Take time throughout December to unwrap these gifts from the local arts scene including a timeless ballet, a classic musical, a French farce, and the return of the beloved Peanuts gang.
The Liar
Nov. 30- Dec. 9, Wright State University
Following on the heels of an outstanding "Crazy for You," WSU offers more laughs and tricky complications in David Ives' 2010 adaptation of Pierre Corneille's 1644 comedy "The Liar." Assistant Professor of Acting Josh McCabe, a 13-year company actor and senior education artist at Shakespeare and Company in the Berkshires, directs. 8 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7 and 8; and 2 p.m. Dec. 2, 8 and 9. Downstairs, black box Herbst Theatre of WSU's Creative Arts Center, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. Call (937) 775-2500 or visit wright.edu/tdmp.
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Hometown Holiday
Dec. 7-8, Schuster Center
Enjoy the sounds of the season as this Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra SuperPops concert features guest artists such as Felita LaRock, Eleventh Hour and the Kettering Children's Choir. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. $14-$80. Call (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Dec. 13-16, Sinclair Community College
Sinclair's charming presentation of Charles M. Schulz's 1965 animated TV special is back by popular demand. Gina Kleesattel directs. 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 12 and 7 p.m. Friday, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday in Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, 444 W. Third St., Dayton. All seats $8. Visit sinclair.edu.
The Littlest Angel
Dec. 14-15, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
DCDC's 50th anniversary season continues with this heartwarming tale about the true meaning of giving. 7:30 p.m. Friday and 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Boll Theatre of the University of Dayton, 300 College Park Drive, Dayton. $12.50-$25. Call (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com.
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Americana Christmas
Dec. 14-16, Loft Theatre
There's a new holiday option in town as the Human Race Theatre Company presents Springfield artist J. Chris Moore and Race resident artist Scott Stoney's cabaret featuring legendary Norman Rockwell images from "Saturday Evening Post" and "Country Gentlemen." 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday in the Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton. $32 ($25 for subscribers). Call (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com.
The Nutcracker
Dec. 14-23, Schuster Center
Tchaikovsky's ode to magic and merriment, including an enchanting trip to the Land of Sweets and a visit from the beautiful Sugarplum Fairy, is presented by Dayton Ballet accompanied by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 15, 21 and 22 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Dec. 16 and 23 at 2:30 p.m., and Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m., at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets., Dayton. $18-$73. Call (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com.
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Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Through Dec. 31, La Comedia Dinner Theatre
Tuneful gems such as “Blue Skies,” “Sisters” and the iconic title number bolster this story of a pair of World War II veterans who follow a pair of singing sisters to their Christmas show at a cozy Vermont lodge. Wednesday-Sunday evenings and matinees at La Comedia, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro. $30-$75; All tickets discounted $10 Dec. 28-30; All seats $98 for special New Year’s Eve Bash. Call 1-800-677-9505 or visit
>>You’ll be singing ‘White Christmas’ as La Comedia presents holiday classic
New Year’s Eve: Fiesta!
Dec. 31, Schuster Center
Ring in 2019 with the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance as this festive program is accented by guest soprano Zulimar Lopez-Hernandez, members of Dayton Ballet and music by Bernstein, Bizet and more. The evening will conclude with a colorful balloon drop. 8 p.m. Monday at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. $18-$75. Call (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com.
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