HOLIDAY THEATER
The season is celebrated on local stages every year in productions both traditional and contemporary, serious and comical. Here’s the lineup:
On the Labuda Center stage through Dec. 9 is Act 1 DeSales University’s production of “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley.” It’s the Pennsylvania premiere of this humorous and romantic sequel to Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” Info: desales.edu.
Opening Nov. 30 is the Penn-
sylvania Playhouse production of “A Broadway Christmas Carol,” which combines the classic Dickens' tale with parodies of 33 favorite Broadway tunes from shows like “Annie,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “Gypsy.” The show runs through Dec. 16. Info: payplayhouse.org.
Civic Theatre of Allentown brings back its two annual holiday productions. At the newly renovated 19th Street Theatre is “A Christmas Carol,” a traditional retelling of the timeless Charles Dickens of Ebenezer Scrooge and his redemption. Barry Glassman returns as Scrooge in this 29th production. The show runs Nov. 30-Dec. 15. Civic also is presenting its third production of “Santaland Diaries,” a one-man show written by David Sedaris about his experiences as a Christmas elf at Macy's Department Store in New York. The show runs Dec. 7-16 in Theatre514. Info: civictheatre.com.
Star of the Day Productions gets into the holiday spirit with “Scrooge: The Musical,” a 1992 show adapted from the 1970 film “Scrooge” starring Albert Finney. Book and music writer Leslie Bricusse was nominated for an Academy Award for the film score. The show runs Nov. 30-Dec. 15 at McCoole's Arts & Events Place
Touchstone Theatre presents its 19th annual production of “Christmas City Follies,” a holiday-themed vaudeville show filled with jolly mischief, merry melodies and cheer. It runs Dec. 6-23 at its home in Bethlehem. Info: touchstone.org.
Sing for America isn't presenting a Christmas show, but “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” is a family show certainly infused with the magic of the season. Sing for America is a company led by the Gilbert family, whose theater productions raise money for military families. “Willy Wonka” will run Dec. 19-31 at Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe. Info: singforamerica.com.
a nostalgic family show featuring 24 singers and dancers performing favorite songs such as “White Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland.” The show includes a thousand costumes, detailed sets and a chorus line as it parades its way through the wonder of the holiday season. Info: statetheatre.org.
Christmas-themed concerts include “America's Got Talent” crooner Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti at Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown Dec. 1 (millersymphonyhall.org), Grammynominated songwriter and piano sensation Jim Brickman in “A Joyful Christmas” at Symphony Hall Dec. 21 (millersymphonyhall.org) and Grammywinning saxophonist Kenny G with his “Miracles & Holiday Hits Tour” at the State Theatre Dec. 6 (statetheatre.org). to participate. The event is organized by David Landis. Info: 610-865-0274.