December Theater

“EL NOGALAR”

Through Dec. 2

A contemporary adaption of Anton Chekhov’s classic “The Cherry Orchard,” “El Nogalar finds an upper-class Hispanic family about to lose their orchard. The play charts the family’s experience as their way of life is threatened by encroaching drug cartels, violence and economic upheaval.

At Loyola University’s Lower Depths Theater, 5353 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans. (504) 865-3840. cmfa.loyno.edu/theatre/performances. ($12)

“MOON COVE”

Through Dec. 4

A fictional ghost story from the Cajun Prarie of Louisiana about the non-fictional Acadiana ancestors of critically-acclaimed artist Amy Woodruff. It weaves together live narrative storytelling, music and the projection of visually-striking photography to tell an epic story of the heartbreak, tragedy and resilience of a south Louisiana family.

At the Shadowbox Theatre, 2400 St. Claude, New Orleans. (504) 298-8676. www.theshadowboxtheatre.com. ($15)

“A CHRISTMAS STORY”

Through Dec. 9

The only thing little Ralphie Parker hopes to find under the tree is a Daisy Brand Red Ryder BB rifle. He doesn’t simply want it – he’s consumed with an aching desire for it. Looming in the way, however, are alleyway bullies, major awards, freezing flagpoles, unsympathetic authorities and a certain horrifying Macy’s Santa.

At Iberia Performing Arts’ Essanee Theater, New Iberia. (337) 364-6114. www.iberiaperforming.com. ($10)

At the Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Drive, Slidell. (985) 641-0324. ($15)

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”

Through Dec. 16

Charles Dickens’ classic play with music adapted by Doris Baizley. John “Spud” McConnell stars as Scrooge.

At the Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., New Orleans. (504) 528-3800. www.cacno.org. ($12.50 – $25)

“CINDERELLA BATTISTELLA”

Through Dec. 16

A Cajun retelling of the Cinderella fable performed by professional actors and singers. Will Cinderella escape her cruel stepfamily and find love?

At the Bayou Playhouse, 101 Main St., Lockport. (888) 99-BAYOU. www.bayouplayhouse.com. ($25)

“ROMEO & JULIET”

Through Dec. 16

Shakespeare’s classic “Romeo & Juliet” – a tale of star-crossed young lovers who embark on a fatally doomed romance – is told inside NOMA’s Great Hall on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

At the New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans. (504) 658-4100. www.noma.org. ($24)

“OUR TOWN”

Dec. 1

Thorton Wilder’s timeless tale of the life and death of people from the mythical village of Grover’s Corners, N.H., has become the most performed play. Follow George Gibbs and Emily Webb, friends from childhood, through the circle of life in this three-act show.

At the Thibodaux High School Auditorium, 1355 Tiger Drive, Thibodaux. (985-447-4071) www.lafourche.k12.la.us. ($7)

“SWEENEY TODD”

Dec. 6-16

The musical tale of Sweeney Todd, a murderous barber, and his partner in crime, Nellie Lovett, a baker who disposes of the bodies by baking them into her pies. Meanwhile, Anthony Hope, a sailor who saved Todd’s life, falls in love with Todd’s estranged daughter, Johanna, who is being brought up as the ward of the twisted Judge Turpin.

At the All-Ways Theatre and Lounge, 2240 St. Claude Ave., Faubourg Marigny, New Orleans. (504) 264-1776. ($25)

“BETHLEHEM OR BUST!”

Dec. 6 & 8

Maria Immacolata Church presents the musical Christmas trip of a lifetime, “Bethlehem or Bust!” Following the performance, pastry chef Jasiah St. Pierre, from Crescent Pie and Sausage Co. in New Orleans, will offer gourmet desserts and coffee. Seating is limited; tickets available at the church.

At Maria Immacolata Community Gathering Center, 246 Corporate Drive. (985) 876-3313. ($25)

“THE CELTIC CROSS”

Dec. 7-8

Jacob and Thomas, two young men in Belfast, Northern Ireland, develop an unlikely friendship. Jacob is a Protestant Loyalist and Thomas is a Catholic Nationalist. Set in the early 1900s, before the peace agreement, these two men have lived their entire lives during “the Troubles.” Circumstances force them to choose between their friendship and their beliefs.

