Performance and classical music listings

1812 Productions: This Is The Week That Is

Annual show poking fun at local & national current events. Closes 12/31. Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St. $36-$42.

A Christmas Carol An adaptation faithful to the original story by Charles Dickens, complete with cherished carols. Closes 12/17. Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media; 610-565-4211. $25-$34; $22-$31 seniors; $20 ages 30 and under; $15 students.

A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale. Closes 12/27. Princeton University - McCarter Theatre, 91 University Pl., Princeton; 609-258-2787 (ARTS). www.mccarter.org/achristmascarol2015/. $38-$111.50.

A Christmas Story: The Musical Musical stage adaptation of the classic holiday movie. Closes 1/10. Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. $20-$95.

A John Waters Christmas: Holier & Dirtier Critically-acclaimed one-man show featuring monologues on various holiday-themed topics. Closes 12/22. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 877-435-9849 (FLY TIX). $47.50-$125.

Becoming Dr. Ruth Biographical drama about the early years of the woman eventually known as Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Closes 12/27. Walnut Street Theatre - Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. $30-$35.

Behind the Music: Holiday Tunes Festive show exploring the stories behind popular holiday songs. Closes 12/27. Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler; Box Office: 215-654-0200. $35-$41.

Cape May Stage: A Cape May Christmas The story of Santa & Mrs. Claus's secret visit to Cape May. Closes 1/2. Robert Shackleton Playhouse, Bank & Lafayette Sts., Cape May; 609-884-1341. $38; $33 seniors; $18 students.

Diner A group of young men contemplate the new realities of adulthood from the comfort of their '50s diner hangout. Closes 12/27. Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water St., Wilmington; Box Office: 302-594-1100. $35-$50.

Five Minute Follies: Christmas Follies Magic, comedy & dancing & more. Closes 12/19. The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St.; 215-573-3234. $7.50-$15.

It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Radio play-style production of the Frank Capra classic, featuring live sound effects. Closes 12/27. Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope; 215-862-2121. $29-$85.

Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery Comic thriller based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic characters. Closes 12/27. Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420. $24-$62.

Lafferty's Wake An Irish family celebrate the life of their late patriarch through jokes, stories & songs. Closes 12/20. Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. 8th St.; Reservations required: 215-923-0210. $35.

Menopause The Musical Comic musical about women & "the change." Closes 12/20. Independence Seaport Museum - Penn's Landing Playhouse, 211 S. Columbus Blvd.; 855-448-7469 (HIT SHOW). www.menopausethemusical.com. $45-$65.

Murder in Dixie Interactive "whodunit" features comedy, romance, intrigue & murder. Closes 1/30. Bistro Romano, 120 Lombard St.; Mystery Dinner Theatre Box Office: 215-238-1313. www.bistroromano.com/mystery-theatre. $48.95.

Pig Iron Theatre Company: Gentlemen Volunteers The story of an unlikely romance between ambulance drivers amidst the chaos of WWI. Closes 12/27. Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 N. American St.; https://pigiron.ticketleap.com/gentlemen-volunteers. www.pigiron.org. $20-$30.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical Theatrical adaptation of the classic stop-motion animated movie. Closes 12/20. Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St. $30-$59.

Salon Ariel: Jennifer's Birth An aging woman gets an eye-opening look at the events that unfolded at the time she was born. Closes 12/20. Theatre Ariel, P.O. Box 0334, Merion Station. $36.

The Bald Soprano Classic absurdist comedy by Eugene Ionesco. Closes 12/19. Curio Theatre Company at Calvary Center for Culture & Community, 4740 Baltimore Ave.; 215-525-1350. www.curiotheatre.org/the-bald-soprano.html. $15-$25.

The Book of Mormon South Park and Avenue Q creators' musical about 2 young Mormon missionaries sent off to spread the word in a dangerous part of Uganda. Closes 12/27. Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St.; Telecharge: 800-447-7400. www.bookofmormonbroadway.com/tour_page.php. $67-$177.

The Peek-A-Boo Revue Philadelphia's premier burlesque show. Closes 12/20. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. www.peekaboorevue.com. $25.

