ARTS

26 Wilmington Christmas shows to see

Dec. 12-22: Theatre Exchange’s ’A Christmas Carol’ Wilmington actor (and executive director of Thalian Hall) Tony Rivenbark takes on the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge for the 14th time. Thalian Hall Cube Theatre presents Theatre Exchange’s adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” which is set in a 1920s-era Depression camp where the Dickensian holiday tale is put on by dusty denizens. $28. ThalianHall.org [STARNEWS FILE]
Dec. 12-22: Theatre Exchange’s ’A Christmas Carol’ Wilmington actor (and executive director of Thalian Hall) Tony Rivenbark takes on the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge for the 14th time. Thalian Hall Cube Theatre presents Theatre Exchange’s adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” which is set in a 1920s-era Depression camp where the Dickensian holiday tale is put on by dusty denizens. $28. ThalianHall.org [STARNEWS FILE]
Wilmington StarNews
NUTCRACKERS When it comes to the traditional Christmas ballet set to the score by Tchaikovsky about Clara, a young girl who follows a toy nutcracker into an enchanted world filled with both danger and delight, everybody wants to get into the act. Dec. 6-7: Ballet For Young Audiences' 'The Nutcracker' The New York dance company Ballet For Young Audiences brings this abbreviated, hour-long version of the holiday classic back to Thalian Hall for a trio of performances over two days. Perfect for your child’s first “Nutcracker” experience. $20-$50. ThalianHall.org
NUTCRACKERS When it comes to the traditional Christmas ballet set to the score by Tchaikovsky about Clara, a young girl who follows a toy nutcracker into an enchanted world filled with both danger and delight, everybody wants to get into the act. Dec. 6-7: Ballet For Young Audiences' 'The Nutcracker' The New York dance company Ballet For Young Audiences brings this abbreviated, hour-long version of the holiday classic back to Thalian Hall for a trio of performances over two days. Perfect for your child’s first “Nutcracker” experience. $20-$50. ThalianHall.org
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 15: ’Frosty’ The touring Barter Players from Abingdon, Virginia, roll into Odell Williamson Auditorium on the campus of Brunswick Community College with this family show. It’s about the snowman who comes to life and takes young Billy on a New York City adventure, helping the boy search for his real family in time for Christmas. $10. bccowa.com
Dec. 15: ’Frosty’ The touring Barter Players from Abingdon, Virginia, roll into Odell Williamson Auditorium on the campus of Brunswick Community College with this family show. It’s about the snowman who comes to life and takes young Billy on a New York City adventure, helping the boy search for his real family in time for Christmas. $10. bccowa.com
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 10-11: ’The Illusionists -- Magic of the Holidays’ What’s better than a magic show? A holiday magic show, of course. Featuring the same half-dozen world-class magicians from “The Illusionists: Live From Broadway,” they’ll perform everything from sleight-of-hand to crazy escapes, all with a Christmas twist. At CFCC’s Wilson Center. $38-$92. WilsonCenterTickets.com
Dec. 10-11: ’The Illusionists -- Magic of the Holidays’ What’s better than a magic show? A holiday magic show, of course. Featuring the same half-dozen world-class magicians from “The Illusionists: Live From Broadway,” they’ll perform everything from sleight-of-hand to crazy escapes, all with a Christmas twist. At CFCC’s Wilson Center. $38-$92. WilsonCenterTickets.com
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 20: ’The Nutcracker Ballet' U.S. International Ballet brings its "Nutcracker“ from the Wilson Center into Brunswick County for a performance at Odell Williamson Auditorium. $23-$35. bccowa.com
Dec. 20: ’The Nutcracker Ballet' U.S. International Ballet brings its "Nutcracker“ from the Wilson Center into Brunswick County for a performance at Odell Williamson Auditorium. $23-$35. bccowa.com
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 13-22: ’Elf: The Musical’ Thalian Association Community Theatre stages a musical adaptation of the movie comedy about Buddy, an oversized, out-of-place man who’s not an actual elf but was raised as one by Santa. Jeff Hidek takes on the role made famous by Will Ferrell. Chandler Davis directs the show on the main stage of Thalian Hall. $32. ThalianHall.org
