens and operetta.
WHEN -- WHERE Friday night at 8, Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Schimmel Center for the Arts, Pace University, 3 Spruce St.
INFO $25-$45, 866-811-4111, villagelightopera.org
4. 'A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES'
WHAT Reinvention of Dylan Thomas' holiday concert that weaves his classic story with traditional and contemporary holiday music.
WHEN -- WHERE Through Dec. 31 at the Irish Repertory Theatre, 132 W. 22nd St.
INFO $30, 212-727-2737, irishrep.org
5. 'JACKIE HOFFMAN'S CHANUKAH CHAROL'
WHAT Singular comic actress (currently grandma in "The Addams Family") finds her own special spin on the Dickens classic.
WHEN -- WHERE Sunday at 7:30, also Dec. 18 and Jan. 2. New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St.
INFO $35, 212-239-6200, newworldstages.com
6 'A SWINGIN' CHRISTMAS'
WHAT The New York Pops, with John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey, swing some seasonal music.
WHEN -- WHERE Dec. 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. Carnegie Hall, 57th Street at Seventh Avenue
INFO $18.50-$108, newyorkpops.org
7. 'A CHRISTMAS CAROL'
WHAT Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theater does Dickens.
WHEN -- WHERE Starts Dec. 15 at Clockworks Puppet Theatre, 196 Columbia St., Brooklyn.
INFO $12-$20, 212-868-4444, smarttix.com.
8. 'NAKED HOLIDAYS'
WHAT A Yuletide bacchanalia, described as a "gleeful pageant filled with indulgent tidings which climaxes in a scantily clad act."
WHEN -- WHERE Through Dec. 31 at Roy Arias Stage 4, Times Square Arts Center, 300 W. 43rd St.
INFO $47.50, 212-352-3101, endtimesproductions.org