The Santaland Diaries David Sedaris' holiday classic about his misadventures working as a Christmas "elf" at Macy's. Closes 12/20. Theatre Horizon, 401 DeKalb St., Norristown; 610-283-2230. $25-$32.

The Three Maries: A Philadelphia Phable A foreign royal's visit to Philadelphia changes the lives of a local family. Closes 1/10. Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215-893-1999. $27-$52.

The Three Musketeers (The Later Years): A Musical Panto Adventure & comedy meet as Athos, Porthos, Aramis & a chicken take on the evil Lord Mazorotti. Closes 1/19. People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern; 610-644-3500. $40-$50; $35-$45 children.

Wilmo Wednesdays Curated variety show featuring various local & regional performers. Ongoing. World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington. Free.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

The Downtown Players present a stage version of the classic Peanuts special. Closes 12/19. South Hunterdon Regional High School, 301 Mt. Airy - Harbourton Rd., Lambertville.

» READ MORE: www.downtownpac.com

. $6.

A Christmas Carol The Downtown Players ring in the holiday season with their staging of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.' Closes 12/19. South Hunterdon Regional High School, 301 Mt. Airy - Harbourton Rd., Lambertville. www.downtownpac.com. $18; $13 seniors and children.

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol Hour-long adaptation of the classic Dickens tale, feat. a mix of original & traditional holiday tunes. Closes 12/20. Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. $14-$16.

Everybody's Theater Company: The Happy Elf Family holiday musical written by Harry Connick, Jr. Closes 12/20. Upper Dublin High School, 800 Loch Alsh Ave., Fort Washington; 215-643-1600 x3443. $10 advance; $12 day of show.

Family Stages: Cinderella Family Stages presents this fresh version of the well-loved story. Closes 12/19. Newtown Theatre, 120 N. State St., Newtown; 215-886-9341. www.familystages.org. $12; $10 seniors/grandparents; free for children under 3.

Hans Brinker & the Silver Skates World premiere play based on the book by Mary Mapes Dodge. Closes 1/31. Arden Theatre, 40 N. 2nd St.; 215-922-1122. $34-$36; $29-$31 seniors; $22-$24 teens; $18-$20 children.

Mary Poppins Stage adapation from the classic Disney musical film. Closes 12/20. Delaware Children's Theatre, 1014 Delaware Ave., Wilmington; 302-655-1014. $16 advance; $18 day of show.

Murray the Elf & the Case of the Gruesome Gumdrops Mrs. Claus enlists the aid of Murray the Elf to deal with some sinister gumdrops. Closes 12/27. Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler; Box Office: 215-654-0200. $14; $12 seniors; $10 children.

Quintessence Theatre Group: Hansel & Gretel Songs by David Cope in a retelling of the family classic. Closes 1/3. Sedgwick Theatre, 7137 Germantown Ave. www.quintessencetheatre.org/hansel-and-gretel/. $27-$34; $25 seniors; $15 students.

Storybook Musical Theatre: The Wizard of Oz Theatrical adaptation of the classic movie. Closes 12/30. Gratz College, 7605 Old York Rd., Elkins Park; 215-659-8550. www.storybookmusical.org. $14; $12 children.

Actors' NET of Bucks County: Meet Me in St. Louis

Stage adaptation of the classic MGM musical film. Closes 12/20. Morrisville Heritage Center, 635 N. Delmorr Ave., Morrisville; 215-295-3694. $20; $17 seniors; $15 students.

Ebenezer the Musical Musical adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens holiday tale. Closes 12/20. Acting Naturally Theatre, 164 N. Flowers Mill, Langhorne. $15-$18.

Show Stoppers: Winter Revue Student showcase. Closes 12/18. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts. Free.

White Christmas Holiday musical featuring the songs of Irving Berlin. Closes 12/20. Haddonfield Plays & Players, 957 E. Atlantic Ave., Haddonfield; 856-429-8139.