Dec. 13-22: ’Elf: The Musical’ Thalian Association Community Theatre stages a musical adaptation of the movie comedy about Buddy, an oversized, out-of-place man who’s not an actual elf but was raised as one by Santa. Jeff Hidek takes on the role made famous by Will Ferrell. Chandler Davis directs the show on the main stage of Thalian Hall. $32. ThalianHall.org
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 7-8: ’A Carolina Nutcracker’ If you want a local twist on your “Nutcracker,” consider this annual production by City Ballet. Staged at CFCC’s Wilson Center, the setting is 1865 at Wilmington’s historic Bellamy Mansion and the show blends the familiar story with Wilmington’s history. Local dancers will be joined by professionals from Raleigh’s Carolina Ballet, and Tchaikovsky’s score will be performed by a live, 50-piece orchestra. $25-$50. WilsonCenterTickets.com
Dec. 7-8: ’A Carolina Nutcracker’ If you want a local twist on your “Nutcracker,” consider this annual production by City Ballet. Staged at CFCC’s Wilson Center, the setting is 1865 at Wilmington’s historic Bellamy Mansion and the show blends the familiar story with Wilmington’s history. Local dancers will be joined by professionals from Raleigh’s Carolina Ballet, and Tchaikovsky’s score will be performed by a live, 50-piece orchestra. $25-$50. WilsonCenterTickets.com
Wilmington StarNews
THEATER Dec. 5-14: ’A Christmas Carol’ Brunswick Little Theatre in Southport presents a musical version of Charles Dickens’ Christmas story featuring a book and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick (“Fiddler on the Roof”) and music by Oscar and Grammy winner Michel Legrand. Newcomer Jeff Krantz plays Scrooge, and the large cast features actors of all ages. $12-$20. BrunswickLittleTheatre.com
THEATER Dec. 5-14: ’A Christmas Carol’ Brunswick Little Theatre in Southport presents a musical version of Charles Dickens’ Christmas story featuring a book and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick (“Fiddler on the Roof”) and music by Oscar and Grammy winner Michel Legrand. Newcomer Jeff Krantz plays Scrooge, and the large cast features actors of all ages. $12-$20. BrunswickLittleTheatre.com
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 14-15: ’The Great Wilmington Nutcracker’ The Wilmington Ballet Company and U.S. International Ballet team up to present this “Nutcracker” featuring more than two dozen professional ballet dancers from five countries, including Italy’s Walter Angelini and Ines Albertini, who run the USIB. Big sets, fancy costumes, youth dancers, the works. $25-$65. WilsonCenterTickets.com
Dec. 14-15: ’The Great Wilmington Nutcracker’ The Wilmington Ballet Company and U.S. International Ballet team up to present this “Nutcracker” featuring more than two dozen professional ballet dancers from five countries, including Italy’s Walter Angelini and Ines Albertini, who run the USIB. Big sets, fancy costumes, youth dancers, the works. $25-$65. WilsonCenterTickets.com
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 5-22: ’The Santaland Diaries’ Randy Davis becomes the 15th Wilmington actor to take the lead in this one-man show. Based on the essay by David Sedaris about the year, new to New York and desperate for employment, he took work as an elf in Macy’s massive Santaland display, it’s become a tradition in Wilmington and elsewhere thanks to its mix of sentimentality and hard-bitten cynicism. And the funny part is, it’s not even a one-man show. Davis will be joined by some “not ready for Christmas” carolers delivering all manner of cracked classics between the monologues. Jamey Stone directs for Panache Theatrial Productions at the Cape Fear Playhouse on Castle Street. $20-$22. PanacheTheatre.com
Dec. 5-22: ’The Santaland Diaries’ Randy Davis becomes the 15th Wilmington actor to take the lead in this one-man show. Based on the essay by David Sedaris about the year, new to New York and desperate for employment, he took work as an elf in Macy’s massive Santaland display, it’s become a tradition in Wilmington and elsewhere thanks to its mix of sentimentality and hard-bitten cynicism. And the funny part is, it’s not even a one-man show. Davis will be joined by some “not ready for Christmas” carolers delivering all manner of cracked classics between the monologues. Jamey Stone directs for Panache Theatrial Productions at the Cape Fear Playhouse on Castle Street. $20-$22. PanacheTheatre.com
