Theatrical Holiday Traditions
The holiday season is fast upon us, and it is time to break out the Christmas decorations and start planning some of your family’s favorite Christmas traditions. So many Christmas traditions include staying warm and cozy inside while enjoying some of your favorite holiday entertainment. However, great holiday entertainment does not need to be confined to your house. You and your family can still stay warm indoors while also enjoying some of the best Christmas shows that Cincinnati has to offer. A trip to the theatre or the ballet is an excellent way to pass the time this holiday season, and it might even be a tradition in the making.
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is timeless holiday favorite for families all over the world. Even those who do not consider themselves fans of the ballet can enjoy the classic tale of young Clara and her trip to the magical Land of Sweets. The Nutcracker is an ideal production for families as both adults and children will find something to love. The Cincinnati ballet will be performing The Nutcracker this year on December 19 – 27 at the Aronoff center. Tickets are on sale now.
As is often the case with beloved classics, many have adapted the classic tale and score of The Nutcracker, adding modern touches that will appeal to a modern audience. This year in Cincinnati, in addition to seeing The Nutcracker as it was originally intended, you can also see The Nutcracker All Jazzed Up. A group of dancers will perform to legendary jazz musician Duke Ellington’s rendition of Tchaikovsky’s composition. This rendition of the Nutcracker is set in New York City in the 1940’s. Performances will be held on December 5 and 6 at the Aronoff Center.
A Christmas Carol
Another timeless holiday tale that is an absolute must see every Christmas season is A Christmas Carol. There have been countless adaptations of Charles Dickens’ beloved masterpiece, both on the stage and the screen. You can head over to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s production of A Christmas Carol at the Marx Theatre to see the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge live on stage.
Elf
Along with age old holiday traditions, there are also some wonderful new holiday traditions coming to the world of live theatre. Elf The Broadway Musical is a live musical adaptation of the popular movie starring Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel. The movie, having reached cult status since its debut in 2003 has now inspired a singing and dancing live musical production that is coming to the Aronoff Center on December 2-7. Tickets are still available.
Holiday Concerts
Music is a major part of every holiday season. It simply would not be Christmas without enjoying some of our favorite holiday carols. For fans of music, you do not need to rely solely on your local Christmas station to hear the songs you love. You can attend live concerts all over the Cincinnati area, beginning with Ignite: Spark, presented by the Cincinnati Boys’ Choir. You will love to hear these talented young men perform your favorite holiday carols. Another Cincinnati tradition is The Mighty Wurlitzer. Happy Holidays with The Mighty Wurlitzer will be taking place on December 11th at the Albee Theatre.
Even if you only have the time or resources to see one live holiday production this year, it will be an experience that you absolutely will not regret. Supporting the arts is an excellent way to contribute to your community and also start valued family traditions that you might want to repeat every year. After all, the holiday season is the time to bring your family closer together. There is no better way to spend time with your loved ones than by enjoying a beloved holiday classic on the stage.
Image Credit: freedigitalphotos.net/Stuart Miles