At the Shadowbox Theatre, 2400 St. Claude, New Orleans. (504) 298-8676. www.theshadowboxtheatre.com. ($15)

“ALADDIN JR.”

Dec. 7-9

An adaptation of the Disney hit film, “Alladin Jr. is filled with magic, mayhem and flying carpet rides … as well as a great musical lineup. JPAS Theatre Kids! perform.

At the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 400 Phlox St., Metairie. (504) 885-2000. www.jpas.org. ($15)

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”

Dec. 7-16

The Charles Dickens’ classic captures the transformation and redemption of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge.

At the Baton Rouge Little Theater, 7155 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge. (225) 924-6496. www.brlt.org. ($25)

“BAH, HUMBUG”

Dec. 10

The Tri-City Youth Theatre Christmas children’s play presents Scrooge’s Christmas Carol. The classic tale is accompanied by lyricist Bill Francoeur’s works, including the town’s rousing version of “He’s Dead and Buried!” which Scrooge and the ghost of Christmas Past watch from the sidelines.

At the Municipal Auditorium, 800 Verret St., Morgan City. (985) 380-4639. ($3)

“DEBAUCHERY”

Dec. 12

This soap opera focuses on a wealthy, eccentric family trying to find love, family and infamy in New Orleans. Will Buff tell Cartier that he is really Nick – long lost husband of her sister, Chanel? Will Chanel continue her marriage to dull, predictable Larsen, or will she consumate her coitus-interuptus honeymoon with Nick, who is now Buff? And, if Buff was impotent during his marriage to Cartier, who fathered the twins?

At the Mid-City Theatre, 3540 Toulouse St., New Orleans. (504) 488-1460. www.MidCityTheatre.com. ($10)

“CIRQUE CHINOIS”

Dec. 13

Direct from Beijing, the renowned troupe performs their one-of-a-kind signature acts. The night includes juggling, flying trapeze, contortions and other mesmerizing feats.

At the Heymann Performing Arts Center, 1373 S. College Rd., Lafayette. (337) 291-5540. www.heymann-center.com. ($40-$45)

“WINTER WONDERETTES”

Through Dec. 15

Missy, Suzy, Betty Jean and Cindy Lou – the girls at Harper’s Hardware – join the 1968 holiday party. Of course, the Wonderettes bring their signature four-part harmony to songs from “Tannenbaum” to “Mele Kilikimaka.”

At Attractions Salon, 747 Robert Road, Slidell. (985) 639-8249. Cuttingedgetheater.com. ($18.50)

“MARY POPPINS”

Dec. 18-23

Featuring the story and songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time, plus brand-new dance numbers.

At the Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St., New Orleans. (504) 525-1052. www.mahaliajacksontheater.com. ($38-$95)

Dance

“THE NUTCRACKER”

Clara visits a marzipan land with its magical and exotic inhabitants including Spanish, Chinese, Arabian, Mother Ginger, the beautiful flowers and the Sugar Plum Fairy in this holiday classic.

Dec. 1-2 & 21-23

Presented by the Delta Festival Ballet.

At Tulane University’s Dixon Hall, 102 Dixon Hall, New Orleans. (504) 888-0931. www.deltafestivalballet.com. ($ 20)

Dec. 8-9

The River Region Performing Arts delivers the seasonal classic. Jessica Fry McAlister and Ramon Gaiian are the guest artists.

At the Destrehan Auditorium, No. 1 Wildcat Lane, Destrehan. (504) 322-5363. www.rrpa.org. ($15)

Dec. 15-16

“The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou” is performed.

At the Baton Rouge River Center, 275 S. River Rd., Baton Rouge. (225) 389-3030. www.brrivercenter.com. ($34-$40)

“BALLET HISPANICO”

Dec. 8

Ballet Hispanico teams up with the Grammy Award-winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and performs signature dances Club Havana and Tito on Timbales with the rhythms of Cuban, jazz and big-band music and the Latin social dances of Rumba, Salsa, Cha-cha and Mambo.

At the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St., New Orleans. (504) 287-0351. www.mahaliajacksontheater.com. ($20-$80)

Music

LPSO CONCERT

Nov. 30

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performs. German conductor Markus Huber leads the orchestra in its performance of Nielson Symphony No. 4 “The Inextinguishable” and Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2. The concert features acclaimed musician Stephen Hough.

NSU’s Mary M. Danos Theater, Thibodaux. www.lpomusic.com. ($20)

FBC of HOUMA CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Dec. 2

The South Louisiana Community Orchestra performs holiday hits.

At First Baptist Church of Houma, 7382 Main St., Houma. (985) 851-2520. ($6)

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Dec. 4

“Carols of the Night” is the theme of Nicholls State’s Concert Choir celebration. Christmas songs and carols are linked by poetry and scripture to tell the traditional Christmas story.

NSU’s Mary M. Danos Theater, Thibodaux. www.lpomusic.com.

CHRISTMAS in NEW YORK

Dec. 6

Nicholls State Chamber Singers ring in the holidays with a multi-course meal, music and fun.

NSU Donald C. Bollinger Memorial Student Union Ballroom. (985) 448-4600. www.nicholls.edu. ($40 adults, $20 children 12 and under)

“M BUTTERFLY”

Through Dec. 9

The award-winning re-telling of a French diplomat’s 20-year affair with a Chinese opera star and Communist spy, who is revealed to also be a man, begging the question, “How could he not know?”

At the Shadowbox Theatre, 2400 St. Claude, New Orleans. (504) 298-8676. www.theshadowbox.com. ($20)

VICTORY BELLES present “MAGICAL, MUSICAL CHRISTMAS”

Through Dec. 30

The Victory Belles trio sings all your Christmas favorites.

At the National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St., New Orleans. (504) 523-6530. www.nationalww2museum.org. ($30, show only; $60 buffet)

“YULETIDE CELEBRATION”

Dec. 6

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performs holiday favorites. Also features food, school choirs, local celebs and an appearance from Santa.

At The Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., Slidell. (504) 523-6530. www.lpomusic.com. ($20-$95)

“NOT SO SILENT NIGHT”

Dec.12

The vocal trio Bon Operatit! Perform a holiday concert.

At the Four Points Sheraton, 541 Bourbon St., New Orleans. (504) 232-1046. www.bonoperatit.com.

“NOCS CHRISTMAS CONCERT”

Dec. 12

The New Orleans Civic Symphony performs excerpts from “the Nutcracker” and other music with various St. Matthews Methodist Church groups.

At St. Matthews Methodist Church, 6017 Camphor St., Metairie. www.nocivicsymphony.org. FREE

“FRIENDS OF MUSIC – FLUTE & STRING TRIO”

Dec. 12

Founded in Berlin, the Jacques Thibaud String Trio with Eugenia Zuckerman on flute has gained acclaim through Europe, Canada and the U.S.

At Tulane University’s Dixon Hall, 102 Dixon Hall, New Orleans. (504) 865-5267. www.tulane.edu/liberal-arts/music. FREE

“BAROQUE CHRISTMAS”

Dec. 13

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performs Bach’s Christmas oratorio, Cantata IV and selections from Handel’s Messsiah.

At First Baptist Church in New Orleans, 5290 Canal Blvd., New Orleans. (504) 523-6530. www.lpomusic.com. ($20-$95)

“JUDITH OWEN & HARRY SHEARER’S HOLIDAY SING-A-LONG”

Dec. 18-19

The Holiday Sing-A-Long is an evening of music and mirth for Christmas lovers and Scrooges alike, a mix of traditional and non-traditional holiday music that is both reverent and irreverent.

At the Contemporary Arts Center, 800 Camp St., New Orleans. (504) 528-3805. www.cacno.org. ($30)

Have an item for Gumbo’s December issue? Forward the details to editor@gumboguide.com.

Charles Dickens’ classic story “A Christmas Carol” is presented at the Contemporary Arts Center through Dec. 16.

COURTESY

The Delta Festival Ballet presents “The Nutcracker from Dec. 1-2 and Dec. 21-23 at Tulane University’s Dixon Hall. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased at www.deltafestivalballet.com.

COURTESY