Wilmington StarNews
CONCERTS Nov. 25: A Very Postmodern Christmas A production of Scott Bradlee’s massively popular Postmodern Jukebox, it’s a massive, retro-flavored mashup of dancers, singers, musicians and more putting fresh spins on beloved holiday songs, with styles including ’20s-era jazz, Motown and doo-wop. At CFCC’s Wilson Center. $36-$68. WilsonCenterTickets.com
CONCERTS Nov. 25: A Very Postmodern Christmas A production of Scott Bradlee’s massively popular Postmodern Jukebox, it’s a massive, retro-flavored mashup of dancers, singers, musicians and more putting fresh spins on beloved holiday songs, with styles including ’20s-era jazz, Motown and doo-wop. At CFCC’s Wilson Center. $36-$68. WilsonCenterTickets.com
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 5: The Midtown Men Original cast members of hit Broadway show “Jersey Boys” return to CFCC’s Wilson Center for a Christmas show. In addition to renditions of ’60s-era rock ’n’ roll hits, they’ll play a range of seasonal songs as well as an original holiday single, “All Alone on Christmas,” which they recorded with members of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. $35-$72. WilsonCenterTickets.com
Dec. 5: The Midtown Men Original cast members of hit Broadway show “Jersey Boys” return to CFCC’s Wilson Center for a Christmas show. In addition to renditions of ’60s-era rock ’n’ roll hits, they’ll play a range of seasonal songs as well as an original holiday single, “All Alone on Christmas,” which they recorded with members of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. $35-$72. WilsonCenterTickets.com
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 12: Christmas with the Celts Touring Nashville act puts a Celtic accent on the holidays at Odell Williamson Auditorium, with lots of fiddling, dancing and, of course, singing, from holiday standards to ancient Irish carols. Created by Ric Blair, the show was first performed at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium before going on to PBS specials and nationwide tours. $33-$35. bccowa.com
Dec. 12: Christmas with the Celts Touring Nashville act puts a Celtic accent on the holidays at Odell Williamson Auditorium, with lots of fiddling, dancing and, of course, singing, from holiday standards to ancient Irish carols. Created by Ric Blair, the show was first performed at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium before going on to PBS specials and nationwide tours. $33-$35. bccowa.com
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 1: Home Grown Christmas with Sweet Potato Pie Down-home renditions of holiday hits from this all-female country and Americana band coming to UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium. Hailing from Cary, they’re sponsored by the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission and have been written up in Our State magazine. $15. UNCW.edu/arts [LAURA KATHRYN PHOTOGRAPHY]
Dec. 1: Home Grown Christmas with Sweet Potato Pie Down-home renditions of holiday hits from this all-female country and Americana band coming to UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium. Hailing from Cary, they’re sponsored by the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission and have been written up in Our State magazine. $15. UNCW.edu/arts [LAURA KATHRYN PHOTOGRAPHY]
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 8: Tuba Christmas UNCW’s music department, led by professor and tuba player Daniel Johnson, puts on this free annual concert for holiday shoppers at Independence Mall. In case you’ve not witnessed this musical wonder in action, it’s an ensemble made up solely of low brass -- tuba and euphonium players -- cranking out Christmas carols. Part of the nationwide Tuba Christmas tradition. UNCW.edu/Music [GANNETT]
Dec. 8: Tuba Christmas UNCW’s music department, led by professor and tuba player Daniel Johnson, puts on this free annual concert for holiday shoppers at Independence Mall. In case you’ve not witnessed this musical wonder in action, it’s an ensemble made up solely of low brass -- tuba and euphonium players -- cranking out Christmas carols. Part of the nationwide Tuba Christmas tradition. UNCW.edu/Music [GANNETT]
