Performance and classical music listings

1812 Productions: This Is the Week That Is

Ever-changing show that takes a witty look at local, national & international current events. Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St.; Reservations required: 215-735-0630 or 800-595-4849 (4TIX).

» READ MORE: www.1812productions.org

. $20-$35.

A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens' holiday tale. Princeton University - McCarter Theatre, 91 University Pl., Princeton; 609-258-2787 (ARTS). $45-$70.

A Christmas Carol An adaptation faithful to the original, with carols. Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media; 610-565-4211. $25; $22 seniors; $10 students.

A Christmas Carol Musical adaptation. Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope; Box Office: 215-862-2041. $22.

A Jew Grows in Brooklyn Jake Ehrenreich's autobiographical hit comedy musical tracing his journey from Brooklyn to the Catskills to Broadway. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts.; 215-893-1999. www.ajewgrowsinbrooklyn.com/. $44.50-$52.50.

Anthony Lawton Festival: Heresy Lawton's autobiographical solo play asks probing questions about faith & religion. Lantern Theater at St. Stephen's Theater, 10th & Ludlow Sts.; 215-829-0395. $25-$35; $15-$25 students.

Anthony Lawton Festival: The Great Divorce Stage adaptation of the book by C.S. Lewis. Lantern Theater at St. Stephen's Theater, 10th & Ludlow Sts.; 215-829-0395. $25-$35; $15-$25 students.

Blue Man Group Three bald men, painted blue, present a show blending performance art, comedy & mime. University of the Arts - Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999. www.blueman.com. $25-$85.

Cabaret Red Light: Nutcracker Ballet & burlesque retelling of the original gothic Christmas story. Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St.; 215-925-9914. www.cabaretredlight.com/nutcracker/. $25.

Caesar's Palace O' Fun Lively mix of variety acts, music & comedy. Walnut Street Theatre - Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. $30.

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play Live radio drama-style, including live sound effects. Allens Lane Art Center, 601 W. Allens Ln.; Box Office: 215-248-0546. $18 advance, $20 day of show; $15 advance students & seniors, $17 day of show students & seniors.

Cirque du Soleil: Dralion The troupe's latest show blends Eastern & Western acrobatics. Temple University - Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad St.; ComcastTix: 1-800-298-4200. www.cirquedusoleil.com. $45-$84; $40.50-$72 seniors, students and military; $36-$68 children 12 and under.

Dublin Carol By Irish playwright Conor McPherson. Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St.; 215-717-2173. $10.

Flashpoint Theatre Company: The Santaland Diaries Stage adaptation of David Sedaris' witty account of his time working as an elf at Macy's in Manhattan. Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St. www.flashpointtheatre.org. $10-$20; $10-$18 seniors and students.

Irving Berlin's White Christmas Stage adaptation of the movie, featuring the music & lyrics of Irving Berlin. Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. $10-$95.

Mummenschanz Pantomime troupe who use masks & props to create a bizarre, expressive & comic world. Annenberg Center - Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; Box Office: 215-898-3900. $24-$48.

Nuncrackers Featuring Equity guest artist Micki Sharpe & Hedgerow favorite Susan Wefel. Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media; 610-565-4211. $25; $22 seniors; $10 students.

Ocean City Theatre Company: A Christmas Wonderland Holiday revue. Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn & the Boardwalk, Ocean City; 609-525-9300. www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com. $12; $10 children under 12.

Parenting 101: The Musical About the many ups & downs of raising kids. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts.; 215-893-1999. $35-$47.

Savage Men Male Revue Every Sat. 8 pm. House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City; 609-343-4000. www.savage-men.com. $35-$55.

The Three Musketeers (The Later Years) Holiday party w/oddball cast of characters celebrating with singing, dancing & dueling. People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern; 610-644-3500. $35-$50; $32-$47 children 17 and under.

The Very Merry Xmas Carol Holiday Adventure Show An arctic adventure where three unlikely friends battle a mysterious & malevolent force that's unraveling the tradition of Christmas. Theatre Horizon at Centre Theater, 208 DeKalb St., Norristown; Box Office: 610-283-2230. $27, $24 seniors; $37 on New Year's Eve, $34 seniors, $31 students.

