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Performance and classical music listings

Theater Professional/semi-professional 1812 Productions: This Is the Week That Is Politically satirical show that pokes fun at the administration, local politics and the economy. Closes 12/27. Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St.; Reservations required: 215-735-0630 or 800-595-4849 (4TIX). www.1812productions.org. $25-$35.

Theater

Professional/semi-professional

1812 Productions: This Is the Week That Is

Politically satirical show that pokes fun at the administration, local politics and the economy. Closes 12/27. Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St.; Reservations required: 215-735-0630 or 800-595-4849 (4TIX).

» READ MORE: www.1812productions.org

. $25-$35.

A Christmas Carol Stage adaptation of the Charles Dickens tale. Princeton University - McCarter Theatre, 91 University Pl., Princeton; 609-258-2787 (ARTS). $38-$60. Closes 12/27.

A Christmas Carol Based on the Charles Dickens tale. Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media; 610-565-4211. $22-$25; $19-$22 seniors and students; $12 children under 18. Closes 12/27.

An Addams Family Mystery Without a Cue Productions presents an Addams Family reunion that is filled with suspense & entertainment. Closes 12/26. Peddler's Village, Rtes. 202 & 263, Lahaska; 215-794-4000. www.withoutacue.com. $47.95 includes dinner & show.

An O. Henry Christmas Two one-act musicals adapted from the O.Henry stories 'The Gift of the Magi' & 'The Last Leaf.' Robert Shackleton Playhouse, Bank & Lafayette Sts., Cape May; Box Office: 609-884-1341. $35; $25 seniors; $12.50 students. Closes 12/31.

Bryan Fogel & Sam Wolfson: Jewtopia Comedy mixed with excerpts from Fogel & Wolfson's book 'Jewtopia' in a fun multimedia presentation. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts.; 215-893-1999. $44.50-$52.50. Closes 12/27.

Crowded Kitchen Players: Inspecting Carol The tale of a struggling theatre company, a National Endowment for the Arts inspector & a case of mistaken identity. McCoole's Arts & Events Place, 10 S. Main St., Quakertown; 610-395-7176. www.barliebwallace.com. $18; $14 seniors; $8 students. Closes 12/20.

Curio Theatre: A Christmas Carol One-man version of Charles Dickens' beloved Christmas tale, adapted & performed by Jared Reed, with original music by Drew Peterson. Calvary Center for Culture & Community, 801 S. 48th St; Seating limited, so arrive early. www.curiotheatre.org. No admission charged, but donations accepted. Closes 12/26.

Ebenezer Musical based on 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. Media Theatre for the Performing Arts, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. $12; $10 children. Closes 12/26.

Flashpoint Theatre Company: The Santaland Diaries The tale of a scotch-loving store elf who's less than thrilled with his job. Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-665-9720. www.flashpointtheatre.org. $15-$18; $12-$15 seniors and students. Closes 12/20.

Holiday Show With the Swing Club Band Theatre Horizon presents this jazz-filled holiday show. Montgomery County Cultural Center, 208 DeKalb St., Norristown; Box Office. www.theatrehorizon.org. $25-$28; $22-$25 seniors; $18-$21 students. Closes 1/3.

It's a Wonderful Life Based on the classic holiday movie. Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope; Box Office: 215-862-2041. $25. Closes 12/20.

It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play The classic Frank Capra film is re-told in the format of a 1940s radio show. Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water St., Wilmington; Box Office: 302-594-1100. $35-$49. Closes 12/20.

Little Shop of Horrors 11th Hour Theatre Co. & Theatre Horizon re-imagine this iconic cult classic. Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215-569-9700. $15-$30. Closes 12/20.

New City Stage Company: When You Comin Back Red Rooster OBIE-winning play about a confrontation in a diner that turns violent. Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-563-7500. www.newcitystage.org. $22-$25; $20 students and seniors. Closes 1/10.

Oliver! Based on 'Oliver Twist' by Charles Dickens. Music & lyrics by Lionel Bart. Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. $10-$70. Closes 1/10.

Rabbit Hole Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about a couple dealing with a terrible loss. Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.; 215-922-1122. $29-$48. Closes 12/20.

Red, White & Tuna Oddball characters convene at their high school reunion in Tuna, Texas. Walnut Street Theatre - Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. $30. Closes 1/3.

Scapin Zany adaptation of Moliere's sharp comedy. Closes 1/3. Lantern Theater Company at St. Stephen's Theater, 923 Ludlow St.; 215-829-0395. $27-$35.

