Oh, the Drama!

Back in the olden days (read: our youth) when we didn’t have 152 channels, seeing a live show was a huge event. These days it still is, so go old school and take your family to a live performance of a classic holiday-themed show. Here’s a round–up of what’s on around town.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Speaking of back in the day…Storybook Theatre has adapted the songs from the 1964 stop-motion animated program that airs every December. We love the Cookie Cabaret performances at The Community Arts Centre because they cater to the preschool and up set—cookie included (November 26–December 19).

Alice in Wonderland
Okay, so it’s technically not a holiday play, but it’s still filled with the magic of the season as Alice crosses over into a dreamy world occupied by famous characters like the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and Cheshire Cat. Calgary Young People’s Theatre presents this all-ages show at Vertigo Studio Theatre (December 8–12).

Seussical™ The Musical
Local celebrity Dave Kelly stars as the Cat in this musical for kids featuring the work of Dr Seuss himself. Meet Horton and the Grinch (of course) as characters sing, dance and rhyme their way through Alberta Theatre Projects’ holiday performance at the Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts (November 23–December 30).

The Nutcracker
Choose to check out the lavish Alberta Ballet performance (December 17–23) of this Christmas classic featuring Tchaikovsky’s musical score, beautiful costumes and a magical holiday set at the Jubilee Auditorium. Or, get tickets (maxing out at $18.50) for the Absolute Dance version at the Wright Theatre on the Mount Royal University Campus.

It’s Nearly, Almost Christmas
Join the Calgary Boys Choir (accompanied by alumni and members of the SuperSonic Men’s Choir) for a concert featuring carols, gospel and excerpts from Handel’s Messiah presented with lightness and humour at The Leacock Theatre (December 4).

eLves, a North Pole Musical
Over 300 young performers get on stage once a year to perform a holiday musical hit guaranteed to get you in the spirit of the season. The Youth Singers of Calgary and The ATCO Group will have you dancing in your seat at the Jubilee Auditorium (December 5).

A Traditional Christmas
The Cantaré Children’s Choir and tenor Christopher MacRae perform a set of traditional holiday carols at the stunning Grace Presbyterian Church (December 10–11).

A Christmas Carol
Children five and up (and their families) will enjoy this Theatre Calgary classic retelling of the Charles Dickens ghost story at the Epcor Centre (December 2–26).

Have Yourself a Heebee Jeebee Christmas
A slightly irreverent holiday concert, the Heebee Jeebees will delight children of all ages at the Scarboro United Church with classic songs like “X-mas Nuts” and “I Saw Three Chicks” from their Christmas Crackers album. Funny and suitable for all ages (December 18).

Overindulge in the feast of cultural activities this holiday season. Your kids are sure to reward you with their own performance another day.

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