Holiday shows to see in December

Diverse productions across area stages.
Alex Sunderhaus as Cindy Lou Who in the Human Race Theatre Company's production of "Who's Holiday!"

Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS

Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS

Alex Sunderhaus as Cindy Lou Who in the Human Race Theatre Company's production of "Who's Holiday!"

The holidays wouldn’t be the same without enjoying productions that capture the beauty, charm, fun and poignancy of the season.

Here are 14 diverse shows from cute family-friendly fare to uplifting spiritual experiences to keep in mind as you prepare your December plans.

Gage Recker (Charlie Brown) leads Sinclair Community College's production of "A Charlie Brown Christmas." PHOTO BY PATTI CELEK

Credit: PATTI CELEK

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Credit: PATTI CELEK

“A Charlie Brown Christmas”

When: Dec. 15-18; Noon Thursday and 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.

Tickets: $8

More info: All seats are reserved and the regular house policy of “no children under 6″ has been lifted. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Visit www.sinclair.edu/tickets.

“A Tuna Christmas”

When: Dec. 2-11; 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays

Where: Xenia Area Community Theater, 45 E. Second St., Xenia

Details: Russell Dern directs Joe Sears, Jaston Williams and Ed Howard’s comedy about the third-smallest town in Texas.

Tickets: $15-$17

More info: www.xeniaact1.org

“Baby Shark Live! The Christmas Show!”

When: Dec. 22; 6 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton

Details: The exciting adventures of Baby Shark, Pinkfong and friends receive an immersive holiday twist incorporating “Wheels On The Bus” and “Jingle Bells.”

Tickets: $30-$60

More info: www.daytonlive.org

“Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh”

When: Dec. 10-11; 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday

Where: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton

Details: Karen Alexander-Roebuck directs this soulful retelling of the Magi’s biblical quest interpreted through music, dance and narration.

Tickets: $35

More info: www.eventbrite.com/e/gold-frankincense-myrrh-tickets

Aaron Exman (Aamhl Cover and Page Apprentice) and Rebecca Krynski Cox (Amahl's Mother) in rehearsal for Dayton Opera's production of "Amahl and the Night Visitors." CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

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Credit: CONTRIBUTED

“Hometown Holiday and Amahl and the Night Visitors”

When: Dec. 2-3; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton

Details: Dayton Opera’s brand new production of Gian Carlo Menotti’s 1951 opus “Amahl and the Night Visitors” is programmed with orchestral and choral holiday works courtesy of Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tickets: $5-$85

More info: www.daytonperformingarts.org

“Home for the Holidays”

When: Dec. 11; 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday

Where: Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton

Details: Gem City Ballet, the Miami Valley Community Chorus and soprano Jennifer Fair are featured artists in this concert.

Tickets: Free admission. All seats reserved.

More info: 937-530-0515 or www.mvso.org

Left to right: Liz Kurtz (Betty Haynes), Andy Donnelly (Bob Wallace), Dom Giovanni (Phil Davis), and Allison Gabert (Judy Haynes) in La Comedia Dinner Theatre's production of "Irving Berlin's White Christmas." PHOTO BY JUSTIN WALTON

Credit: JUSTIN WALTON

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Credit: JUSTIN WALTON

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”

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 favorites as “Blue Skies,” “Sisters” and the iconic “White Christmas.”

Tickets: $37-$78

More info: www.lacomedia.com

Dayton Live presents "Million Dollar Quartet Christmas." CONTRIBUTED

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“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas”

When: Dec. 16-18; 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday

Where: Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton

Details: Inspired by the Tony Award-nominated hit musical “Million Dollar Quartet,” this nostalgic reimagining assembles Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley for a musical holiday celebration set in December 1956.

Tickets: $25-$79

More info: 937-228-3630 or visit www.daytonlive.org

Dayton Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” returns to the Schuster.

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“The Nutcracker”

When: Dec. 9-18; 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. There is also a sensory-friendly performance Dec.16 at 2 p.m.

Where: Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton

Details: Dayton Ballet presents its annual whimsical holiday tradition with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous score.

Tickets: $20-$90; Tickets for the sensory-friendly performance are $5-$7.

More info: 937-228-3630 or visit www.daytonperformingarts.org

“Plaid Tidings”

When: Dec. 8-11; 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday

Where: Lebanon Theatre Company, 10 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon

Details: The familiar harmonic quartet from “Forever Plaid” return in a holiday setting featuring such standards as “Mr. Santa” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

Tickets: $20

More info: 513-228-0932 or www.ltcplays.com

left to right: Philip Drennen, Gina Handy and Deron Bell of "Season's Greetings."

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

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Credit: CONTRIBUTED

“Season’s Greetings”

When: Dec. 8-11; 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and 7:30 p.m. Sunday

Where: PNC Arts Annex, 46 W. Second St., Dayton

Details: This holiday cabaret features Gina Handy Minyard (Magnolia Theatre Company, Human Race Theatre Company) and Philip Drennen (TheatreLab Dayton) performing holiday songs accompanied by Deron Bell and his band.

Tickets: $25

More info: 937-228-3630 or visit www.daytonlive.org

Trans-Siberian Orchestra has returned to the road for its annual holiday tour, including a pair of concerts at the Nutter Center in Fairborn on Saturday, Dec. 3. CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

“Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Ghost of Christmas Eve”

When: Dec. 3; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Nutter Center, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Dayton

Details: TSO returns for another rock opera extravaganza expected to feature “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Good King Joy,” “Christmas Canon” and “This Christmas Day.”

Tickets: $32-$112.50

More info: www.ticketmaster.com

Alex Sunderhaus as Cindy Lou Who in the Human Race Theatre Company's production of "Who's Holiday!"

Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS

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Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS

“Who’s Holiday!”

When: Dec. 8-23; 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays

Where: Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton

Details: Human Race Theatre Company’s irreverent, naughty holiday production returns with the comical Alex Sunderhaus reprising her outstanding portrayal of Cindy Lou Who. Remember: Cindy Lou does not discriminate. She’ll offend everyone!

Tickets: $30

More info: 937-228-3630 or visit www.humanracetheatre.org. Patrons are advised the play continues strong language and adult themes.

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