It’s a holiday wonderland of sights and sounds with many events for revelers of all ages to enjoy and celebrate this Yuletide season. As usual, Milwaukee’s performing arts groups greet the season with an array of holiday-themed shows. There’s the old (think: Ebenezer Scrooge) with a number of productions of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the new as the Mean Green One takes to the stage in Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (spoiler alert: the Grinch has a change of heart, 10 sizes to be exact).
November
Milwaukee Repertory Theater Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley Nov. 13-Dec. 16 Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Quadracci Powerhouse, 108 E. Wells St.
Spend the holidays with the characters from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice in a clever sequel, by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Malcon, set at the stately home of the Darcy family.
Next Act Theatre The Twelve Dates of Christmas Nov. 15-Dec. 9 Next Act Theatre, 255 S. Water St.
Mary’s fiancé abandons her on Thanksgiving Day and spends the next year in a comical series of mismatched dates, with the Doherty Sisters doo-wop vocalese and Jack Forbes Wilson tickling the ivory keys.
Photo credit: Melinda Rhodebeck
Acacia Theatre Company Sanders Family Christmas Nov. 17-Dec. 2 Concordia University, Todd Wehr Auditorium, 12800 N. Lake Dr., Mequon
A sequel to the bluegrass gospel musical Smoke on the Mountain (staged in 2010) which follows the Sanders traveling back to North Carolina for Christmas in 1941.
The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical Nov. 20-25 Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, Uihlein Hall, 929 N. Water St.
Stay on top of the news of the day
Subscribe to our free, daily e-newsletter to get Milwaukee's latest local news, restaurants, music, arts and entertainment and events delivered right to your inbox every weekday, plus a bonus Week in Review email on Saturdays.
He’s “the Mean One” but we get to see our favorite “Green One” find the true meaning of Christmas with the best ever “reindeer dog” Max leading the way.
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Christmas in Babylon Nov. 21-Dec. 23 Broadway Theatre Center, Studio Theatre, 158 N. Broadway
This world premiere by James DeVita takes an intimate look at a family who traffics in sarcastic banter, dealing with the unexpected arrival of an ex-fiancée—just in time for the holidays.
First Stage Children’s Theater The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical Nov. 23-Dec. 26 Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Center Riverwalk Entrance, 929 N. Water St.
When the rowdy six siblings of the Herdman family get cast in the annual Christmas Pageant, the town panics but eventually they all come to learn the true meaning of Christmas.
Jayne Taylor Christmas Show
Sunset Playhouse Jayne Taylor Christmas Show Nov. 24 Sunset Playhouse Studio Theatre, 700 Wall St., Elm Grove
Start the holiday season with the special event performance as Jayne Taylor performs holiday favorites in English as well as the “romance languages” (French, Italian and Spanish).
Milwaukee Repertory Theater A Christmas Carol Nov. 27-Dec. 24 Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells St.
Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale that gave the world the infamous “Bah! Humbug” by the even more infamous Ebenezer Scrooge in an adaptation by Rep Artistic Director Mark Clements.
Photo credit: Michael Brosilow
A Christmas Carol
Festival City Symphony Holiday Pajama Jamboree Nov. 28 Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, Bradley Pavilion, 929 N. Water St.
This annual free concert is designed for children to get up close to the musicians. Pajamas, Teddy Bears and blankets are encouraged as well as non-perishable food donations to the Milwaukee Hunger Task Force.
Oconomowoc Arts Center Lord of Lords, Lorie Line and her Pop Chamber Orchestra Nov. 28 Oconomowoc Arts Center, 641 E. Forest St., Oconomowoc
A follow up to last year’s “best ever” performance, Line returns with her orchestra and a guest vocalist with holiday and faith-based favorites.
Off-Broadway at the Marcus Center ‘Twas the Month Before Christmas Nov. 28-Dec. 2 Marcus Center’s Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, Riverwalk Entrance, 929 N. Water St.