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 13: BellaNova Strings South Carolina-based electric string duo will bring a high-energy holiday concert to the Leland Cultural Arts Center. $10. TownOfLeland.com
Dec. 13: BellaNova Strings South Carolina-based electric string duo will bring a high-energy holiday concert to the Leland Cultural Arts Center. $10. TownOfLeland.com
Wilmington StarNews
Nov. 27: Mannheim Steamroller This massively popular touring act returns to Wilmington for two shows the day/night before Thanksgiving at CFCC’s Wilson Center. With a massive, synth-and-string-driven sound that reconfigures holiday classics for the modern age, and a dazzling array of multimedia effects, Mannheim Steamroller will not let up until you submit fully to the magic of the holiday spirit. $46-$95, 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. WilsonCenterTickets.com
Nov. 27: Mannheim Steamroller This massively popular touring act returns to Wilmington for two shows the day/night before Thanksgiving at CFCC’s Wilson Center. With a massive, synth-and-string-driven sound that reconfigures holiday classics for the modern age, and a dazzling array of multimedia effects, Mannheim Steamroller will not let up until you submit fully to the magic of the holiday spirit. $46-$95, 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. WilsonCenterTickets.com
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 8: Cape Fear Chorale The 65-member Wilmington vocal group presents its free “Sounds of the Season: Sing Fa La La” concert at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium. The program begins with J.C. Bach’s “Magnificat in C,” and also includes music by Tchaikovsky, Ukranian folk favorite “Carol of the Bells" and more.
Dec. 8: Cape Fear Chorale The 65-member Wilmington vocal group presents its free “Sounds of the Season: Sing Fa La La” concert at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium. The program begins with J.C. Bach’s “Magnificat in C,” and also includes music by Tchaikovsky, Ukranian folk favorite “Carol of the Bells" and more.
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 13: Christmas Unplugged Annual songwriters’ showcase at Bourgie Nights helps keep the Wilmington Unplugged tradition going. More than a dozen area musicians including Sean Thomas Gerard, Travis Shallow, Jason Andre, Mike Blair, Justin Lacy and McKay Glasgow will play short sets with a mix of original and seasonal music. Facebook.com/bourgienights
Dec. 13: Christmas Unplugged Annual songwriters’ showcase at Bourgie Nights helps keep the Wilmington Unplugged tradition going. More than a dozen area musicians including Sean Thomas Gerard, Travis Shallow, Jason Andre, Mike Blair, Justin Lacy and McKay Glasgow will play short sets with a mix of original and seasonal music. Facebook.com/bourgienights
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 14: L Shape Lot’s Toys for Tots benefit An annual tradition for this Wilmington country, folk and bluegrass band, which has raised thousands of dollars for the Toys for Tots charity over the years. Singer and guitarist David Dixon opens the show, which is at the Brooklyn Arts Center. $10 at the door, accepting donations of all new and unwrapped toys. BrooklynArtsNC.com
Dec. 14: L Shape Lot’s Toys for Tots benefit An annual tradition for this Wilmington country, folk and bluegrass band, which has raised thousands of dollars for the Toys for Tots charity over the years. Singer and guitarist David Dixon opens the show, which is at the Brooklyn Arts Center. $10 at the door, accepting donations of all new and unwrapped toys. BrooklynArtsNC.com
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 14-15: Hark! The Herald Angels Swing Opera House Theatre Co. presents its 12th annual holiday-themed fundraiser and Christmas Cabaret at the Blockade Runner Resort in Wrightsville Beach featuring some of the best musical theater talent in town. With performances by singers Michelle Braxton and Cannon Starnes, and jazz saxophonist Daryl Murrill. $65. Blockade-Runner.com
Dec. 14-15: Hark! The Herald Angels Swing Opera House Theatre Co. presents its 12th annual holiday-themed fundraiser and Christmas Cabaret at the Blockade Runner Resort in Wrightsville Beach featuring some of the best musical theater talent in town. With performances by singers Michelle Braxton and Cannon Starnes, and jazz saxophonist Daryl Murrill. $65. Blockade-Runner.com