The Diary of Anne Frank A young girl comes of age while hiding in the attic of a home in Nazi occupied Amsterdam. Jewish Community Center - Klein Branch, 10100 Jamison Ave.; 215-464-4701. $10. 12/20. 10 am.

The Eight: Reindeer Monologues Black comedy about Santa's dark side. Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. 8th St.; Reservations required: 215-923-0210. $25. Closes 12/23.

The Peek-A-Boo Revue Philadelphia's premier burlesque show. Closes 9/12. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. www.peekaboorevue.com. $25.

The Tempest The tale of an exiled sorcerer, his daughter & the young man who shipwrecks on their isle. People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern; 610-644-3500. Donations accepted. Closes 12/20.

Winter Musicale Annual event featuring favorite holiday tunes from yesterday & today. Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe St., Bristol; 215-785-0100. $29; $10 students. Closes 12/20.

Family theater

A Christmas Carol

Walnut's troupe of actors puts its own theatrical spin on Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.' Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. $10-$14. Closes 12/19.

Disney On Ice: Let's Celebrate All your favorite Disney characters take to the ice. Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-339-7600. disney.go.com/disneyonice. $13-$85. Closes 1/3.

Enchantment Theatre Company: The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon Based on the delightful picture books by Crockett Johnson, 'Harold and the Purple Crayon' follows the zany adventures of an inventive young boy. Harold creates the world he wants to explore, using nothing more than a big purple crayon and his sky's the-limit imagination. With charming actors, life-size puppets, masks, magic, and music, this production will delight and amaze anyone young or young at heart! Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215-893-1999. www.enchantmenttheatre.org. $27; $15 children. Closes 1/3.

Frosty the Snowman Don't miss Frosty the Snowman as he comes to ring in the holidays at the Broadway Theatre. Broadway Theatre of Pitman, 43 S. Broadway, Pitman; Box Office: 856-384-8381. $7-$9. Closes 12/19.

Honk! Musical retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Ugly Duckling.' Tri-County Performing Arts Center, 245 E. High St., Pottstown; 877-772-5425 (CLICK). $19-$23; $17-$21 students and seniors; $13-$15 children 12 and under. Closes 12/20.

Marionette Theatre of the Stars: The Adventures of Fumblefingers the Elf Holiday show featuring puppets, music & interactive storytelling. Creative Living Room, 15 South Chester Rd., Swarthmore; Reservations suggested: 610-544-5800. $5. 12/19. 4:30 pm.

Miracle at Midnight Musical production about the first Christmas performed by local children. Our Lady of Port Richmond Regional School, 3233 E. Thompson St. Donations accepted. Closes 12/22.

Mrs. Tinkerton's Toy Store A group of broken toys in the backroom of a shop worry about their fate. Ritz Theatre Company, 915 Whitehorse Pike, Oaklyn; 856-858-5230. $8. Closes 12/19.

Peter Pan Based on the book by J. M. Barrie. Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.; 215-922-1122. $30-$32; $20-$22 teens; $16-$18 children.

Snow White This adaptation of 'Snow White' by Kathryn Petersen incorporates traditional Panto elements. People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern; 610-644-3500. $29. Closes 1/3.

Storybook Musical Theatre: Pinocchio An original musical about a little wooden puppet who wants to become a real boy. Reservations suggested: 215-659-8550. Mitchell Performing Arts Center, 800 Tomlinson Rd., Bryn Athyn; Reservations suggested: 215-659-8550. www.storybookmusical.org. $12; $10 children. Closes 12/30.

The Wizard of Oz Dorothy, Toto & friends adventure in a magical land. Media Theatre for the Performing Arts, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. $36-$42.50; $33.50-$38 seniors; $22-$27 children. Closes 1/10.

Theatreworks USA: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe The musical version of C.S. Lewis' novel. Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill; Box Office: 610-622-1189. www.theatreworksusa.org. $5-$8. 12/18. 7:30 pm.

Tiny Tim's Christmas 'A Christmas Carol' as told by Tiny Tim. Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media; 610-565-4211. $11; $9 children. Closes 12/26.

Willy Wonka Based on Roald Dahl's 'Charlie & the Chocolate Factory,' w/music from the film version. Haddonfield Plays & Players, 957 E. Atlantic Ave., Haddonfield; 856-429-8139. $19. Closes 12/19.