Milwaukee actor and playwright Doug Jarecki takes a humorous look at all the other events that led up to that magical night in Bethlehem.
In Tandem Theatre Company Merry Chris-Mess Nov. 29-Jan. 6 Tenth St. Theater, 628 N. 10th St.
From Anthony Wood, the author who gave us a A Cudahy Caroler Christmas, comes more sketches, songs and a parody, It’s a Life. Plan on laughing a lot!
Sunset Playhouse Christmas Belles Nov. 29-Dec. 23 Sunset Playhouse, 700 Wall St., Elm Grove
A church Christmas program quickly goes awry in this Southern farce as sisters quarrel while Santa is passing a kidney stone and an Elvis impersonator turns up at the manger.
Waukesha Civic Theatre Candy Cane Tales and Holiday Carols Nov. 29-Dec. 16 264 W. Main St., Waukesha
Follow a family through the holiday season, with singing and dancing, songs and stories. Written by WCT’s John Cramer with new material added each year.
Falls Patio Players Christmas Carol Nov. 30-Dec. 2 North Middle School Auditorium, N88 W16750 Garfield Drive, Menomonee Falls
Adapted by two FPP veterans, Carol Klose and Jack Strawbridge, this tale includes French and English carols as well as many of the beloved holiday favorites.
|
|
December
West Bend Theatre Company A Christmas Carol Dec. 1-3 Silver Lining Arts Center at West Bend High School, 1305 E. Deborah Road, West Bend
This annual production moves to the Silver Lining Arts Center and features new musical arrangements, a live orchestra with half the proceeds going to the West Bend High School Choirs.
Cedarburg Cultural Center McMann and Tate Productions Holiday Show Dec. 1 W62N546 Washington Ave, Cedarburg
The annual show is great way to laugh through the holidays with family, friends and coworkers. CCC’s resident comedy cast is still tickling funny bones after 19 years of holiday skit shows.
Wisconsin Philharmonic My Favorite Things: Joyful Sounds of Christmas Dec. 4 Carroll University, Shattuck Music Center, 218 N. East Ave., Waukesha
Listen to a mix of classical tunes and holiday favorites featuring local high school choirs. And making their Philharmonic debut: The Milwaukee Children’s Choir.
Wisconsin Philharmonic
Waukesha Civic Theatre An Evening of Holiday Tales with John McGivern Dec. 4 264 W. Main S., Waukesha
One of the city’s premier funny man brings his special gift of storytelling about his childhood in Milwaukee focusing on life in the McGivern household at holiday time.
Bronzeville Arts Ensemble Black Nativity Dec. 7-16 Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, 929 N. Water St.
Langston Hughes’ musical storytelling of the Nativity told from an African American perspective, using scripture, poetry, dance and traditional songs sung in gospel style.
Photo credit: Jenny Plevin
Black Nativity
South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center It’s a Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio Theatre Dec. 6 South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, 901 15th Ave., South Milwaukee
This 1940s radio “live broadcast”, based on the Frank Capra film, gets upended when a blizzard hits and the station staff have to fill in for the voice actors who are unable to trek through the snow.
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio Theatre
Latino Arts Cache Navideño Dec. 7 United Community Center, Latino Arts Center, 1028 S. 9th St.
Cecil Negron and his Latin music ensemble, Cache MKE, usher in the holidays playing Navideña (relative to Christmas) music showcasing their Latin American roots. There’s a special morning matinee performance just for students.
Milwaukee Entertainment Group Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play Dec. 7-22 Brumder B&B Mansion, 3046 W. Wisconsin Ave.
This version of the tale of a department store Santa who claims he’s the real man in the red suit is adapted from the 1947 radio broadcast by Lance Arthur Smith.
Oconomowoc Arts Center Nutcracker Ballet Dec. 7-9 Oconomowoc Arts Center, 641 E. Forest St., Oconomowoc
OAC’s Artistic Director Eddie Bray has created all new choreography for the cherished ballet classic, an annual OAC tradition.