A Christmas Carol

Musical adaptation. Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. $10-$14.

A Fractured Christmas Carol A slapdash, fast-paced, family-friendly adaptation. Walking Fish Theatre, 2509 Frankford Ave.; 215-427-9255 (WALK). $8, $5 children; Pay-what-you-can on Wednesdays.

Annie In this musical, a little red-haired orphan gets everyone to have hope for 'Tomorrow.' Media Theatre for the Performing Arts, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. $25-$46.

Around the World in 80 Days An adaptation by Mark Brown of the novel by Jules Verne. Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water St., Wilmington; Box Office: 302-594-1100. $35-$49.

Babes in Toyland Victor Herbert's musical set in the magic realm of Toyland. Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope; Box Office: 215-862-2041. $8. 12/17-18.

Berenstain Bears - Family Matters: The Musical Weaves together three popular Berenstain Bears stories. Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill; Box Office: 610-622-1189. $6-$9. 12/17. 7:30 pm.

Cape May Stage: The Little Prince Directed and conceived by Scott Hitz, written by Rick Cummins and John Scoullar, and featuring puppets by multiple Emmy Award-winning designer Michael Schupbach, this classic of children's literature has been turned into a family production. Based on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's fable about a pilot who crash-lands in the desert and meets an openhearted boy from another planet, it gently reminds us to hold onto what is truly important. Robert Shackleton Playhouse, Bank & Lafayette Sts., Cape May; Box Office: 609-884-1341. www.capemaystage.com. $12.50-$40.

Disney On Ice: Toy Story 3 Features scenes from all three 'Toy Story' movies. Wells Fargo Center (formerly Wachovia Center), 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-339-7600. www.disneyonice.com. $15-$85.

Enchantment Theatre Company: Cinderella Original production features life-sized puppets, masks, magic & music. Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; 215-569-9700. www.enchantmenttheatre.org. $29; $25 students & seniors; $17 children.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer The tale of how one special reindeer gave Santa a hand on a foggy Christmas night. Ritz Theatre Company, 915 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn; 856-858-5230. $8.

Santa's Missing List One of Santa's elves has stolen the naughty & nice list because he doesn't feel children understand the true meaning of Christmas. Ocean City Repertory Theater, 813 Asbury Ave., Ocean City. $5.

Seussical the Musical Based on the characters of Dr. Seuss. New Candlelight Theatre, 2208 Millers Rd., Wilmington; Box Office: 302-475-2313. $55; $32 children 12 and under.

Storybook Musical Theatre: Snow White An original musical adaptation of the classic story. Mitchell Performing Arts Center, 800 Tomlinson Rd., Bryn Athyn; Reservations required: 215-659-8550. www.storybookmusical.org. $12; $10 children.

The Borrowers The story of a tiny family forced into the great big outdoor world when their home beneath the floorboards is discovered. Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.; 215-922-1122. $30-$32; $20-$22 teens; $16-$18 children.

The Dancing Snowman An injured dancer dreams about a snowman who takes her off to Snow World. Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore; TheaterMania: 866-811-4111. $10.

The Elves & the Shoemaker Version of the classic tale by Margie Royal & composed by E.A. Alexander. Yocum Institute for Arts Education, 1100 Belmont Ave., Wyomissing; 610-376-1576. $8.

The Surflight Holiday Spectacular Former Miss America Susan Powell stars. Surflight Theatre, Beach & Engleside Ave., Harvey Cedars; 609-492-9477. $30; $20 children 12 and under.

Tiny Tim's Christmas Abbreviated version of 'A Christmas Carol,' minus the ghosts that may be frightening to small children. Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media; 610-565-4211. $11; $9 children.

A Christmas Carol

DIckens himself presents his story. Footlighters Theater, 58 Main Ave., Berwyn; Box Office: 610-296-9245. $12.

A Christmas Carol Stage adaptation. Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore; TheaterMania: 866-811-4111. $15; $8 students and children.

A Christmas Carol Musical adaptation. 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.

A Wonderful Life Frank Capra's film has been brought to theatrical life through the collaboration of Sheldon Harnick & Joe Raposo. Haddonfield Plays & Players, 957 E. Atlantic Ave., Haddonfield; 856-429-8139. $10-$19.