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 20: ’Bending Toward the Light, a Jazz Nativity’ Wilmington’s own Julia Walker Jewell and Wrightsville United Methodist Church bring this seasonal combination of jazz and theater to UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium stage. Created by the singer and songwriter Anne Phillips, it was first staged in 1985 and contains original music by Phillips, Bob Kindred and Dave and Iola Brubeck mixed with well-known Christmas music. The Port City Trio will open things up. $7-$15. UNCW.edu/arts
Dec. 20: ’Bending Toward the Light, a Jazz Nativity’ Wilmington’s own Julia Walker Jewell and Wrightsville United Methodist Church bring this seasonal combination of jazz and theater to UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium stage. Created by the singer and songwriter Anne Phillips, it was first staged in 1985 and contains original music by Phillips, Bob Kindred and Dave and Iola Brubeck mixed with well-known Christmas music. The Port City Trio will open things up. $7-$15. UNCW.edu/arts
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 19: A Merry Country Christmas Less than a week before Christmas Day, this touring Nashville show brings countrified Christmas tunes to town for a big ol’ show at Thalian Hall. From “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman” to “White Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland,” you’ll know most every song in the show. $15-$75. ThalianHall.org
Dec. 19: A Merry Country Christmas Less than a week before Christmas Day, this touring Nashville show brings countrified Christmas tunes to town for a big ol’ show at Thalian Hall. From “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman” to “White Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland,” you’ll know most every song in the show. $15-$75. ThalianHall.org
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 17: N.C. Symphony Holiday Pops The state symphony of North Carolina dresses up in Santa hats and reindeer horns to bring its annual holiday pops show to CFCC’s Wilson Center. The concert will feature seasonal favorites, a few surprises and the obligatory audience sing-along. $22-$85. WilsonCenterTickets.com [MICHAEL R. ZIRKLE]
Dec. 17: N.C. Symphony Holiday Pops The state symphony of North Carolina dresses up in Santa hats and reindeer horns to bring its annual holiday pops show to CFCC’s Wilson Center. The concert will feature seasonal favorites, a few surprises and the obligatory audience sing-along. $22-$85. WilsonCenterTickets.com [MICHAEL R. ZIRKLE]
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 23: Tallis Chamber Orchestra Wilmington’s Tallis Chamber Orchestra presents its 10th annual baroque Christmas concert at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Featuring Scarlatti’s “Christmas Cantata” with soprano Sara Westermark, as well as music by Handel and others. Free, with donations to benefit the Good Shepherd Center. TallisChamberOrchestra.com
Dec. 23: Tallis Chamber Orchestra Wilmington’s Tallis Chamber Orchestra presents its 10th annual baroque Christmas concert at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Featuring Scarlatti’s “Christmas Cantata” with soprano Sara Westermark, as well as music by Handel and others. Free, with donations to benefit the Good Shepherd Center. TallisChamberOrchestra.com
Wilmington StarNews
Dec. 20: Candlelight Christmas Wilmington group The Brierwood Ensemble -- violinist Linda Estep, violist/violinist Clark Spencer, bassoonist Helena Kopchick Spencer and harpist Christina Brier -- bring this classical Christmas program to St. John's Episcopal Church. It’s one they’ll be playing all over Eastern North Carolina this month, from Beaufort to Tryon Palace in New Bern. Selections include pieces for solo harp and excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” $10-$20.
Dec. 20: Candlelight Christmas Wilmington group The Brierwood Ensemble -- violinist Linda Estep, violist/violinist Clark Spencer, bassoonist Helena Kopchick Spencer and harpist Christina Brier -- bring this classical Christmas program to St. John's Episcopal Church. It’s one they’ll be playing all over Eastern North Carolina this month, from Beaufort to Tryon Palace in New Bern. Selections include pieces for solo harp and excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” $10-$20.
Wilmington StarNews