The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
WHAT TO SEE ON STAGE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
See your holiday favorites play out on local stages.
For all that is festive about the upcoming holiday, it can be a trying time for certain theatergoers: Dare to complain about the been-there, done-that, seen-it-all-before aspect to most of the offerings on the local scene this month, and you risk being labeled some kind of a Scrooge.
In the spirit of the season, though, suffice it to say that for every returning “Christmas Carol,” “Santaland Diaries” or “Christmas Canteen,” at least there’s also the promise of a firsttime “Big Fish,” “Plaid Tidings” or, yes, “Scrooge.”
Alliance Theatre
Under the direction of Rosemary Newcott, David de Vries reprises the iconic role of the parsimonious Ebenezer Scrooge in the company’s 27th annual production of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” (adapted by David H. Bell). The opulently designed show features several yuletide musical numbers, and a supporting ensemble of local luminaries, including Neal Ghant (as Bob Cratchit), Bart Hansard (as Christmas Present), Chris Kayser (as Jacob Marley) and Courtney Patterson (as Christmas Past). Through Dec. 24.
In the theater’s Hertz studio space, “Courtenay’s Cabaret: Home for the Holidays” is a onewoman show written and performed by actress and singer Courtenay Collins. Through Dec. 24.
1280 Peachtree St. (at the Woodruff Arts Center), Atlanta. 404-7335000, www.alliancetheatre.org.
ART Station
“Plaid Tidings,” a seasonal sequel to the popular jukebox musical “Forever Plaid,” brings the dearly departed singing quartet back to Earth to spread some Christmas cheer — in four-part harmony, natch. Googie Uterhardt and Ritchie Crownfield headline the cast. Through Dec. 23.
5384 Manor Drive, Stone Mountain. 770-469-1105, www.artstation.org.
Aurora Theatre
Written by and starring Brandon O’Dell, “Christmas Canteen 2016” is the 21st edition of the troupe’s annual holiday show, conceived in the nostalgic style of the famous Stage Door Canteen of the 1940s. The musical revue is co-directed by artistic director Anthony Rodriguez and choreographer Jen MacQueen (who also appears in the cast). Through Dec. 23.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez remounts his one-man “storytelling” rendition of “A Christmas Carol,” rotating performances in the theater’s studio space with another remount of the onewoman comedy “The 12 Dates of Christmas” (featuring Renita James). Through Dec. 23.
128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222, www.auroratheatre.com.
Center for Puppetry Arts
The company’s seventh annual presentation of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is inspired by the 1960s TV classic, adapted by Jon Ludwig. Through Dec. 31.
1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404873-3391, www.puppet.org.
Dominion Entertainment Group
Robert John Connor directs an independent production of “Black Nativity: A Holiday Gospel Musical” (based on Langston Hughes’ acclaimed 1960s song-play), which uses poetry, music and dance to tell the biblical story about the birth of Jesus. This year’s third annual revival of the show stars local veteran Margo Moorer. Through Dec. 18.
Performing at the Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta. www.blacknativityatlanta.com.
Horizon Theatre
Back for an 18th encore, the sarcastic grown-up comedy “The Santaland Diaries” (by David Sedaris) involves a disagreeable department-store Santa and a pair of his put-upon elves. Harold M. Leaver (who has played the crotchety Crumpet in all 18 Horizon versions) reunites with frequent cohorts LaLa Cochran and Enoch King as his “happy helpers.” Through Dec. 31.
For families with youngsters, “Madeline’s Christmas” (a co-production with Atlanta Children’s Theatre) is back for a ninth year of daytime performances at the Little Five Points venue, directed by Spring Mason and featuring two alternating casts. Through Dec. 31.
1083 Austin Ave. (in Little Five Points), Atlanta. 404-584-7450, www.horizontheatre.com.
Onstage Atlanta
Based on the underrated 1970 Albert Finney movie, “Scrooge” is a musical version of “A Christmas Carol” (with a score by Leslie Bricusse). Through Dec. 18.
2969 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-897-1802, www.onstageatlanta.com.
Serenbe Playhouse
Performed outdoors, the group’s third annual rendering of “The Snow Queen” is adapted by local playwright Rachel Teagle from the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale (popularized by the Disney film “Frozen”), with artistic director Brian Clowdus at the helm. Through Dec. 30.
The Natural Playground at Serenbe, 10642 Serenbe Lane, Chattahoochee Hills. 770-463-1110, www.serenbeplayhouse.com.
7 Stages
Staged by the company’s co-artistic directors Heidi S. Howard and Michael Haverty, “Krampus Xmas” is billed as an “anti-holiday tradition” — part European folk tale, part Japanese horror movie, and featuring live music by the Little Five Points Rockstar Orchestra. Through Dec. 17.
1105 Euclid Ave. (in Little Five Points), Atlanta. 404523-7647, www. 7 stages.org.
Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse
Tavern stalwart Drew Reeves returns as Scrooge in its 13th annual production of “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol,” which utilizes a lot of traditional music and a handful of actors in a pared-down approach to the story. Tony Brown directs again. New to the ensemble this year is local veteran Rob Cleveland. Through Dec. 23.
499 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-874-5299, www.shakespearetavern.com.
Stage Door Players
The troupe revives last year’s popular premiere of “Let Nothing You Dismay” by local playwright Topher Payne. Eight actors portray more than 20 characters in a comedy about an extended family’s hectic holiday (set largely in a hospital waiting room). Through Dec. 18.
North DeKalb Cultural Arts Center, 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. 770-396-1726, www. stagedoorplayers.net.
Synchronicity Theatre
Artistic director Rachel May stages a family-friendly musical adaptation of the famous children’s book “Mr. Popper’s Penguins.” Through Jan. 1.
1545 Peachtree St. (at the Peachtree Pointe complex), Atlanta. 404-4848636, www.synchrotheatre.com.
Theatrical Outfit
Boasting an impressive local cast — including Travis Smith, Julissa Sabino, Laura Floyd, William S. Murphey and Naima Carter Russell — artistic director Tom Key mounts a musical version of “Big Fish,” inspired by the fantastical Tim Burton movie and Daniel Wallace novel. The songs are by Andrew Lippa (whose “A Little Princess” was produced last year at the Outfit). Through Dec. 18.
The Balzer Theater at Herren’s, 84 Luckie St., Atlanta. 678-528-1500, www.theatricaloutfit.org.