Performance and classical music listings

Cherry Bomb: The Worst Act in Vaudeville for the Holidays

1812 Productions presents this musical burlesque extravaganza from award-winning artists Jennifer Childs & James Sugg. Closes 1/4. Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St.; 215-592-9560.

» READ MORE: www.1812productions.org

. $25-$50.

A Chorus Line

Behind-the-scenes look at the lives of struggling Broadway performers. Closes 1/4. Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St.; 800-447-7400.

» READ MORE: www.achorusline.com

.

$31.50-$86.50.

A Christmas Carol

Based on the beloved Charles Dickens novel. Closes 12/21. Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope; 215-862-2041.

» READ MORE: www.buckscountyplayhouse.com

. $23.

A Christmas Carol

Stage adaptation of the Charles Dickens tale. Closes 12/28. Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media; 610-565-4211.

» READ MORE: www.hedgerowtheatre.org

.

$22-$30; $19-$27 students & seniors; $12 children under 18.

Curio Theatre Co.: A Christmas Carol

Classic Dickens tale. Closes 1/4. Calvary Center for Culture & Community, 4740 Baltimore Ave.; 215-525-1350.

» READ MORE: www.curiotheatre.org

. $15-$22; $10 students.

The Eight: Reindeer Monologues

Bckseet production of Jeff Goode's sardonically irreverent play. For audiences 18 & over. Closes 12/31. The Red Room at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. 8th St.; 215-923-0210.

» READ MORE: www.bckseet.com

. $21.

Flashpoint Theatre Company: The Santaland Diaries

Join Crumpet the smart-aleck elf on a raucuous romp through holiday hell. Written by David Sedaris. Closes 12/19. Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-665-9720.

» READ MORE: www.flashpointtheatre.org

. $10-$15.

The Government Inspector

New adaptation of comedy by Russian playwright Nikolai Gogol. Closes 12/28. Lantern Theater Company at St. Stephen's Theater, 923 Ludlow St.; 215-829-0395.

» READ MORE: www.lanterntheater.org

. $10-$50.

Hairspray

Tony-winning musical comedy smash with big girls, big hair & big laughs. Closes 1/4. Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

» READ MORE: www.walnutstreettheatre.org

.

$10-$70.

It's a Wonderful Life

Live radio play features music, seasonal songs & a sing-along. Closes 12/20. Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215-569-9700.

» READ MORE: www.princemusictheater.org

. $35-$45.

Judy Gold: 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother

Emmy Award-winning writer/actress/comic stars in her hit Off-Broadway one-woman show. Closes 12/21. Suzanne Roberts Theatre, S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420.

» READ MORE: www.phillytheatreco.com

. $49.

New City Stage Company: Talk Radio

Revision of Eric Bogosian's 1987 hit about a radio shock-jock & his caustic dealings with his admirers. Closes 1/11. Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-563-7500.

» READ MORE: www.newcitystage.org

. $22-$25; $20 students & seniors.

Oliver!

Musical based on Charles Dickens' novel about an orphan boy. For ages 6 & up. Closes 1/4. Media Theatre for the Performing Arts, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100.

» READ MORE: www.mediatheatre.org

.

$25-$42.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile

In a legendary bar in 1904 Paris, a chance encounter between the young Einstein & Picasso sets sparks & stars flying. Closes 12/21. Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water St., Wilmington; 302-594-1100.

» READ MORE: www.delawaretheatre.org

.

$15-$47.

Schmucks

A tale of a fictitious meeting between two comic icons, Groucho Marx & Lenny Bruce. Closes 1/4. Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St.; 215-546-7824.

» READ MORE: www.wilmatheater.org

.

$42-$55.

This Wonderful Life

Stage adaptation of Frank Capra's adored classic Christmas film. Closes 12/28. Robert Shackleton Playhouse, Bank & Lafayette Sts., Cape May; 609-884-1341.

» READ MORE: www.capemaystage.com

. $35; $25 seniors; $12.50 students.

A Tuna Christmas

Madcap, holiday sequel to hit comedy, 'Greater Tuna.' Closes 1/4. Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550 or 215-336-1234.

» READ MORE: www.walnutstreettheatre.org

. $30.

White Christmas

Holiday favorite features 'Sisters, Snow,' 'Count Your Blessings,' & more. Closes 12/21. Surflight Theatre, Beach & Engleside Ave., Beach Haven; 609-492-9477.

