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Saturday, November 17
LEARN→ Join the New Series Acting Intensive for a chance to learn from some of the hottest actors working in the biz today. Tony winner Billy Crudup, Susan Blackwell, Jessica Stone, Tony nominee Maria Dizzia and Peter Jacobson are among the faculty for the four-day workshop for students ages 16-26. (Manhattan Theatre Club, 311 W. 43rd St., btwn. 8th& 9th Aves. Info.)
Sunday, November 18
GO→ Legendary song and dance man Tommy Tune will take to the intimate stage at Feinstein's for a new solo show, Taps, Tunes and Tall Tales. The nine-time Tony winner will recollect his 50 years in the biz of show through songs, stories and, of course, dance. (Through Nov. 26, Feinstein's at the Loews Regency, 540 Park Ave., at 61st St. Info/tickets.)
GO→ The gargantuan groundbreaking hit that is Disney's The Lion King celebrates its 15th year on Broadway with a special performance to benefit The Actors Fund. Special guests are expected to pop up at the celebratory performance and party including members of the original creative team. A surprise "one-time only performance" is promised. (6:30 PM, Minskoff Theater, 200 W. 45th St., btwn. Broadway & 8th Ave. Info/tickets.)
Monday, November 19
OPENING→ The modern classic "A Christmas Story" (which can be seen on a 24-hour cable-TV loop on Christmas Day) takes musical form thanks to songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dogfight). The tale by raconteur Jean Shepherd follows the holiday exploits of an Indiana family in the 1940s — including a Christmas tree catching on fire, the family dinner going to the dogs (literally) and a visit to an ornery department-store Santa. At the center of the madness is young Ralphie (played by Johnny Rabe), a kid on a quest for the perfect Christmas gift. The musical also stars John Bolton as The Old Man, Tony nominee Erin Dilly as Mother and Dan Lauria as Shepherd, the narrator of the story. (Through Dec. 30, Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 W. 46th St., btwn. Broadway & 8th Ave. Click here for Playbill Club discount tickets.)
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| photo by Carol Rosegg |
GO→ The band The Skivvies (as in "stripping down to your…"), comprised of actors Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley, returns to the stage with some Broadway star power —Laura Benanti, Wes Taylor, Mitchell Jarvis and Emily Bergl — joining the duo for their brand of "stripped-down, amped-up pop." Oh, and besides the group being talented and hilarious…they're all in their undies! (7:30 PM, Cutting Room, 44 E. 32nd St., btwn. Park & Madison Aves, $18. Info/tickets.)
Tuesday, November 20
GO→ Funnyman Gilbert Gottfried teams up with contestants from the NBC hit show "The Biggest Loser" for a new stage comedy, The Diet Show. The experience consists of a variety of monologues about the trials and tribulations of dieting. The cast features "Biggest Loser" contestants Erik Chopin, Bill and Jim Germanakos, Tara Costa, Alfredo Dinten, Suzanne Mendonca, Nicole Michalic, Amanda Arlauskas, Mark Pinhasovich with comedian Key Fitz and plus-size model Krista Mays. (Stage 72, 158 W. 72nd St., btwn. Broadway & Columbus Ave. Info/tickets.)
Wednesday, November 21
GO→ Oscar and Tony winner Christopher Plummer revisits the role that earned him his second Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play in the eponymous film "Barrymore." Plummer plays stage legend John Barrymore in his declining years as he attempts to revive his once-thriving career. The film is a mix of a filmed live performance of the William Luce play as well as single-camera scenes. (Info/screenings near you.)
Thursday, November 22
WATCH→ The 86th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will, as per usual, be chock-full of Broadway talent! Shows expected to perform during the NBC live broadcast include Annie, Bring It On, Elf, Nice Work If You Can Get It and the upcoming Cinderella. If you're in New York, you can watch the parade live and in person as the procession goes from 77th Street and Central Park West down Sixth Avenue to Macy's Herald Square on 34th Street. (9 AM-noon, NBC. Info.)
Friday, November 23
GO (DC)→ Broadway babe and "Smash" star Megan Hilty will perform with the National Symphony Orchestra in the concert Luck Be a Lady: Megan Hilty Sings Sinatra and More. On the docket will be songs by Ol' Blue Eyes as well as standards from Rat Pack, Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James. (The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC. Info/tickets.)
Blake Ross is the editor of Playbill magazine. Follow her on Twitter @PlaybillBlake.
Playbill Video visits A Christmas Story in rehearsals:
