Performance and classical music listings

1812 Productions: A Tribute to Phyllis Diller

Classic & original material, including excerpts from her memoir, popular routines & songs written or inspired by Diller. Closes 12/10. Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Pl.; 215-592-9560.

» READ MORE: www.1812productions.org

. $30.

1812 Productions: Dave & Aaron Go to Work Wordless comedy about 2 men sharing a tiny apartment. Closes 12/31. Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Pl.; 215-592-9560. www.1812productions.org. $28-$38.

A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens' holiday tale. Closes 12/28. Princeton University - McCarter Theatre, 91 University Pl., Princeton; 609-258-2787. $20-$70.

A Christmas Carol An adaptation faithful to the original story by Dickens, with cherished carols. Closes 12/24. Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media; 610-565-4211. $32; $29 seniors; $10 students.

A Christmas Carol New comic adaptation where 5 actors play 20+ characters. Closes 12/30. Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water St., Wilmington; Box Office: 302-594-1100. $35-$49.

Aladdin: A Musical Panto The discovery of a magic lamp sets a young man off on a grand adventure. Closes 1/6. People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern; 610-644-3500. $35-$55; $32-$52 children 17 and under.

Cape May Stage: A Tuna Christmas Hilarious sequel to 'Greater Tuna.' Closes 12/30. Robert Shackleton Playhouse, Bank & Lafayette Sts., Cape May; 609-884-1341. www.capemaystage.com. $35; $30 seniors; $15 students.

Cooking With The Calamari Sisters: Mangia Italiano! 'Live broadcast' of a cable channel show hosted by 2 colorful Italian sisters. Closes 1/13. Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. 8th St.; Reservations required: 215-923-0210. www.thecalamarisisters.com/cooking.html. $45.

Curio Theatre: The Real Inspector Hound Tom Stoppard's mystery comedy. Closes 12/29. Calvary Center for Culture & Community, 801 S. 48th St; 215-525-1350. www.curiotheatre.org. $10-20.

Dr. Dolittle The tale of a veterinarian with the ability to speak to animals. Closes 1/27. Media Theatre for the Performing Arts, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. $54; $47 seniors; $37 children.

Freud's Last Session Hit play about an imagined meeting between C.S. Lewis & Sigmund Freud. Closes 12/23. Arden Theatre, 40 N. 2d St.; 215-922-1122. $36-$48.

It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Staged reading of the Frank Capra classic, featuring live sound effects. Closes 12/30. Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope; 215-862-2121. $29-$54.

Making God Laugh Parents welcome home their adult children for various occasions over 3 decades. Closes 12/8. Montgomery Theater, 124 N. Main St., Souderton; 215-723-9984. $27-$35.

Mike Daisey: American Utopias Daisey's latest piece explores the American concept of utopia & the ways people strive for it. Closes 12/13. Princeton University - McCarter Theatre, 91 University Pl., Princeton; 609-258-2787. mikedaisey.blogspot.com. $50.

Million Dollar Quartet Musical based on the true story of the 1-time-only recording session that brought together 4 music legends. Closes 12/16. Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St.; Telecharge: 1-800-447-7400. www.milliondollarquartetlive.com. $49.50-$152.

Misery World premiere of a stage play based on Stephen King's horror novel. Closes 12/8. Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope; 215-862-2121. $39-$54.

New City Stage Company: Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge Offbeat take on 'A Christmas Carol' told from the point of view of an exasperated Mrs. Cratchit. Closes 12/23. Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-563-7500. newcitystage.org. $24-$26; $22 students and seniors.

Oh, What Fun Holiday-themed show feat. skits, songs & dancing. Closes 12/30. Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler; Box Office: 215-654-0200. $22.

Plaid Tidings The boy band from 'Forever Plaid' returns to perform a mix of holiday favorites & hits from the '50s & '60s. Closes 12/30. Walnut Street Theatre - Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. $35-$45.

Shrek the Musical Theatrical adaptation of the movie. Closes 2/23. The DuPont Theatre, 1007 N. Market St., Wilmington; 1-800-338-0881. www.shrekthemusical.com. $35-$85.

