When: Through Dec. 30; Matinees are held Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays; Evening performances are held Wednesdays through Sundays
Where: La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro
Details: Based on the classic 1954 film of the same name, this tuneful, heartwarming musical comedy features such classic tunes as “Blue Skies,” “Sisters” and the iconic “White Christmas.” Director/choreographer Chris Beiser assembles an entertaining cast of tap-happy performers who particularly delight throughout “Let Yourself Go,” “I Love a Piano” and the aforementioned “Blue Skies.” Principals include warm tenor Andy Donnelly (nicely understated as Bob Wallace), knockout vocalist Liv Kurtz (delivering a superb “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me” as Betty Haynes), fittingly stern Robert Tully (General Waverly), Leanne Greenberg (earthy Martha), comical David Thomas (Ralph Sheldrake), and the impressive dancing partnership of Dom Giovanni (lively Phil Davis) and Allison Gabert (perky Judy Haynes). Addison Emmons and Adilynn Hatton share the role of Susan Waverly. Emily Lynn Thomas is also a standout displaying sharp finesse within the ensemble. The lovely period costumes are coordinated by Emercita Erb and Mattison Williams. (Russell Florence Jr).
Cost: $37-$78
More info: www.lacomedia.com
Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS
Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS
2. “Who’s Holiday!”
When: Through Dec. 23; Dec. 14 at 7 p.m., Dec. 15 and 16 at 8 p.m., Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., Dec. 18 at 2 p.m., Dec. 21 at 7 p.m., Dec. 22 and 23 at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Where: Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton
Details: The Human Race Theatre Company’s irreverent, adults-only holiday production returns with Alex Sunderhaus reprising her outstanding, naturally funny portrayal of pill-popping, heavy-drinking, rap-savvy Cindy Lou Who, reminiscing about her kooky relationship with the Grinch in her cozy trailer (terrifically designed with personality by Scott J. Kimmins) just outside of Whoville. Director Joe Deer ensures this breezy 70-minute play is a naughty good time, allowing Sunderhaus, stepping out in big hair and an even bigger attitude, plenty of playful opportunities to own the stage and interact with the audience in feisty, spicy fashion. (Russell Florence Jr).
Cost: $30-$40
More info: 937-228-3630 or visit www.humanracetheatre.org.
In addition: The Human Race is offering special “Parent’s Night Out” performances scheduled at 5 p.m. on Dec. 17, 22 and 23. Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy a holiday-themed theatre workshop in the second floor rehearsal room from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. while parents enjoy the show upstairs.
FYI: Patrons are advised the play continues strong language and adult themes.
3. “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 through 18
Where: Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton
Details: Dayton Live presents “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas,” a unique holiday show based on the Tony Award-nominated musical “Million Dollar Quartet.” The musicians portray music legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.
Cost: $25 to $79
More info: 937-228-3630 or www.daytonlive.org
Credit: PATTI CELEK
Credit: PATTI CELEK
4. “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
When: Dec. 16-18; Noon Friday; 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton
Details: The adorable “Peanuts” gang is back in this 40-minute holiday classic based on the iconic TV special of the same name. Cast includes Gage Recker as Charlie Brown, Diesel Weatherly as Snoopy, Corinne Tew as Lucy, Ethan Harris as Linus, Josiah Callinan as Pig Pen, Emma Campbell as Frieda, Deangelo Powell as Schroeder, Shamya Sumlin as Violet, Anna Senyk as Sally, Sierra Ward as Patty, and Derek Dunn-Melvin as Shermy.
Cost: $8
More info: www.sinclair.edu/tickets
5. Sugar Plum Tea
When: 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18
Where: The Dayton Woman’s Club, 225 N. Ludlow St., Dayton
Details: Dayton Ballet Barre, the dance company’s nonprofit association, presents The Sugar Plum Tea. The annual tie-in with Dayton Performing Arts Alliance’s production of “The Nutcracker” features themed festivities with light foods and hot drinks from Brock Masterson’s.
Cost: $25
More info: www.facebook.com/daytonballetbarre
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
6. Heartless Bastards
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16
Where: The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton
Details: Heartless Bastards, the celebrated Austin, Texas band led by Dayton area native Erika Wennestrom, formed in Cincinnati in 2003. The group wrapped up dates in the UK last week in support of its latest album, “A Beautiful Life,” (2021).
Cost: Advance tickets are $25 general admission, $50 VIP with special seating and early admission
More info: 937-410-0450 or www.thebrightsidedayton.com6
7. Walker Hayes
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16; doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: Hobart Arena, 255 Adams St., Troy
Details: Alabama native Walker Hayes is currently on the special acoustic tour, “An Evening of Songs and Stories.” The singer, whose latest single is “Ya’ll Life,” makes a stop at Hobart Arena.
Cost: $40 to $55
More info: 937-339-2911 or hobartarena.com
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
8. “A Very Eclectic Christmas”
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18
Where: Arbogast Performing Arts Center, 500 S. Dorsey Road, Troy
Details: Lightwire Theater, which has appeared on “America’s Got Talent” and “Fake Off,” presents “A Very Electric Christmas.” The show for all ages uses a unique mix of theater, music and technology to present the story about a young bird named Max, who finds adventure while migrating south for the winter with his family.
Cost: Tickets start at $15
More info: 937-418-8392 or www.arbogastpac.com
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
9. Carillon Brass
When: 10 a.m. and noon, Friday, Dec. 16
Where: The Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton
Details: Carillon Brass, which features five horn players from the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, is back with Bach’s Lunch. Dayton Performing Arts Alliance presents the holiday program. Box lunches are sold after each performance.
Cost: Free but reservations are required
More info: 937-228-3630 or www.daytonlive.org
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
10. Brendan Eyre
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17
Where: Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., Suite 200, The Greene, Beavercreek
Details: According to Brendan Eyre’s bio, his dad thinks his act is OK. Luckily, for the plucky stand-up that didn’t stop him from appearing on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” or headlining comedy clubs throughout the country. The New York-based comedian released the album, “Desiree,” in 2019.
Cost: $20
More info: 937-429-5233 or dayton.funnybone.com
11. Reel Love Holiday Revue
When: 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 and 18
Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton
Details: In recent years, some of the top musical talent in the area has been recording at Reel Love Recording Company in Dayton. This weekend, engineer-producer Patrick Himes has invited some of his associates out for an evening of seasonal entertainment he’s calling the Reel Love Holiday Revue.
Cost: $12 in advance, $15 day of event
More info: 937-424-3870 or yellowcabtavern.com
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
12. Breakfast with Santa
When: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17
Where: Scene75 Entertainment Center, 6196 Poe Ave., Dayton
Details: Santa Claus makes his annual early visit to Scene 75 for his breakfast with local children and their parents. Come early to eat and stick around afterwards to play some games and take part in other activities.
Cost: $7 children younger than 12, $12 adults, includes entry to breakfast; special bundles available at an additional cost
More info: www.scene75.com/dayton
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
13. “Wild: A Photographic Exhibition”
When: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17
Where: 1101 E. Third St., Dayton
Details: Mike Schena of YouTube’s “A Cabin and 50 Acres” hosts this event capturing images of four adventure, wildlife and landscape photographers (Tom Croce, Eleanor Moseman, Ryan Taylor and Eric Wright).
Cost: Free
More info: Facebook
Contact this contributing writer at 937-287-6139 or e-mail at donthrasher100@gmail.com.
