Theater: New and Noteworthy

Reviewed by Sofiya Ballin (S.B.), Nancy Chen (N.C.), Bill Chenevert (B.C.), Hugh Hunter (H.H.), Julia M. Klein (J.M.K.), Wendy Rosenfield (W.R.), Jim Rutter (J.R.), and Toby Zinman (T.Z.).

An American Christmas Songbook (Bristol Riverside Theatre). It's sing-along time as Keith Baker and the BRT Concert Band take the stage with holiday favorites. Ends Sunday.

Black Nativity (New Freedom Theatre). A reimagining of Langston Hughes' reimagining of the Nativity story - this time set in Darfur. Supercharged acting, dancing - and meaning. Ends Sunday. - S.B.

Bortle 8 (Tiny Dynamite/Louis Bluver Theatre). Playwright-performer Chris Davis brings this fantasy travelogue to A Play, A Pie & A Pint. It's a rather murky, narcissistic play, in search of light. Ends Sunday. - T.Z.

The Carols (1812 Productions/ Plays & Players Theatre). Jennifer Childs' original musical brings together some oddball folks at Christmastime 1943. A corny, hilarious piece of holiday fare. Through Dec. 31. - T.Z.

A Child's Christmas in Wales (Walnut Street Theatre Independence Studio on 3). The Irish Repertory Theatre of New York's adaptation of Dylan Thomas' memoir. Warm, full of nostalgia. Ends Friday. - J.R.

A Christmas Carol (Walnut Street Theatre). It wouldn't be the holiday season without it. Ends Thursday.

A Christmas Carol (Delaware Theatre Company). Energetic version as five actors take on all the roles in Dickens' sprawling tale. Through Dec. 31.

A Christmas Carol (McCarter Theater). A new, reimagined version, promising more magic and merriment. An adorable sugar plum of a production. Through Dec. 31. - W.R.

A Christmas Story (Media Theatre). Musical version of the great Jean Shepherd tale, doubling down on the nostalgia, keeping all the good things, and adding more. Through Jan. 8 - H.H.

Murder for Two - The Holiday Edition (Bucks County Playhouse). Part whodunit, part musical, part slapstick, all performed by two people. Through Dec. 31.

The Nutcracker (Pennsylvania Ballet/Academy of Music). The beloved George Balanchine version, to Tchaikovsky's music. Sunday, Thursday through Saturday, and Dec. 26-31.

The Nutcracker (Brandywine Ballet). Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy take us to the Land of Sweets. Ends Sunday.

The Road: My Life with John Denver (People's Light). David Lutken stars as Denver in a road show of his greatest hits. Best for big John Denver fans. Through Jan. 15. - N.C.

Sleeping Beauty: A Musical Panto (People's Light). Keeps the great tradition of British panto alive, with song, action, and laughs. A charming production, visually and aurally dazzling. Through Jan. 15. - J.R.

This Wonderful Life (Act II Playhouse, Ambler). The popular one-man version of the classic film It's a Wonderful Life. If you liked the movie, you'll relish this play. Ends Saturday. - H.H.

Wilde Tales (Quintessence Theatre Group). An anthology musical reenacting five of Oscar Wilde's tales for kids. Billed as holiday fare, but most of the humor is dark, with an edge of melancholy. Through Dec. 31. - J.M.K.

The Wizard of Oz (Walnut Street Theatre). The great tunes, great lines, great story, plus a few surprises. Amazing special effects, fine singing, and a great getaway from a world of turmoil. Through Jan. 8. - B.C.

A Year with Frog and Toad (Arden Theatre). They're back - grumpy Toad and can-do Frog in the popular family show. A marvelous, funny production for children of all ages. Through Jan. 29. - T.Z.