Skin of Our Teeth The story of the Antrobus Family who narrowly escape one catastrophic disaster after another. Closes 12/8. Cherry Hill High School East, 1750 Kresson Rd., Cherry Hill. $10.

The Bearded Ladies Innovative cabaret troupe whose performances incorporate songs, props, costume changes & drag. Closes 12/15. Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St.; 215-546-7824. $20-$25.

The Liar David Ives' adaptation of the French farce. Closes 12/9. Lantern Theater at St. Stephen's Theater, 10th & Ludlow Sts.; 215-829-0395. $10-$38.

The Music Man A con man's schemes are thrown for a loop when he falls for a local woman. Closes 1/6. Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. $10-$95.

This Wonderful Life Theatrical adaptation of 'It's a Wonderful Life' where one actor plays all the characters. Closes 12/23. People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern; 610-644-3500. $35, $25 children 17 and under; $61, $51 children 17 and under includes dinner.

Winter Wonderettes Holiday revue featuring the Marvelous Wonderettes. Closes 12/30 Theatre Horizon, 401 DeKalb St., Norristown; 267-987-9865. $15-$31.

A Christmas Story

Based on the writings of Jean Shepherd & the film. Closes 12/9. DeSales University, 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley; Labuda Box Office: 610-282-3192. $23-$26; $21-$24 seniors and students.

A Velveteen Rabbit Christmas Holiday-themed musical adaptation of the children's book. Closes 12/29. Media Theatre for the Performing Arts, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. $12; $10 children.

Cinderella Classic fairy tale. Closes 1/27. Arden Theatre, 40 N. 2d St.; 215-922-1122. $34-$36; $20-$22 children 12-18; $16-$18 children under 17.

Family Stages, Duet Productions: The Holiday Goose 2 servants try to chase down a runaway goose. Closes 12/10. Ambler Theater, 108 E. Butler Ave., Ambler; 215-886-9341. $10.

Storytime for the Holidays Program of holiday-themed tales w/the opportunity to help create a new story. Closes 1/26. Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media; 610-565-4211. $11; $9 children.

The Eagle Theatre Christmas Spectacular Original musical featuring holiday tunes. Closes 12/8. Eagle Theatre, 208 Vine St., Hammonton, NJ; 609-704-5012. $12; $10 children 12 and under.

The Holiday Goose Comedic tale of old Italy, spiced up with song & dance to provide a sparkling new, fresh tale for the season. Ambler Theater, 108 E. Butler Ave., Ambler. duetpros.com/. $10.

The Snow Queen An evil queen ensorcels a young boy & his friend sets out to save him. Closes 12/16. Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore; TheaterMania: 866-811-4111. $10; $8 children 2-11; free under 2.

There's No Place Like Home, Dorothy's Adventures in Oz New adaptation of the L. Frank Baum story. Closes 12/9. Swarthmore United Methodist Church, 129 Park Ave., Swarthmore; 610-328-1079. $9.

What Is Christmas... Really? This original musical explores traditional & contemporary ideas about Christmas. Closes 12/9. Hope United Methodist Church, 700 Cooper Rd., Voorhees; 856-753-7355. Free.

Wolf PAC: A Midsummer Night's Dream Romantic comedy about a love triangle, mistaken identities & faerie mischief. Closes 12/16. Rosemont College - McShain Performing Arts Center, 1400 Montgomery Ave., Bryn Mawr; 610-642-0233. wolfperformingartscenter.org. $12-$18.

24-Hour Theatre Festival

Short plays put together by actors & writers in a mere 24 hours. Closes 12/8. Burlington County Footlighters, 808 Pomona Rd., Riverton; 856-829-7144.

A Grand Night for Singing Tribute to the composing team of Rodgers & Hammerstein. Closes 12/16. The Barn, 2011 Store Rd., Skippack; 610-584-4005. www.playcrafters.org. $10.