Racine Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Dec. 7 Racine Festival Hall, 5 Fifth St., Racine
The RSO performs holiday favorites both classic and contemporary featuring local high school choirs.
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts Dailey & Vincent—A Springer Mountain Farms Christmas Dec. 7 Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 19805 W. Capitol Drive
Put a little bit of country twang in your holiday hoedown with Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent, performing a mix of gospel, traditional country and bluegrass.
Dailey & Vincent—A Springer Mountain Farms Christmas
Early Music Now Creator of the Stars: Christmas Music of the Old World Dec. 8-9 St. Joseph Chapel, 1501 S. Layton Blvd.
Pomerium sings a selection of Gregorian chant along with works by Renaissance composers William Byrd, Josquin des Prez and Giovanni Palestrina. The members of Anonymous 4 started out with this early music ensemble.
Florentine Opera Company Home for the Holidays Dec. 8-17 Florentine Opera Center, 926 E. Burleigh St.
Listen to the Florentine Opera Studio Artist (soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor and baritone) perform songs of the holiday season with the opera’s unique vocal flair.
Milwaukee Ballet The Nutcracker Dec. 8-26 Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St.
The timeless tale of Clara and her brave Nutcracker soldier brought magically to life is set to the glorious score by Tchaikovsky in artistic director Michael Pink’s kid-friendly production.
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts Holiday Pops with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Dec. 9 Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 19805 W. Capitol Drive
The MSO celebrates the holidays with favorite Christmas tunes and the season’s classics, of course!
Waukesha Civic Theatre I Got Yule, Babe Dec. 11 & 13 264 W. Main St., Waukesha
Local actor and playwright Joel Kopischke injects hilarity into the holidays with send-ups like the show’s title and “Ground Control to Santa Claus” among others.
Sunset Playhouse Season’s Greetings from Rosie & Bing Dec. 12-16 Sunset Playhouse, 700 Wall St., Elm Grove
Ellen Winters and Johnny Rodgers pay tribute to Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby, the velvety voices synonymous with “White Christmas,” in a performance of favorites from the beloved holiday film.
Off the Wall Theatre Cole and Noel: A Holiday Celebration with Cole Porter & Noel Coward Dec. 13-30 127 E. Wells St.
Dale Gutzman and the gang perform a choreographed show built around the songs of Noel Coward and Cole Porter.
Bel Canto Chorus Christmas at the Basilica Dec. 14-16 St. Josaphat Basilica, 2333 S. Sixth St.
For the 10th year, Bel Canto Chorus will celebrate the holiday with a program of traditional Christmas carols in the incomparable setting of St. Josaphat Basilica.
Cedarburg Performing Arts Center John McGivern’s Holiday Tales Dec. 15 Cedarburg Performing Arts Center, W68 N611 Evergreen Blvd., Cedarburg.
The Milwaukee comedian serves up Yuletide stories told while growing up with his five siblings in a working class Irish Catholic family, recalling more innocent times of holidays past and present.
Master Singers of Milwaukee Hodie! This is the Day Dec. 15-16 St. Joseph Chapel, 1501 S. Layton Blvd.
Usher in the holiday season with Christmas music by English and American composers featuring two area high school choral ensembles: Brookfield East High School (Dec. 15) and Pewaukee High School (Dec. 16).
Southwestern Suburban Symphony Yuletide Concert Dec. 16 Indian Community School, 10405 W. St Martins Road, Franklin
This program features a Madrigal dinner, where courses are introduced with a traditional song, and features choral music from the Medieval to Renaissance periods.
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts Lord of Lords, Lorie Line and her Pop Chamber Orchestra Dec. 19 Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 19805 W. Capitol Drive
A follow up to last year’s “best ever” holiday show, Line brings her orchestra and a guest vocalist to celebrate the season with holiday and faith-based favorites.
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts A Soulful Christmas with Chris Crain Dec. 22
Milwaukee R&B musician Chris Crain will fill Vogel Hall with his “Soulful Christmas” program for one night only.