Winnie the Pooh's Holiday Tail Pooh & pals try to help Eeyore have a happy holiday. Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media; 610-565-4211. $11; $9 children. Closes 12/26.

Community theater

A Christmas Carol

A faithful rendition of Charles Dickens' immortal heart-touching tale of Scrooge, adapted by Joe & Cheryl Doyle. Morrisville Heritage Center, 635 N. Delmorr Ave., Morrisville; ActorsNET Box Office: 215-295-3694.

» READ MORE: www.actorsnetbucks.org

. $20; $17 seniors; $10 children 13 & under. Closes 12/20.

A Christmas Wonderland: Ocean City's Holiday Spectacular Professional singers & dancers present a high energy family-oriented song & dance tribute for the holidays. The Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn & the Boardwalk, Ocean City; 609-525-9291. www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com. $12; $10 children under 12. Closes 12/20.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Wilmington Drama League presents The Chrysalis Players' production of 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever'. Wilmington Drama League, 10 W. Lea Blvd., Wilmington; Box Office: 302-764-1172. www.wilmingtondramaleague.org. $15; $12 students and seniors; $8 children. Closes 12/29.

The Christmas Carol Conspiracy: Scrooge's Revenge Scrooge learns he'd been duped & plots revenge! Morrisville Heritage Center, 635 N. Delmorr Ave., Morrisville; ActorsNET Box Office: 215-295-3694. www.actorsnetbucks.org. $20; $17 seniors; $10 children 13 & under. Closes 12/19.

The Eight: Reindeer Monologues Black comedy about Santa's dark side. Camden County College - Blackwood Campus, College Dr., Blackwood. Closes 12/20.

Classical Music

Orchestral/Chamber Music

Camerata Ama Deus: Baroque Christmas

Period instrument orchestra & soloists present a joyful sampler of Baroque orchestra masterpieces. 610-688-2800. Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr; 610-688-2800.

» READ MORE: www.voxamadeus.org

. $25; $20 seniors; $10 students. Closes 12/20.

Camerata Ama Deus: Baroque Christmas Period instrument orchestra & soloists present a joyful sampler of Baroque orchestra masterpieces. 610-688-2800. St. Paul's Church, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave.; 610-688-2800. www.voxamadeus.org. $25; $20 seniors; $10 students. 12/19. 7:30 pm.

Catch a Rising Star Trio Violin, piano & cello music by Brahms, Mendelssohn & Schubert. Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Rd., Elkins Park; 215-887-8700. $28; $18 students. 12/19. 8 pm.

Choral Arts Society & Bach Festival of Philadelphia: Christmas in Leipzig Christmas music by J.S. Bach, Schutz & Praetorius. 215-240-6417. St. Paul's Church, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave.; 215-240-6417. www.choralarts.com. $25; $12 students. 12/18. 8 pm.

Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols Featuring the choirs & string ensemble. 215-745-6114. Trinity Church Oxford, 6901 Rising Sun Ave. Free. 12/20. 10 am.

John Lenti Flutist John Lenti has performed all over the U.S. playing his flute. Easttown Library & Information Center, 720 First Ave., Berwyn. Free. 12/20. 3 pm.

Jubilate Deo Chorale & Orchestra: Sing We All Noel The Chorale performs Christmas medleys, excerpts from Vivaldi's 'Gloria' & carols as they present a Live Nativity. 856-858-0693. Paul VI High School, 901 Hopkins Rd., Haddonfield; 856-858-0693. www.jdco.org. $15-$30. 12/20. 2:30 pm.

Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra: Handel's Messiah A special collaboration between the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra & Upper Darby High School Concert Choir. 610-622-1189 Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill; Box Office: 610-622-1189. www.lansdowneso.org. $12-$16; $5 students. 12/19. 7:30 pm.

Moscow Boys Choir The Moscow Boys Choir is one of the most prestigious choirs in Russia, and it has enchanted audiences throughout the world. Founded in 1957, this choral ensemble is among Russia's most prestigious all-boy choirs. Under the direction of Mr. Leonid Baklushin, the boys attend a special school which provides both general education and musical training. Sellersville Theater 1894, Main St. & Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215-257-5808. $29.50. Closes 12/20.

Piffaro: The Renaissance Band Late medieval & Renaissance music performed on period instruments. Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave.; 215-235-8469. www.piffaro.com. $30-$35; $25-$30 seniors; $15 students. 12/18. 8 pm.