Actors' Net: You Can't Take It With You A girl brings her boyfriend & his wealthy parents to meet her rather unconventional family. Closes 12/16. Morrisville Heritage Center, 635 N. Delmorr Ave., Morrisville; 215-295-3694. www.actorsnetbucks.org. $20;$17 seniors; $10 children 12 and under.

Big Musical adaptation of the movie. Closes 12/15. Haddonfield Plays & Players, 957 E. Atlantic Ave., Haddonfield; 856-429-8139. $20.

ELFuego New holiday musical from BCKSEET Productions. Closes 12/29. Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St.; 267-603-3533. www.bckseet.com. $28; $21 seniors and students.

Irving Berlin's White Christmas Stage adaptation of the movie, featuring many of Berlin's best-known songs. Closes 12/15. Mitchell Performing Arts Center, 800 Tomlinson Rd., Bryn Athyn. $15; $12 students and children.

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play '40s radio play-style adaptation of Frank Capra's movie. Closes 12/15. Footlighters Theater, 58 Main Ave., Berwyn; Box Office: 610-296-9245. $14.

JM Flamethrower Staged reading of a a new Hanukkah play by Michael Elkin. Closes 12/9. Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Rd., Elkins Park; 215-887-8700. www.theatreatki.org. Free.

Oliver! Acting Naturally presents the musical based on Dickens' 'Oliver Twist.' Closes 12/16. Newtown Theatre, 120 N. State St., Newtown; 267-798-9165. www.actingnaturally.com. $20-$23.

Parfumerie New adaptation of the romantic Christmas play that inspired 'The Shop Around the Corner' & 'You've Got Mail.' Closes 12/16. McCoole's Arts & Events Place, 10 S. Main St., Quakertown; 610-395-7176. ckplayers.com. $18; $14 seniors; $10 students.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Christmas play. Closes 12/16. Colonial Playhouse, Ridley Ave., Clifton Heights; Box Office: 610-622-5773. $8-$12.

The Mousetrap Classic Agatha Christie whodunit presented by Stages at CCC in The Little Theatre. Closes 12/8. Camden County College - Lincoln Hall, 200 College Dr., Blackwood; Mainstage Center: 856-227-3091. $15; $10 seniors and children.

There's a Burglar In My Bed An estranged couple separately plot to steal a valuable necklace, but their plans overlap with hilarious results. Closes 12/22. Off-Broad Street Theatre, 5 S. Greenwood Ave., Hopewell, NJ; Reservations required: 609-466-2766.

Let's Host a Murder

A murder-themed party gets out of hand, turning all the guests into suspects. Ongoing. Bistro Romano, 120 Lombard St.; Mystery Dinner Theatre Box Office: 215-238-1313. $45.95.

Aaron Patterson, Organist

Young organist performs solo & with harp accompaniment. Abington Presbyterian Church, 1082 Old York Rd., Abington. Free. 12/11. Noon.

Antibalas Afrobeat group from NYC. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 877-435-9849. www.antibalas.com/. $15-$18. 12/13. 9 pm.

Bay-Atlantic Symphony: A Holiday Concert Works by Pachelbel, Respighi, Bach, Strauss & Russell Steinberg. Cumberland County College - Frank Guaracini, Jr. Fine & Performing Arts Center, Sherman Ave. & College Dr., Vineland; 856-692-8499. bayatlanticsymphony.org. $25. 12/8. 8 pm. Also Stockton Performing Arts Center, Vera King Farris Dr., Galloway; 609-652-9000. bayatlanticsymphony.org. $25. 12/9. 2 pm.

Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra The only regional professional orchestra to champion ethnic diversity in classical music. The Barnes Foundation - Philadelphia, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. www.blackpearlco.org. Included in admission. 12/7. 6-8 pm.

Blackmore's Night Founder Ritchie Blackmore is formerly of Deep Purple & Rainbow. World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington. blackmoresnight.com/. $41-$51 advance; $45-$55 day of show. 12/9. 7 pm.