» READ MORE: www.surflight.org

. $29; $19 youth.

Winter Musicale

Theatrical production featuring classic holiday tunes, popular selections, carols & some original tunes. Closes 12/21. Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe St., Bristol; 215-785-0100.

» READ MORE: www.brtstage.org

.

$29; $10 students.

American Theater Arts for Youth: A Christmas Carol

Musical adaptation of the classic Dickens tale. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts.; 215-563-3501.

» READ MORE: www.atafy.org

.

$11.75. 12/23 10 am & 12:15 pm.

A Christmas Carol

Holiday classic based on the story by Charles Dickens. Closes 12/20. Walnut Street Theatre for Kids, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.

» READ MORE: www.walnutstreettheatre.org

.

$12-$14.

Cinderella

Holiday panto features festive music & silly songs, cheers for the heroes, jeers for the villains & more. Closes 1/4. People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern; 610-644-3500.

» READ MORE: www.peopleslight.org

.

$26-$48.

The Dragon Singer

Villagers work together to save their town. Closes 12/19. St. Joseph's University, 5600 City Ave.; 610-892-8189.

» READ MORE: www.stagesofimagination.org

.

$6.50.

Ebenezer

Rock & roll musical for kids based on Charles Dickens' holiday novel. Closes 12/27. Media Theatre for the Performing Arts, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100.

» READ MORE: www.mediatheatre.org

.

$10-$12.

Enchantment Theatre Co.: The Snow Queen

Adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen tale of friendship & loyalty. Closes 1/4. Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215-569-9700.

» READ MORE: www.enchantmenttheatre.org

. $27; $15 children.

Fred's Magic World: Winter Wonders

Engaging, hilarious mix of magic, comedy & vaudeville acts. Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-627-6564.

» READ MORE: www.fredsmagicworld.com

. $15; $10 students & seniors. 12/20 2 & 8 pm.

Frosty & Rudolph

Louis Palena's story of the 2 famous Christmas characters. Closes 12/20. Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope; 215-862-2041.

» READ MORE: www.buckscountyplayhouse.com

. $8.

Home for the Holidays

New holiday musical for the whole family, presented by Three Little Bakers. Closes 12/28. Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington; 800-374-7263.

» READ MORE: www.TheGrandWilmington.org

. $12.50-$35.

James & the Giant Peach

Based on the book by Roald Dahl. Closes 2/8. Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.; 215-922-1122.

» READ MORE: www.ardentheatre.org

. $14-$30.

The Magic of Christmas

Scout arrives at North Pole looking for stars to put in the Radio City Christmas show. Who will get chosen? Closes 12/21. Broadway Theatre of Pitman, 43 S. Broadway, Pitman; 856-384-8381.

» READ MORE: www.thebroadwaytheatre.org

. $25.

Miracle on 34th Street

A young girl's belief in the magic of the season is tested in an extraordinary courtroom decision. Closes 12/21. Tri-County Performing Arts Center, 245 E. High St., Pottstown; 610-970-1199.

» READ MORE: www.tripac.org

. $11-$19.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Watch as Rudolph saves Christmas by leading Santa's sleigh. Closes 12/20. Broadway Theatre of Pitman, 43 S. Broadway, Pitman; 856-384-8381.

» READ MORE: www.thebroadwaytheatre.org

. $7.

The Snow Queen

Adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's tale of friendship & loyalty. Closes 1/4. Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215-569-9700.

» READ MORE: www.enchantmenttheatre.org

. $27; $15 children.

Storybook Musical Theatre: Sleeping Beauty

Musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale. Closes 1/4. Mitchell Performing Arts Center, 800 Tomlinson Rd., Bryn Athyn; 215-659-8550.

» READ MORE: www.storybookmusical.org

. $12; $10 children.

Theatreworks USA: A Christmas Carol

Heart-warming musical based on the Dickens classic. Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill; 610-622-1189.

» READ MORE: www.udpac.org

.

» READ MORE: www.theatreworksusa.org

.

$5-$8. 12/19 7:30 pm.

Three Little Bakers: Home for the Holidays

Classic & favorite holiday songs with lively choreography. Closes 12/28. Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington; 800-374-7263.

» READ MORE: www.tlbinc.com

. $35.

Tiny Tim's Christmas

Shortened version of 'A Christmas Carol' as seen through the eyes of Tiny Tim. Closes 12/31. Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media; 610-565-4211.

» READ MORE: www.hedgerowtheatre.org

.

$11; $9 children.

Babes in Toyland

Charming musical tale based on book by Rebecca Ryland. Closes 12/20. Haddonfield Plays & Players, 957 E. Atlantic Ave., Haddonfield; 856-429-8139.

» READ MORE: www.haddonfieldplayers.com

. $18.

*FREE*

Beautiful Day: A U2 Christmas

Show uses a combination of video, theater & live performance. Closes 12/21. Davisville Church, 325 Street Rd., Southampton; 215-355-6462.

» READ MORE: www.u2christmas.com

.

*FREE*

The Heart Gift: A Christmas Extravaganza

Covenant House of God Church, 4300-02 N. Broad St.; 215-923-3277. chogc.com. 12/21 3-5 pm.

Home for Christmas

Musical drama. Germantown Christian Assembly, 610 Mt. Pleasant Ave; 215-242-5550.

» READ MORE: www.gcafamilychurch.org

.

Donations accepted. 12/21 6-7:30 pm.

I Hate Hamlet

BCCC Drama Club presents Paul Rudnick's comedy about a TV actor's struggle to break into Broadway. Closes 12/20. Gateway Auditorium, 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown; 215-968-8088.

» READ MORE: www.bucks.edu

. $7; $5 students.

Seascape

The Actors' NET of Bucks County presents Edward Albee's 1975 Pulitzer Prize-winning comic drama. Closes 12/21. Morrisville Heritage Center, 635 N. Delmorr Ave., Morrisville; 215-295-3694.

» READ MORE: www.actorsnetbucks.org

. $20; $17 seniors; $10 children 12 & under.

Amish Family Christmas

Spend a heart warming Christmas with the King family. Closes 12/23. Freedom Chapel Dinner Theatre, 15 N. Bridge St., Christiana; RSVP: 610-593-7013.

» READ MORE: www.freedomchapeldinnertheatre.com

.

$27; $49 includes meal.

Viva Las Murder

Closes 12/27. Peddler's Pub at the Cock 'n Bull Restaurant in Peddler's Village, Rtes. 202 & 263, Lahaska; RSVP: 215-794-4000.

» READ MORE: www.peddlersvillage.com

. $44.95 includes dinner, show, tax & gratuity.

Jubilate Deo Chorale & Orchestra: A Christmas Celebration

Christmas music, presentation of live nativity & more. Paul VI High School, 901 Hopkins Rd., Haddon Township; 856-858-0693.

» READ MORE: www.jdco.org

. $15-$30. 12/20-12/21 2:30 pm.

Philadelphia Orchestra: The Glorious Sound of Christmas

Danail Rachev conducts. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts.; 215-893-1999.

» READ MORE: www.philorch.org

.

$10-$105. 12/19-12/20 7 pm.

Camerata Ama Deus

St. Paul's Church, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave.; 610-688-2800. voxamadeus.org/about/camerata.

$25; $20 seniors; $10 students. 12/20 7:30 pm. Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr; 610-688-2800. $25; $20 seniors; $10 students. 12/21 4 pm.

PCMS Concert: Bonita Glenn & David Lofton, Soprano & Pianist

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. & Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-569-8080.

» READ MORE: www.philadelphiachambermusic.org

. $23. 12/19 8 pm.

Piffaro: Novelle Nouvelle, Christmas in Renaissance France

16th century French Christmas music & theater performed on period instruments with guest soloists & actors. 215-235-8469. piffaro.org. Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave.; $15-$35. 12/19 8 pm. St. Mark's Church, 1625 Locust St.; $15-$35. 12/20 8 pm. The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew, 719 N. Shipley St., Wilmington; $15-$35. 12/21 4 pm.

*FREE*

Amahl & the Night Visitors

Opera Seabrook presents Gian Carlo Menotti's inspiring story of how faith, charity, love & good deeds can work miracles. The First Presbyterian Church of Salem, 88 Market St., Salem; 856-935-2148.

» READ MORE: www.operaseabrook.com

. 12/21-12/22 7 pm.

*FREE*

CarolFest

Sing festive & joyous tunes of the holiday season. The Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn & the Boardwalk, Ocean City; 609-525-9300.

» READ MORE: www.njoceancity.com

. 12/20 7:30 pm.

Chamber Arts Guild: An Evening in December

A cappella holiday concert. The Mercer Museum, 84 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-249-1158.

» READ MORE: www.chamberartsguild.org

. $10; $8 students & seniors. 12/21 4 pm.

*FREE*

Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols

Christmas choral & instrumental music by Bach, Handel, Haydn & others. Trinity Church Oxford, 6901 Rising Sun Ave.; 215-745-6114. 12/21 10 am.

*FREE*

Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church Cathedral Choir: Messiah

Annual performance of Handel's oratorio. Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, 419 Richard Allen Ave.; 215-925-0616.

» READ MORE: www.motherbethel.org

. 12/21 3 pm.

New Ark Chorale: Home For the Holidays

Christmas carols & other holiday music. Directed by Dr. Michael Larkin. Newark United Methodist Church, 69 E. Main St., Newark; 302-368-4946.

» READ MORE: www.newarkchorale.org

. $15; $12 seniors; $5 students. 12/20 7 pm.

*FREE*

Noel, Noel: A Candlelight Christmas Concert

The church's choirs & guest soloists perform Christmas music, including audience sing-alongs. Media Presbyterian Church, 30 E. Baltimore Ave., Media; 610-566-3944.

» READ MORE: www.mediapresbyterian.org

. 12/21 7:30 pm.

Pennsylvania Youth Chorale: Holiday Magic

Jr. & Sr. Choirs (age 7-15) will perform Christmas, Hanukkah & other seasonal favorites. Carmel Presbyterian Church, 100 Edge Hill Rd., Glenside; 215-887-1074.

» READ MORE: www.pennsylvaniayouthchorale.com

. $10; $5 children. 12/20 7:30 pm.

Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale: A Hollywood Holiday

Favorite songs from 'The Polar Express,' 'White Christmas,' 'The Snowman,' 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' & more. 215-222-3500 x1.

» READ MORE: www.phillyboyschoir.org

. Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Rd., Paoli; $25-$50. 12/20 8 pm. Irvine Auditorium, 3401 Spruce St.; $25-$50. 12/21 3 pm.

Valley Forge Chorus: Sing We Noel

A cappella Christmas favorites in "barbershop" harmony by all-female chorus. Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore; 610-444-0538.

» READ MORE: www.valleyforgechorus.com

. $20; $15 students & seniors; $10 children under 12. 12/20 2 & 8 pm.

*FREE*

Valley Forge Regimental Band & Choir: Holiday Concert

Familiar sing-along holiday carols & inspirational numbers. Valley Forge Military Academy & College, 1001 Eagle Rd., Wayne; 610-989-1200.

» READ MORE: www.vfmac.edu

. 12/19 3-4 pm.

Voices Chorale: Nowell! Nowell!

Britten's 'A Ceremony of Carols' & other holiday favorites. Featured soloist is soprano Rochelle Ellis. Ryan Brechmacher accompanies. 609-637-9383.

» READ MORE: www.voiceschorale.org

. Pennington Presbyterian Church, 13 S. Main St., Pennington; $18; $10 children 12 & under; $45 family pass. 12/19 8 pm. Anchor Presbyterian Church, 980 Durham Rd. (Rte. 413), Wrightstown; $18; $10 children 12 & under; $45 family pass. 12/21 3 pm.

Wilmington Children's Chorus: A Candlelight Holiday Concert

Holiday choral music with soprano Marie Hadley Robinson & PRISM (select choir of the Rainbow Chorale of DE). First & Central Presbyterian Church, 1101 N. Market St., Wilmington; 302-762-3637.

» READ MORE: www.wilmingtonchildrenschorus.org

. $15; $10 students & seniors; free for children under 16. 12/20 7 pm.

Academy of the Dance: The Nutcracker

DuPont Theatre, W. 10th St. at North St. Market, Wilmington; 800-338-0881; 302-656-4401.

» READ MORE: www.academyofthedance.net

. $15-$30. 12/20-12/21 2 & 5:30 pm.

Bordentown Ballet Theatre: Scrooge

A ballet for children, featuring children. Performance tells story of classic Dickens tale. Burlington Township Performing Arts Center, 610 Fountain Ave., Burlington; 609-240-6125. $10. 12/21 2-5 pm.