Piffaro: The Renaissance Band Late medieval & Renaissance music performed on period instruments. St. Mark's Church, 1625 Locust St.; 215-235-8469. www.piffaro.com. $30-$35; $25-$30 seniors; $15 students. 12/19. 8 pm.

Piffaro: The Renaissance Band Late medieval & Renaissance music performed on period instruments. The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew, 719 N. Shipley St., Wilmington; 215-235-8469. www.piffaro.com. $30-$35; $25-$30 seniors; $15 students. 12/20. 4 pm.

Piffaro: The Renaissance Band Late medieval & Renaissance music performed on period instruments. All Saints' Episcopal Church, 16 All Saints' Rd., Princeton; 215-235-8469. www.piffaro.com. $30-$35; $25-$30 seniors; $15 students. 12/21. 8 pm.

Pottstown Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Reveries Enjoy great traditional music of the holiday season. 610-327-3614. Ursinus College - Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Center, 601 Main St., Collegeville; Tickets required: 610-327-3614. www.pottstownsymphony.org. Free. 12/18. 7:30 pm.

Pottstown Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Reveries Enjoy great traditional music of the holiday season. 610-327-3614. Pottstown High School, 750 N. Washington St., Pottstown; Tickets required: 610-327-3614. www.pottstownsymphony.org. Free. 12/20. 2 pm.

Welcome Emmanuel Rejoice: A Vespers Concertante Advent festival celebration. Grove United Methodist Church, 490 W. Boot Rd., West Chester. Free. 12/20. 7 pm.

Opera/Choral

Christmas Music in Worship

The Senior Choir presents this event with Christmas music followed by a "potluck" Christmas party/luncheon. The Garden Church, 82 N. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne; 610-623-1645. Free. 12/20. 11 am.

Community Christmas Carol Sing Get ready for Christmas by singing traditional Christmas carols surrounded by candlelight. Perkasie Mennonite Church, 320 W. Chestnut St., Perkasie. Free. 12/20. 6:30-8 pm.

Eric Mintel Duo Join Eric & Dave Wednesdays in the Garden Bar. The Stockton Inn, 1 Main St., Stockton; 609-397-1250. Closes 12/23.

Festival of Lessons & Carols Traditional carols & inspirational sacred choral works. Philadelphia Cathedral, 3723 Chestnut St. Free. 12/20. 5 pm.

Greater South Jersey Chorus: Holiday Concert Music for chorus & brass with guests The Westminster Brass. 856-482-8282. St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, 3 Lord Pl., Marlton; 856-482-8282. sjsings.org. $15. 12/19. 8 pm.

King's College Traditional Lessons & Carols Clergy & members of the congregation will conduct this beautiful service. St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 1150 Bristol Rd., Southampton. Free. 12/20. 9:30 am.

Messiah Sing Along The choir, orchestra & audience will join in performing selections from the 'Messiah.' Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1401 Moyamensing Ave. Free. 12/20. 7-9:30 pm.

Mrs. Claus & the Desperate & Disgruntled Wife's Club Holiday concert presented by Shades of Harmony. The Grand Theatre, 405 S. Main St., Williamstown; 856-728-2120. $10; $8 children 12 and under. 12/19. 7:30 pm.

New Ark Chorale: Hodie, Today Christ Is Born Concert of Christmas music including pieces by Leavitt, Britten, Larkin & Biebl. Childcare provided. 302-831-3753, 302-368-4946. Newark United Methodist Church, 69 E. Main St., Newark. www.newarkchorale.org. $15; $12 seniors; $5 students. 12/19. 7 pm.

PCMS Concert: Anonymous 4 Vocal quartet performs a selection of carols, ballads & songs of old America. St. Mark's Church, 1625 Locust St.; 215-569-8080. www.pcmsconcerts.org. $23; $10 students. 12/18. 8 pm.

Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale: Joy to the World! The program, performed with full orchestra, includes a rich variety of traditional carols & popular Christmas music. 215-222-3500. St. David's Episcopal Church, 763 S. Valley Forge Rd., Wayne; 215-222-3500 x1. www.phillyboyschoir.org. $30-$40. 12/18. 8 pm.

Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale: Joy to the World! The program, performed with full orchestra, includes a rich variety of traditional carols & popular Christmas music. 215-222-3500. Church of the Holy Trinity, 1904 Walnut St.; 215-222-3500 x1. www.phillyboyschoir.org. $30-$40. 12/19. 8 pm.

The Choristers of Upper Dublin: Handel's Messiah Performance of selections from 'The Messiah' accompanied by a 12-piece chamber orchestra. Ambler Theater, 108 E. Butler Ave., Ambler. www.thechoristers.org. $20; $15 seniors; $10 college and high school students; $5 children. 12/20. 4:30 pm.

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular in 3-D 18-minute 3-D show, full of stunning original holiday imagery, music & more, is shown on The Comcast Experience video wall. Comcast Center, 1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Free. Closes 1/1.

The Philadelphia Singers: Christmas on Logan Square Annual holiday concert. 215-751-9494. St. Clement's Church, 2013 Appletree St.; 215-751-9494. www.philadelphiasingers.org. $32-$43. Closes 12/19.

VOICES Chorale: American Holiday The concert features carols by American composers from Colonial times to our time. 609-637-9383 Pennington Presbyterian Church, 13 S. Main St., Pennington; 609-637-9383. www.voiceschorale.org. $18; $10 children 12 and under; $45 family pass. 12/18. 8 pm.

Dance

Brandywine Ballet Company: The Nutcracker

Classic holiday tale of a girl & her magical doll. W/music by Tchaikovsky. West Chester University - Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Phillips Memorial Bldg., West Chester; 609-696-2711.

» READ MORE: www.brandywineballet.com

. $22-$37. Closes 12/20.

Dancefusion: Holiday Festival Gwendolyn Bye Dance students, Dancefusion & fusion2 perform plus carnival games, face-painting, food & silent auction. 215-222-7633. Community Education Center, 3500 Lancaster Ave.; 215-222-7633. www.gbyedance.org. $20; $10 students and children; $5 Festival only. 12/20. 3-7:30 pm.

First State Ballet: The Nutcracker Classic holiday tale of a young girl & her magical doll. Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington; 800-374-7263. www.firststateballet.com. $25-$35. Closes 12/20.

Pennsylvania Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker Classic holiday tale about a young girl & her magical doll. Featuring music by Tchaikovsky. The Academy of Music, Broad & Locust Sts.; Box Office: 215-893-1999. www.paballet.org. $24-$129. Closes 12/31.

South Jersey Ballet Theatre: Nutcracker 100 young dancers, professional sets, colorful costumes & classical ballet. 856-309-8282. Voorhees Middle School, 1000 Holly Oak Dr., Vorhees; 856-309-8282. $15; $12 seniors; $10 children under 12. Closes 12/20.

The Nutcracker The International Ballet Exchange presents The Nutcracker, featuring the Donetsk Ballet of Ukraine. Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, 201 East Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting. $28; $18 student/senior. Closes 12/19.

Traditional Irish Music Session Features local set & step dancers & musicians. Those who play instruments are welcome to join in the fun. Plough & The Stars, 123 Chestnut St.; 215-733-0300. Free.

Other performances

Andy Prescott

Quirky & engaging singer/pianist. Bowman's Tavern, 1600 River Rd., New Hope. andyprescott.com. Free. Closes 1/11.

Andy Prescott Quirky & engaging singer/pianist. Lime Light Restaurant & Piano Bar, 812 North Easton Road, Doylestown. andyprescott.com. Free. Closes 1/6.

Big Mess Cabaret Big Mess Cabaret presents their first holiday show in five years. Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. $20. Closes 12/19.

Dr. Sketchy's Philadelphia Drawing session turned cabaret event. Emcees, colorful costumes, contests & more. Ends 8/21. The Manhattan Room (M Room), 15 W. Girard Ave.; 215-739-5577. www.drsketchyphilly.blogspot.com. $15. 12/19. 4-7 pm.

Linda Eder Eder's voice has been compared to that of Judy Garland & Ella Fitzgerald. Lenape Regional Performing Arts Center, 130 Tomlinson Mill Rd., Marlton; Reservations required: 856-983-3366. www.lindaeder.com/. $60. 12/19. 8 pm.

Paula West, Vocalist Considered one of today's brightest talents in jazz & cabaret singing. Princeton University - McCarter Theatre, 91 University Pl., Princeton; 609-258-2787 (ARTS). www.paulawestonline.com. $15-$48. 12/19. 8 pm.

PCMS Concert: Joan Morris & William Bolcom, Mezzo-Soprano & Pianist Featuring music from the American songbook: Irving Berlin, George & Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern & others. Curtis Institute of Music - Field Concert Hall, 1726 Locust St.; 215-569-8080. www.pcmsconcerts.org. $23; $10 students. 12/19. 8 pm.