Actors' NET of Bucks County: Once Upon a Mattress Musical comedy take on the fairy tale 'Princess & the Pea.' Morrisville Heritage Center, 635 N. Delmorr Ave., Morrisville; 215-295-3694. www.actorsnetbucks.org. $20; $17 seniors; $10 children 12 and under.

Bah, Humbug! St. Joseph High School presents at Dougherty Arts Center. Eagle Theatre, 208 Vine St., Hammonton; 609-704-5012. $5; $3 for children 12 and under. 12/20. 7 pm.

In One Bed & Out the Other A French couple find themselves tempted by a string of would-be & ex-lovers, & soon everyone finds themselves in bed with the wrong person. Off-Broad Street Theatre, Five S. Greenwood Ave., Hopewell; Reservations required: 609-466-2766. $27.50-$29.50.

It Would Take a Miracle An innkeeper in ancient Bethlehem is willing to take any means necessary to keep his little tavern afloat. McCoole's Arts & Events Place, 10 S. Main St., Quakertown; Box Office: 610-395-7176. www.barliebwallace.com. $18; $14 seniors; $8 students.

Murder at the Irish Wake

Comic murder mystery centered on an Irish wake, where the dear departed may have had outside help in taking his leave. Bistro Romano, 120 Lombard St.; Mystery Dinner Theatre Box Office: 215-238-1313. $42.95.

Advent Brown Bag Concerts

Enjoy a midday break, bring your lunch & hear music by guest performers. Doylestown Presbyterian Church, 127 E Court St., Doylestown. Free.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: Bach's Complete Brandenburgs All six Brandenburg concerti will be performed. Princeton University - McCarter Theatre, 91 University Pl., Princeton; 609-258-2787 (ARTS). www.lincolncenter.org. $35-$55. 12/20. 7:30 pm.

Philadelphia Orchestra: Handel's Messiah W/The Philadelphia Singers Chorale. Paul Goodwin conducts. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts.; 215-893-1999. www.philorch.org. $18-$105. 12/19. 2 pm.

Philadelphia Orchestra: The Glorious Sound of Christmas Rossen Milanov conducts. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts.; 215-893-1999. $17-$108.

Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra: Louis Scaglione, Conductor Scaglione conducts a program of works by Mozart, Beethoven & Mendelssohn, w/ Ellen dePasquale soloing on violin. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th St. www.pyos.org. $15; free 13 and under. 12/21. 8 pm.

Piffaro: The Renaissance Band Late medieval & Renaissance music performed on period instruments. Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave. www.piffaro.com. $35-$40; $25-$35 seniors; $15 students. 12/17. 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. www.piffaro.com. $35-$40; $25-$35 seniors; $15 students. 12/19. 4 pm. All Saints' Episcopal Church, 16 All Saints' Rd., Princeton. 12/20. 8 pm. St. Mark's Church, 1625 Locust St. www.piffaro.com. $35-$40; $25-$35 seniors; $15 students. 12/18. 8 pm.

Vox Ama Deus & Camerata Ama Deus: Christmas With Mozart Valentin Radu conducts an all-Mozart program, w/soloists to include hornist Paul Rosenberg. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts.; 215-893-1999. www.voxamadeus.org. $20-$60. 12/17. 8 pm.

Ama Deus Ensemble: Handel's Messiah

1749 London Covent Garden version performed in Baroque pitch & on period instruments. 610-688-2800. St. Katharine of Siena Catholic Church, 104 S. Aberdeen Ave., Wayne. voxamadeus.org. $25; $20 seniors; $10 students. 12/19. 4 pm.

Blooming Glen Mennonite Church Adult Choir: Vivaldi's Gloria Accompanied by guest instrumentalists. A fellowship tea follows. Janes Memorial United Methodist Church, 47 E. Haines St. Donations accepted. 12/19. 6:30 pm.

Christmas at Bright Hope An evening of carols, spirituals & gospel selections. Bright Hope Baptist Church, 1601 N. 12th St. $10. 12/19. 5-8 pm.