Brandywine Ballet Company: The Nutcracker

Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Phillips Memorial Bldg., West Chester; 610-696-2711.

» READ MORE: www.brandywineballet.com

. $20-$35. 12/20 2 pm. 12/21 6 pm.

Bucks County Dance Center: Holiday Show

Jewish Community Center, 10100 Jamison Ave.; 215-245-6646,

» READ MORE: www.bcdancecenter.com

. $11 advance; $12 day of show. 12/21 3 pm.

Dancefusion: Holiday Festival

Gwendolyn Bye Dance students, Dancefusion & fusion2 perform plus carnival games, face-painting, food & silent auction. Community Education Center, 3500 Lancaster Ave.; 215-222-7633.

» READ MORE: www.gbyedance.org

. $20; $10 students & children; $5 for festival only; free for children 2 & under. 12/21 2-5 pm.

First State Ballet: The Nutcracker

Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington; 800-374-7263;

» READ MORE: www.TicketsatTheGrand.org

.

» READ MORE: www.firststateballet.com

. $25-$35. 12/19 8 pm. 12/20 3 pm.

The Nutcracker Ballet

2 performances of full 90-minute ballet. One features a luncheon, the other, a tea party with Santa. Radisson Hotel, 1160 First Ave., King of Prussia; 610-337-1772.

» READ MORE: www.valleyforgedance.com

. $15-$25 includes show & luncheon or tea with Santa. 12/21 1 & 4 pm.

Pennsylvania Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

The Academy of Music, Broad & Locust Sts.; 215-893-1955.

» READ MORE: www.paballet.org

. $14-$116.50. 12/19 7 pm. 12/20 3 & 7 pm. 12/21 noon & 4 pm. 12/23 7 pm. 12/24 noon.

The Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular

Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-732-5446.

» READ MORE: www.divineperformingarts.org

.

$38-$108. 12/19 7:30 pm. 12/20 2:30 & 7:30 pm. 12/21 2:30 pm.

Good for the Jews: Putting Ha! in Hannukah Tour

World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

» READ MORE: www.worldcafelive.com

. $19-$24. Doors 6 pm. 12/22 7:30 pm.

Kevin Hart Xmas Charity Show

Proceeds go towards toys for Philadelphia children. Laff House, 221 South St.; 215-440-4242.

» READ MORE: www.laffhouse.net

. Donation suggested: $20. 12/19 8:30 & 10:45 pm. 12/20 8 & 10 pm. 12/21 midnight.

Klezmas Eve & Cantonese

Klezmer concert & Cantonese banquet provided by Lin's Glatt Kosher Chinese. Temple Beth Zion Beth Israel, 300 S. 18th St.; RSVP req. for banquet: 215-735-5148.

» READ MORE: www.bzbi.org

. $18; $10 children 10 & under; free for concert only. Banquet: 6 pm, Concert: 8 pm. 12/24 6 pm.

Moo Shu Jew Show

Jewish-inspired stand up comedy & 5-course Chinese dinner. Ocean City Restaurant, 234 N. 9th St.; 215-446-3012.

» READ MORE: www.gershmany.org

.

» READ MORE: www.mooshujewshow.com

. $55 advance; $65 day of show. 12/24 6-10 pm.

The N Crowd

Philadelphia's premier improv comedy troupe. The Actor's Center, 257 N. Third St.; 215-253-4276.

» READ MORE: www.phillyncrowd.com

. $10. 12/19 8 pm.

Revival Burlesque: A Holiday Extravaganza!

Revival Burlesque, Walking Fish Theatre, G-Team Racing & Philadelphia Brewing Company present this show. Walking Fish Theatre, 2509 Frankford Ave.; 215-427-9255.

» READ MORE: www.walkingfishtheatre.com

. $15. 12/21 8 pm.

Tis The Season: Ocean City's Holiday Spectacular

High energy, family-oriented, song & dance tribute to the holidays presented by Ocean City Theatre Company. The Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn & the Boardwalk, Ocean City; 609-525-9300.

» READ MORE: www.njoceancity.com

. $15; $10 children under 12. 12/19 7:30 pm. 12/20 2 pm. 12/21 2 & 7:30 pm.