Special Features'Tis the Season: Playbill.com's Holiday Show GuideNew York City is getting into the holiday spirit more than ever this year with numerous holiday and Christmas-themed shows decorating the town. Playbill.com has compiled a list of various seasonal offerings to help theatregoers select the perfect night out.
By
Adam Hetrick
November 27, 2012
Here's a look at our Holiday Guide. Click on each title to purchase tickets and learn more about the show.
A Christmas Story, The Musical The 1983 film A Christmas Story, based on Jean Shepherd's nostalgic and comedic holiday tale of American Christmases past, is re-wrapped as a new Broadway musical by songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. It has a book by Joseph Robinette, direction by Tony Award winner John Rando and choreography by Tony Award nominee Warren Carlyle. The production runs through Dec. 30 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.
Elf The holiday musical comedy based on the 2003 film of the same title about an orphaned human who thinks he's one of Santa's helpers stars Jordan Gelber as Buddy. It has a score by Wedding Singer songwriters Matthew Sklar (music) and Chad Beguelin (lyrics) and a book by Tony Award winners Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan. Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw directs and choreographs the production that runs through Jan. 6, 2013, at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.
Here's a look at the 2010 production:
A Civil War Christmas Tony Award winner Alice Ripley and Bob Stillman co-star as Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln, respectively, in the New York premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel's music-filled play. Tina Landau directs the Christmas Eve 1864-set play that brings together fictional characters and historic figures. It runs through Dec. 30 at the New York Theatre Workshop.
The cast of A Civil War Christmas
photo by Monica Simoes
Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical Jeff McCarthy stars as the fuzzy green curmudgeon in the stage production based on the original book written by Dr. Seuss. It was originally conceived by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O' Brien. Book and lyrics are by Timothy Mason with music by Mel Marvin and additional music and lyrics by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss. It runs Dec. 13-30 at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden.
Jeff McCarthy (left) as the Grinch
Jackie Hoffman
Photo by Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Jackie Hoffman’s A Chanukah Charol Hoffman's biting take on the Dickens tale, which is billed as a "pseudo-autobiographical, one-woman show inspired by Patrick Stewart's A Christmas Carol," is directed by Michael Schiralli. It plays Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 PM Dec. 8-29 at New World Stages.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular The opulent holiday musical revue, complete with live nativity and high-kicking Rockettes (in their 85th year), features new choreography and favorite numbers that have been part of the show since it began. A new 3D element, interacting with live performance, sees the Rockettes take "audiences on a whimsical journey battling 'humbugs,' gingerbread men and an ice monster who have stolen all the Christmas toys." Here's a look at the 2011 engagement:
Annie Lilla Crawford stars as the perky red-headed orphan in the Broadway revival of the 1977 show that introduced generations of children to the tuneful optimism of traditional Broadway musicals. Annie has music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and a book by Thomas Meehan. James Lapine directs the revival of the musical, replete with a "New Deal for Christmas" as part of its happy ending. Annie continues at the Palace Theatre.
Chris March
Chris March's Butt-Cracker Suite Drama Desk Award-nominated designer Chris March, known for his appearance on "Project Runway," debuts his outlandish trailer park-set take on the beloved Christmas tale "The Nutcracker," which runs through Dec. 28 at HERE Arts Center.
Let's Kill Grandma This Christmas Brian Gianci's holiday black comedy takes place as a family gathers to celebrate Christmas Eve dinner. After a rough year rife with economic difficulties, some family members ponder the question...at 80 years old, how much longer does Grandma need to hold on to her vast fortune? Through Jan. 6, 2013, at the Theatre at St. Clement's.
The cast
Steve Tyrell
Christmas at the Carlyle: The Songs of Sammy Cahn Steve Tyrell pays tribute to Sammy Cahn in an evening that features songs from the famed songwriter whose music continues to inspire generations today. Songs from the engagement include "It's Magic," "Come Fly With Me," "Call Me Irresponsible," "Teach Me Tonight," "The Tender Trap," "Let It Snow" and "The Christmas Blues." Through Dec. 31 at the Café Carlyle.
Jeffry Denman and Marc Kudisch
Photo by Tim Schultheis
The Holiday Guys in Happy Merry Hanu-Mas Tony Award nominee Marc Kudisch and Drama Desk nominee Jeffry Denman offer a holiday variety show that promises to "remind you of what the holidays are really about in a hilarious, fun-filled 80 minutes of song and cheer." From Dec. 18-31 at the York Theatre Company.
Norm Lewis
My Gift of Thanks: New Songs for the Holidays Holiday songs penned by William Schermerhorn, Milton Delugg, Michael Feinstein, Lance Horne, Matthew Sklar, Wesley Whatley and more are performed by a line-up including Norm Lewis, Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, Alix Korey, Julia Murney, Adrienne Warren, Ann Hampton Callaway, Jordan Gelber and Randy Redd Dec. 9 at at Feinstein's at Loews Regency.
Patti LuPone
Photo by Ethan Hill
Patti LuPone Rings in New Year's Eve at 54 Below Two-time Tony Award winner LuPone, currently back on Broadway in The Anarchist, will ring out the old and ring in the new on New Year's Eve with her acclaimed nightclub act Far Away Places, which will play two performances Dec. 31 at 54 Below. A special three-course New Year's Eve dinner, including a champagne toast, will be offered for the 7 PM and 11 PM shows.
