December Theater

Saadi: Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good book
December 3, 2013
Believe the Hype: LSU men, women succeed in tournaments
December 4, 2013
Saadi: Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good book
December 3, 2013
Believe the Hype: LSU men, women succeed in tournaments
December 4, 2013

Local and regional theater productions in December are listed below.

A TUNA CHRISTMAS


Through Dec. 6

This hilarious sequel to Greater Tuna will delight old hats as well as those new to Greater Tuna’s legacy. These holiday hijinks turn the third smallest town in Texas upside down and back, but their struggles are made that much funnier.

At Teatro Wego! Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego. www.jpas.org. (504) 371-3330. ($15-$30)


THE GIFTS OF THE MAGI

Through Dec. 15

A heartwarming, captivating musical treat, drawn from two short stories by the immortal O. Henry. It is Christmas in New York, but for two young lovers, Jim and Della, the prospects are bleak, as both are out of work and penniless. But, their dilemma is solved when both part with their most precious possessions in order to buy presents for each other, thereby creating (at least for a magical moment) an aura of warmth and giving in the cold, impersonal winter city. Viewers will also witness the hilarious plight of a cheerful bum who wants only to get arrested so he can spend the night in a cozy cell.


At Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Drive, Slidell. www.slidelllittletheatre.org. (985) 641-0324. ($8-$15)

DEATHTRAP

Through Dec. 15


Seemingly comfortably ensconced in his charming Connecticut home, Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, is struggling to overcome a “dry” spell, which has resulted in a string of failures and a shortage of funds.

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

THE TRIAL OF THE BIG BAD WOLF


Through Dec. 22

This musical from the creators of Cinderella Battistella features the aforementioned wolf’s trial for misdeeds against the “Once Upon a Time” bayou community. As a special treat, the audience will be the jury.

At The Bayou Playhouse, 101 Main St., Lockport. www.bayouplayhouse.com. 1-888-99-BAYOU. ($25-$35)


YULETIDE CELEBRATION

Dec. 5

A fun night of holiday musical favorites, food, and festivities for the entire family, featuring, local school choirs, scenes from the Nutcracker, and sing-alongs.


At The Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner. www.pontchartraincenter.com/site.php. (504)465-9985. ($20-$35)

A NICE FAMILY GATHERING

Dec. 5-15


Director Mitchell Prudhomme promises laughter as well as emotional resonance for audiences of the holiday show about the relationship of family.

At Essanee Theater, 126 Iberia St., New Iberia. (337) 364-6114. ($10)

A VERY MERRY UNAUTHORIZED CHILDREN’S SCIENTOLOGY PAGEANT


Dec. 6-22

A jubilant cast of children celebrate the controversial religion in uplifting pageantry and song! The actual teachings of the Church of Scientology are explained and dissected against the candy-colored backdrop of a traditional nativity play. This darkly hilarious holiday alternative is a musical biography of the life of L. Ron Hubbard.

At Mid-City Theatre, 3540 Toulouse St., New Orleans. www.midcitytheatre.wordpress.com. (504) 488-1460. ($25)


ANNIE

Dec. 6-22

Join the sweet and spunky orphan Annie and her adorable dog, Sandy, in adventure after fun-filled adventure on their search for a loving home!


At Rivertown Theater for the Performing Arts, 325 Minor St., Kenner. www.rivertowntheaters.com (504) 468-7221. ($27)

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

Dec. 7-8


More than 20 young actors and actresses are cast in the South Louisiana Center for the Arts’ retelling of the C.S. Lewis classic. James Dillon Hughes is directing.

At Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne, 7829 Main St., Houma (985) 876-2222. (Adults: $10; children: $7)

BAROQUE CHRISTMAS


Dec. 12

Performances featuring selections from Handel’s selections from Messiah, Bach’s Suite No. 2 for Orchestra and Brandenburg Concerto No. 2. Featuring performances from Heather Zinninger on the flute, Jaren Philleo on the oboe, Joseph Meyer on the violin and the Symphony Chorus of New Orleans directed by Steven Edwards.

At First Baptist Church, 5290 Canal Blvd., New Orleans. www.fbno.org. (504) 482-5775. ($20-$99)


THE SANTALAND DIARIES

Dec. 12-21

Based on David Sedaris’ witty essay, this one-man show is a brilliant evocation of what a slacker’s Christmas must feel like. In desperate need of a job, the slacker applies for work as a Macy’s elf during the holiday crunch. At first he is humiliated, but once thousands of visitors start pouring through Santa’s workshop, he becomes battle- weary and bitter. His only consolation: some of the other elves were television extras on “One Life to Live.” Located in TBR’s Social Room, set cabaret-style, seating is limited.


At Theatre Baton Rouge, 7155 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge. www.brlt.org. (225) 924-6496. ($20)

LIGHTWIRE – A VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS

Dec. 12-22


Audiences of all ages will watch in wonderment as captivating new characters pursue a holiday journey of inspiration and light, all set to Christmas classics, including songs from Nat King Cole, Tchaikovsky and Mariah Carey.

At Joy Theater, 1200 Canal St., New Orleans. www.thejoytheater.com. (504) 528-9569. ($35+)

AESOP’S FABLE-OUS CHRISTMAS TREE


Dec. 13-15

More than 20 young actors and actresses are cast in the Christmas comedy, described as the Tortoise and the Hare meeting the 12 days of Christmas. James Dillon Hughes is directing the South Louisiana Center for the Arts production. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13-14 and 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

At Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne, 7829 Main St., Houma. (985) 876-2222. (Adults: $10; children: $7)


A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Dec. 13-22

This holiday tradition continues at TBR with the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.


At Theatre Baton Rouge, 7155 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge. www.brlt.org. (225) 924-6496. ($13-$25)

SISTER ACT

Dec. 17-22


Sister Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look—a convent! Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.

At Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., New Orleans. www.saengernola.com. (504) 525-1052. ($72.85-$100.75)

NUTCRACKER


Dec. 21-22

JPAS presents a holiday classic created by award-winning Ballet Master Harvey Hysell, and staring Kimberly Matulich-Beck.

At Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 1118 Clearview Parkway, Metairie. www.jpas.org. (504) 885-2000. ($15-$30)


GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER

Dec. 26

This ballet dramatizes the traditional story of Masha meeting her “Prince” and, exclusive to Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, adds a tribute to world peace as well.


At Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., New Orleans. www.saengernola.com. (504) 525-1052. ($27.50-$102)

GOLDEN GIRLS

Dec. 27 – Jan. 12


It’s the latest wacky take-off from Varla Jean Merman, and REDESINGING WOMEN co-stars, Ricky Graham, Brian Peterson, and Jack Long.

At Mid-City Theatre, 3540 Toulouse St., New Orleans. www.midcitytheatre.wordpress.com. ($30)

Dance


A CHRISTMAS CABARET

Dec. 13-15

A dance-filled winter celebration, featuring JPAS Making the Grade dance students and a blend of various styles of music ranging from Modern to Hip-Hop, Tap, and Jazz.


At Teatro Wego! Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego. www.jpas.org. (504) 371-3330. ($12-$18)

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