Without a Cue: Murder Under the Mistletoe

Desperation leads to trouble at the North Pole when budget deficits threaten the jobs of Santa's workers. Closes 12/26. Peddler's Village, Rtes. 202 & 263, Lahaska; 215-794-4000.

» READ MORE: www.withoutacue.com/i

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Holiday Concert

Music of Handel, Tchaikovsky, Rutter, Torme / Wells, & Chase. Upper Darby High School, 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill; 215-545-0502.

» READ MORE: www.pyos.org

. $10; $5 seniors and students 7-17. 12/20. 3 pm.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Tour Neo-classical electronic music paired with video & lighting effects. The Playhouse on Rodney Square (formerly The DuPont Theatre), 1007 N. Market St., Wilmington; 800-338-0881. www.mannheimsteamroller.com. $20-$80. 12/20. 7:30-9:30 pm.

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra: Handel's Messiah The McCarter joins forces with the New Jersey Symphony to offer Handel's masterpiece at Richardson Auditorium on the Princeton campus. Princeton University - Richardson Auditorium, Nassau St. & University Pl., Princeton; 609-258-9220. $25-$80. 12/18. 7:30 pm.

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra: Handel's Messiah The McCarter joins forces with the New Jersey Symphony to offer Handel's masterpiece at Richardson Auditorium on the Princeton campus. Princeton University - McCarter Theatre, 91 University Pl., Princeton; 609-258-2787 (ARTS). $25-$80. 12/18. 7:30 pm.

Noel - A Christmas Concert by the New Ark Chorale Baroque masterwork, "Midnight Mass for Christmas," by Marc Antoine Charpentier, Christmas carols & sing-along. Saint Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 701 S. College Ave., Ogletown; 302-368-4946. www.newarkchorale.org. $15; free for youth under 18. 12/19. 3 pm.

Philadelphia Orchestra: The Glorious Sound of Christmas Concert of traditional & original holiday tunes conducted by Grammy winner Bramwell Tovey. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts. www.philorch.org. $20-$120. 12/18, 12/19, 12/20.

Princeton Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops Concert of holiday selections feat. the Princeton High School Choir. Princeton University - Richardson Auditorium, Nassau St. & University Pl., Princeton; 609-497-0020. princetonsymphony.org. $40; $25 students under 18. 12/19. 4 pm.

Stille Nacht: Christmas Music from Germany, Austria Enjoy some of the most well-known and well-loved music from Germany and Austria--classic works by Praetorius, Bach, and Brahms, plus favorite songs and carols, including "O Tannenbaum," "Still, Still, Still," "O Jesulein Suss," and of course, "Stile Nacht." The VOICES choir performs. Princeton Theological Seminary, 64 Mercer St., Princeton. www.voiceschorale.org/stille-nacht.html. $25 advance; $30 day of show. 12/19. 3 pm.

Stille Nacht: Christmas Music from Germany, Austria Enjoy some of the most well-known and well-loved music from Germany and Austria--classic works by Praetorius, Bach, and Brahms, plus favorite songs and carols, including "O Tannenbaum," "Still, Still, Still," "O Jesulein Suss," and of course, "Stile Nacht." The VOICES choir performs. Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 80 W. Broad St., Hopewell. www.voiceschorale.org/stille-nacht.html. $25 advance; $30 day of show. 12/20. 3 pm.

Tempesta di Mare: Christmas in Germany Concert of baroque Advent music w/Piffaro & Choral Arts Philadelphia. Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul, 18th St. tempestadimare.org. $29-$49; $10 full-time students and children in grades 3-12. 12/18. 8 pm.

Tempesta di Mare: Christmas in Germany Concert of baroque Advent music w/Piffaro & Choral Arts Philadelphia. Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave.; 215-247-8855. tempestadimare.org. $29-$49; $10 full-time students and children in grades 3-12. 12/19. 8 pm.

Tempesta di Mare: Christmas in Germany Concert of baroque Advent music w/Piffaro & Choral Arts Philadelphia. The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew, 719 N. Shipley St., Wilmington; 302-656-6628. tempestadimare.org. $29-$49; $10 full-time students and children in grades 3-12. 12/20. 3:30 pm.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Blend of classical, rock & operatic elements for a thrilling seasonal show. Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-339-7600. www.trans-siberian.com/. 12/19, 12/19.

