‘A Bloody Mary Christmas’
Weekends, through Dec. 27
Space 55
636 E. Pierce St.
This irreverent and bawdy Christmas musical returns for the sixth holiday season. Retirees Blanche, Bertha and Mabel sing, dance and drink themselves silly as they fight to keep from losing their Sun City condo to a heartless homeowner’s association on Christmas Eve. This show is not appropriate for children. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 p.m. Sundays. There will be special performances at 8 p.m. on Dec. 22 and Dec. 23. Tickets are $18 on Friday and Saturday, $15 on Sunday. Tickets are on sale at www.space55.org.
‘Black Nativity’
Black Theatre Troupe
Dec. 1-11
Helen K. Mason
Performing Arts Center
1333 E. Washington St.
602-258-8129
This popular holiday event by Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes returns to the BTT stage in a stunning new production. A company of singers, actors, dancers and musicians delivers its powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation. Tickets are $32. Visit https://blacktheatretroupe.tixato.com/buy.
‘A Celebration of Christmas’
Dec. 3-6 & 9-15
Dream City Church
13613 N. Cave Creek Road
800-431-9734
Mark your calendar for a family-friendly, Broadway-style Christmas musical at Dream City Church complete with music, dancing, animals, aerial stunts, and more. Show times are 7 p.m., with matinees at 3 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and 12-13. Tickets range from $25 to $7. Limited free seating is available on a first come, first served basis, excluding shows on Dec. 11-15. All the free seats are located in the second balcony. For free seating, arrive early and park in the north lot for easy access to the north entrances. Visit http://www.phoenixfirst.org.
‘Santa Claus Conquers the Martians’
All Puppet Players
Dec. 4-19
Playhouse on the Park
1850 N. Central Ave.
602-254-2151
Santa kidnapped by Martians?! Will the children of Earth have no toys on Christmas? Only Hollywood could cook up such an absurd story and only the All Puppet Players would want to make it into a live puppet show! This season, you could do the same old holiday re-runs, with their ho-hum holly and mundane, moldy mistletoe…or start a new tradition by joining Santa on a madcap adventure in outer space! Tickets are $22 general admission. Not for children under the age of 7. Visit www.allpuppetplayers.com.
‘A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail’
Dec. 4-23
Valley Youth Theatre
525 N. First St.
602-253-8188
The theater celebrates the 20th anniversary of this beloved classic live on stage. Visit the snow-covered Hundred Acre Woods and share the holidays with Tigger, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga, Roo, Piglet and Pooh. Two Sing-A-Long performances have been added for Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. and Dec. 22 at 12:30 p.m. Tickets to all shows are $18 plus fees for general admission. Visit www.VYT.com.
‘Winter’s Journey’
2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
Virginia G. Piper
Performing Arts Center
Xavier College Preparatory
7th St. & Highland
This annual Christmas pageant is the traditional story of the birth of Christ as told through reverent music and dance. This year’s theme is “Winter’s Journey.” The performance is Xavier’s gift to the community, so there will not be a charge for admission.
‘Holidays With Orpheus’
The Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix
3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
All Saints Lutheran Church
15649 N. 7th St.
Arizona’s longest-standing, continuously performing choral arts organization continues its 87th season with new, lively repertoire such as “Brightest and Best” and “Hodie! Alleluia!” along with classics recognized by all including “Still, Still, Still,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” and “Jingle Bells.” Plan to join the fun in the audience sing-along. For event and ticket information, call 602-271-9396 or visit www.orpheus.org.
Christmas Concert
3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
First United Methodist Church
5510 N. Central Ave.
602-263-5013
The gifts of the entire First Church Music Department are on display for this occasion. Complete with Choir, Handbells, Band, Organ and Children’s Choirs—this concert is sure to please all musical tastes. This is a free event with a free-will offering. A reception will follow. Visit www.firstchurch.church for concert details.
‘A Christmas Carol’
Dec. 10-26
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-256-6995
Katie McFadzen will use Dickens’ own immortal words to turn the family-friendly classic into a one-woman tour-de-force as she performs all 27 characters from Scrooge to Tiny Tim. Tickets are $23-51 plus fees. Discounts are available for seniors and active military. A $10 student ticket pricing is now available for all performances. Pay What You Can performance is Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for a suggested $10 donation (cash only). Visit www.arizonatheatre.org.
‘The Santaland Diaries’
Arizona Theatre Co.
Dec. 10-26
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-256-6995
The outrageously funny tale of best-selling humorist David Sedaris’ tenure as an unemployed writer taking a job as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display. Ticket are $23-$51 plus fees. Visit www.arizonatheatre.org. Discounts are available for seniors and active military. A $10 student ticket pricing is available for all performances. Pay What You Can performance is Thursday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for a suggested $10 donation (cash only).
‘The Nutcracker’
Ballet Arizona
Dec. 11-27
Phoenix Symphony Hall
75 N. 2nd St.
602-381-1096
The beloved ballet tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. Experience the many special effects, including the Christmas tree that “grows” to 40 feet, 200 pounds of “snow” falling during the snow scene and the firing of cannons onstage. Forty-five minutes before each performance, audiences are invited to the Symphony Hall lobby for pre-show events including storytelling and photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Ticket prices start at $15, discounts offered for seniors, students, military and groups. Visit www.balletaz.org.
‘Winter Wonderland’
Phoenix Boys Choir
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12
Camelback Bible Church
3900 E. Stanford Drive
602-264-5328
The choir performs an array of holiday favorites. Audiences will be uplifted with traditional songs as well as a new medley based on the story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. The highlight will be excerpts from Benjamin Britten’s magnificent “Ceremony of Carols,” culminating with a glorious performance of the “Hallelujah!” Chorus from Handel’s “Messiah.” Tickets are $23-$28, and $18 for seniors and children ages 12 and younger. Visit www.PhoenixBoysChoir.org.
‘Holiday Favorites’
Arizona Opera
Dec., 18, 20 & 22
Phoenix Theatre
100 E. McDowell Ave.
Pianist Joseph Li is joined by Alicia Gianni (Soprano), Grace Newberry (Mezzo-Soprano), Jack Swanson (Tenor) and Shea Owens (Baritone) who will sing a host of favorite songs from holiday classics. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Tuesday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.azopera.org/performances/holiday-favorites.
‘A Chorale Christmas’
Phoenix Chorale
7:30 p.m. Dec. 21-22
Brophy Chapel
4701 N. Central Ave.
602-253-2224
This powerful program explores the beauty of nature and the cosmos during the holidays. Thrill to the majesty of Javier Busto’s lyrical “Ave Meris Stella” (Hail Star of the Sea), cheer the whole family with the traditional Sing-Along and introduce yourself to new favorites. Each concert is accompanied by children from the Arizona School for the Arts, performing on an array of crystal bowls. Tickets are $15 for students; $29 for seniors 65 and older and active Duty military; and $34 for adults. Visit www.phoenixchorale.org.