Cage: Beyond Silence - Song Books in Concert 2 Evening-length take on John Cage's 'Song Books' presented by The BSC. Philadelphia Cathedral, 3723 Chestnut St. cagebeyondsilence.com. $15. 12/7. 8 pm.

Cage: Beyond Silence - Song Books Miniatures 2 'Song Books' excerpts performed by members of The BSC. Philadelphia Museum of Art - Perelman Building, Fairmount Ave. cagebeyondsilence.com. Included in admission. 12/8. Noon-4 pm.

Cage: Beyond Silence - Variations Musicians perform John Cage's 'Variations' series. The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St.; 215-573-3234. cagebeyondsilence.com. Free. 12/9. 8 pm.

Drexel All-College Choir & Orchestra Student concert of works from the classical & romantic eras. Drexel University - Mandell Theater, 33d St.; Box Office: 215-895-2787. 12/7. 7:30 pm.

Drexel Percussion Ensemble Fall Concert Celebrating the music of Aaron Copland. Drexel University - Mandell Theater, 33d St.; Box Office: 215-895-2787. Free. 12/7. 7:30 pm.

Drexel University All-College Choir & String Orchestra: Fall Concert Music by Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky & Mel Torme. Drexel University - Main Auditorium, 3141 Chestnut St. Free. 12/7. 7:30 pm.

eighth blackbird Hailed as ambassadors of new music, eighth blackbird has earned a reputation for astounding versatility as well as for dedication to the works of today's composers. Curtis Institute of Music, 1726 Locust St.; 215-893-7902. www.eighthblackbird.com/. Free. 12/8-9.

Elite Strings Youth & Chamber Orchestras Holiday Concert Works by Corelli, Mendelssohn, John Williams, Piazzolla & Lecuna, as well as a carol sing-along. North Penn Church of Christ, 300 N Wales Rd., North Wales. www.arconetwork.org. Donation suggested: $5. 12/8. 6 pm.

Haverford-Bryn Mawr Chamber Music Program Bryn Mawr College - Goodhart Hall, 101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr; 610-526-5210. Free. 12/12.

Haverford-Bryn Mawr Chorale & Chorale Orchestra The program will feature Stravinsky's 'Symphony of Psalms' and Bernstein's 'Chichester Psalms.' Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave., Haverford. Free. 12/9. 3 pm.

Marja Kaisla: Two Greats - Gershwin & Rachmaninoff Discussion & performance. Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave.; 215-247-0476. $20. 12/9. 3-4:30 pm.

PCMS Concert: Brentano String Quartet Quartet & guest clarinetist Anthony McGill perform works by Haydn, Mozart & Brahms. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts.; 215-569-8080. www.pcmsconcerts.org. $10-$28. 12/11. 8 pm.

PCMS Concert: Pinchas Zukerman, Amanda Forsyth & Angela Cheng Violinist/violist Zukerman, cellist Forsyth & pianist Cheng perform works by Bach, Beethoven, Kodaly & Mendelssohn. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts.; 215-569-8080. www.pcmsconcerts.org. $28. 12/12. 8 pm.

Philadelphia Orchestra: Rachmaninoff in Philadelphia All-Rachmaninoff program w/Gianandrea Noseda conducting & Denis Matsuev featured on piano. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts.; 215-893-1999. www.philorch.org. $52-$137. 12/7-8.

Philadelphia Orchestra: Tchaikovsky & a Genius Concert of works by Tchaikovsky, Borodin & Elgar, w/Gianandrea Noseda conducting & Alisa Weilerstein featured on cello. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts.; 215-893-1999. www.philorch.org. $26-$127. 12/13.

Princeton University Orchestra: Michael Pratt, Conductor Concert of works by Strauss, Bartok, Copland & Princeton graduate student composer Gilad Cohen. Princeton University - Richardson Auditorium, Nassau St. & University Pl., Princeton; 609-258-5000. $15; $5 students. 12/7-8.

TCNJ Orchestra The Orchestra will be joined by performers from South Brunswick High School for a concert of works by Tchaikovsky and Rossini. The College of New Jersey - Center for the Arts, 2000 Pennington Rd., Ewing. $15; $10 seniors; $5 students. 12/7. 8-10 pm.