Clayton White Singers: Handel's Messiah Janes Memorial United Methodist Church, 47 E. Haines St. Donations accepted. 12/19. 4 pm.

Hammonton Community Chorus Eagle Theatre, 208 Vine St., Hammonton; 609-704-5012. $15; $13 senions and students. 12/19. 4 pm.

Jubilate Deo Chorale & Orchestra: A Celtic Christmas Music with an Irish flair, including Irish dancers, traditional musicians & a live Nativity. Paul VI High School, 901 Hopkins Rd., Haddon Twp.; 856-858-0693. www.jdco.org. $15-$30.

Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra Holiday Benefit Concert Benefits Reach Out & Read at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. St. Mark's Church, 1625 Locust St.; 215-545-0502. www.pyos.org. $15; free 13 and under. 12/21. 8 pm.

Soul Purpose All-male vocal quartet from Eprhata, Pa sings traditional hymns & gospel songs. Havana Bar & Restaurant, 105 S. Main St., New Hope; Info: 215-862-9897. www.americangospel.com/soulpurpose/index.asp. 12/18. 8:30 pm.

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

Touch of Classics: La Boheme Puccini opera. Franco's High Note Cafe, 1549 S. 13th St. www.touchofclassics.com. $49.95.

Israeli Dancing

Informal weekly sessions. New dancers welcome. Germantown Jewish Centre, 400 W. Ellet St.; 215-844-1507 Ext. 19. $5.

Pages to Pirouettes: Selections From 'The Nutcracker' Adaptation of the holiday show. Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St.; 215-686-5372. www.pages-to-pirouettes.com. Free. 12/19. 2 pm.

Pennsylvania Ballet: George Ballanchine's The Nutcracker The holiday tale of a girl & her magical doll is brought to life through dance. Academy of Music, Broad & Locust Sts.; Box Office: 215-893-1999. www.paballet.org. $30-$139.

Salsa Lessons & Dancing Lessons followed by open dancing w/DJ Rombero spinning salsa, merengue & bachata. Coastline, 1240 Brace Rd., Cherry Hill; 856-795-1773.

South Jersey Ballet Theatre: Nutcracker 100 young dancers, professional sets, colorful costumes & classical ballet. Voorhees Middle School, 1000 Holly Oak Dr., Voorhees; Box Office: 856-309-8282. www.southjerseyballet.com. $18; $15 seniors 62 & over; $12 children 12 & under.

The Nutcracker Step II Productions and Olga Kresin Ballet Theatre present this favorite. Jewish Community Center - Klein Branch, 10100 Jamison Ave.; 215-946-4530. $15-$20.

Wilmington Ballet Academy of the Dance: The Nutcracker DuPont Theatre, W. 10th St. at North St. Market, Wilmington; 800-338-0881. www.wilmingtonballet.org. $15-$35.

Christy Jefferson

Philly-based singer/songwriter. Puck, 85 Printers Alley, Doylestown; 215-348-9000.

» READ MORE: http://www.christyjefferson.com/

. Free. 12/23. 5-11:55 pm.

Holiday Cabaret Musical celebration w/performances by Amy Walton & Sarah Raimondi, Joe O'Brien, Nina Scarcia & more. Montgomery Theater, 124 N. Main St., Souderton; 215-723-9984 Ext. 10. $25; $20 seniors and children. 12/18. 4 pm.

Jewmongous Jewish-themed comedy song variety show. Tin Angel at Serrano, 20 S. 2nd St.; 215-928-0978. www.jewmongous.com/. $15. 12/18. 7:30 pm.

Judy Barnett A presence in New York's jazz scene for over 20 years, Barnett is a six-time MAC Jazz Vocalist Award winner and has received a Back Stage Bistro Award, as well as 12 ASCAP Special Awards for songwriting. Bob Egan's New Hope Supper Club and Cabaret, 6426 Lower York Rd., New Hope. judybarnettmusic.com/. $20. 12/17. 7:30 pm.

Liz Callaway Tony-nominated Broadway star who's been in shows like 'Cats,' 'Encores' & 'Follies in Concert.' Princeton University - McCarter Theatre, 91 University Pl., Princeton; 609-258-2787 (ARTS). $46. 12/18. 8 pm.