VoxAmaDeus: Handel's Messiah Complete & uncut performance of Handel's Messiah. St. Katharine of Siena Catholic Church, 104 S. Aberdeen Ave., Wayne; 610-688-2800. $25; $20 seniors; $10 students advance; $30; $25 seniors; $10 students day of show. 12/20. 4 pm.

Greater South Jersey Chamber Singers: A Christmas Gift"

The choral group will perform works of mystery and mirth.in its first appearance in Hammonton. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 285 Rte. 206, Hammonton. greatersouthjerseychorus.org/. $20; tickets available by phone or at the door. 12/18. 7:30 pm.

Handel's Messiah Part I & selections from Parts II & III. Trinity Episcopal Church, 6587 Upper York Rd., New Hope. $20; $10 children 12 and under. 12/20. 4 pm.

Holiday Concert & Family Festival Take a break from all the shopping and hustle & bustle of the season to get in the spirit of the holidays. This annual concert, featuring the Harmony and Encore Show Choirs. Also featured are guest artists, Soprano, Robin Wilson. Fun holiday activities for the whole family. So round up the kids and get ready for a full dose of holiday cheer!! Mainstage Center for the Arts, 27 S. Black Horse Pike, Blackwood. mainstage.org/event/holiday-concert/. $15; $12 seniors/18 and under. 12/19, 12/20.

Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale One of the finest male vocal choirs in the world. Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Rd., Paoli. www.phillyboyschoir.org. $25-$40. 12/18. 8 pm.

Singing City: Christmas by Candlelight Concert of traditional & popular carols, plus an audience sing-along. Church of the Holy Trinity, 1904 Walnut St.; 267-519-5321. www.singingcity.org. $20 advance, $25 day of show; $10 students. 12/19. 7 pm.

Valley Forge Chorus - Hark! Hear the Bells Women's a cappella chorus presents concert of traditional & non-traditional holiday music. Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore; tickets@valleyforgechorus.com. $20; seniors, $17; students, $15. 12/19. 7 pm.

Atlantic City Ballet: The Nutcracker

Classic holiday tale of a young girl & her magical doll. W/music by Tchaikovsky. Claridge Hotel - Celebrity Theater, Park Pl., Atlantic City.

» READ MORE: www.acballet.org

. $40-$50; $34-$42.50 seniors; $20 students and children. 12/18, 12/19, 12/19, 12/20, 12/20.

Brandywine Ballet Company: The Nutcracker Classic holiday tale of a girl & her magical doll. West Chester University - Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Phillips Memorial Bldg., West Chester; 610-696-2711. www.brandywineballet.com. $25-$42. 12/19, 12/19, 12/20.

First State Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker Classic holiday tale of a young girl & her magical doll. W/music by Tchaikovsky. Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington; 800-374-7263. www.firststateballet.com. $28-$48. 12/19, 12/19, 12/20.

Pennsylvania Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker Classic holiday tale of a girl & her magical doll. The Academy of Music, Broad & Locust Sts.; Box Office: 215-893-1999. www.paballet.org. $30-$150. 12/18, 12/18, 12/19, 12/19, 12/20, 12/20, 12/22, 12/22, 12/23, 12/23, 12/24.

Wayne Ballet Theater: The Nutcracker Student dance performance. Upper Merion High School, 435 Crossfield Rd., King of Prussia. www.wayneballet.net. $30. 12/19, 12/19, 12/20.

Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret

Dito van Reigersberg stars as Martha & is joined by special musical guests. FringeArts, 140 N. Columbus Blvd.

» READ MORE: www.myspace.com/marthagrahamcracker

. $29; $15 students 25 and under. 12/21. 8 pm.

Maureen McGovern Broadway & Grammy-award winning recording artist known for her music, stage & screen careers. Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215-893-1999. www.maureenmcgovern.com. $45-$55.