The Wister Quartet Grammy-nominated string quartet. German Society of Pennsylvania, 611 Spring Garden St. $20. 12/9. 3 pm.

Ama Deus Ensemble: Handel's Messiah

1749 London Covent Garden version performed in baroque pitch & on period instruments. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave.; 610-688-2800. voxamadeus.org. $25; $20 seniors; $10 students. 12/8. 7 pm. Also

Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Rd., Paoli; $25; $20 seniors; $10 students. 12/9. 4 pm; and

Church of the Holy Trinity, 1904 Walnut St.; 610-688-2800. voxamadeus.org. $25; $20 seniors; $10 students. 12/7. 7 pm.

Amici Opera Company: Adriana Lecouvreur 4-act opera by Italian composer Francesco Cilea. Dock Woods Community Center, 275 Dock Dr., Lansdale; 215-224-0257. $25. 12/8. 2:30 pm.

Amici Opera Company: Cavalleria Rusticana & Pinotta Performance of 2 short works from Italian composer Pietro Mascagni. The Garden Church, 82 N. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne; 215-224-0257. $25. 12/7. 7 pm.

BCHS Music Department Concert Band & Chorus Band & Chorus to perform at select locations as part of the 2012 Annual Holiday House Tour, hosted by City of Burlington Historical Society. Burlington City High School, 100 Blue Devil Way, Burlington; 609-387-0586. $20. 12/9. 3:30 pm.

Cantus Novus: All the World Sings Nowell Holiday concert. Christ Congregation Church, 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton; 215-968-3414. cantusnovus.org. $20; $10 students. 12/9. 4 pm.

Chamber Singers of Haverford & Bryn Mawr: Holiday Concert Annual concert. Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave., Haverford. Free. 12/13. 3 pm.

Chester Children's Chorus 60-voice chorus of children ages 8-17. St. Luke Christian Community Church, 320 Tilghman St., Chester. www.chesterchildrenschorus.org. Free. 12/8.

Greater South Jersey Chorus: Holiday Delights Contemporary music, classics, favorites, children's songs & a world premiere composition. Unitarian Universalist Church, 401 N. Kings Hwy., Cherry Hill; 856-482-8282. $20; free 14 and under with adult. 12/9. 3:30 pm.

Holiday Treats Annual concert features the 29-member Chamber Singers from the Greater South Jersey Chorus. Medford Friends Meeting, 14 Union St., Medford. Free. 12/8. 7 pm.

Main Line Ecumenical Choir & Orchestra: Handel's Messiah Annual performance of oratorio. Church of the Good Samaritan, 212 Lancaster Ave., Paoli. $10; $3 students; $1 under 12. 12/8. 8 pm.

Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia: Voices of Christmas Concert including carols such as 'The First Noel' & 'Silent Night.' Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington; 1-800-374-7263. $27; $23 children. 12/9. 3 pm.

Penn State Abington's Singing Showcase Ensembles The AbingTones & The Treblemakers perform. Penn State University, Abington, 1600 Woodland Rd., Abington. Free. 12/9. 2:30-4 pm.

Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus: Home for the Holidays Hear favorites including 'White Christmas,' 'O Holy Night,' & fun modern renditions of classics. Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut St. $30-$40; $55 VIP. 12/7-8.

Shades of Harmony Chorus Women's barbershop chorus. Pfeiffer Community Center, 301 Blue Bell Rd., Williamstown. www.shadesofharmony.org. $10 general; $8 children. 12/8. 7 pm.

Singing Circle for People Impacted by Cancer Join other singers led by composer, performer & educator Julia Haines. No talent is necessary - just a willingness to have fun. Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia (formerly the Wellness Community of Philadelphia), 4100 Chamounix Dr.; 215-879-7733. Free. 12/11.

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular 18-minute film of original imagery, music & more, shown on The Comcast Experience video wall. Comcast Center, 1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Free. To 1/1.