‘A Bloody Mary Christmas’
Nov. 25-Dec. 30
Space 55
636 E. Pierce St.
Space 55’s perennial holiday musical for people who hate the holidays and musicals. Sun City retirees Blanche, Bertha and Mabel sing, dance, and drink themselves silly as they battle a heartless homeowner’s association that tries to evict them from their condo on Christmas Eve. (Please note: This show is NOT suitable for children. Contains adult content.). Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday. Additional performances are 8 p.m. Dec. 20-22 and Dec. 27-29. Visit www.space55.org.
‘Black Nativity’
Black Theatre Troupe
December 2-18
The Helen K. Mason Center for the Performing Arts
1333 E. Washington St.
602-258-8129
Last season’s sold-out, legendary holiday event by Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes, returns to the BTT stage in a stunning new production. A joyous company of singers, actors, dancers and musicians delivers its powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation. Tickets are $36 general admission, plus fees. Visit http://www.blacktheatretroupe.org.
Christmas Pageant
2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Piper Performing Arts Center,
Xavier College Prep
4710 N. 5th St.
The pageant is the traditional story of the birth of Christ as told through reverent music and dance, and this year’s theme is “Good News of Great Joy.” The performance is Xavier’s gift to the community, so there will not be a charge for admission.
Frances Smith Cohen’s ‘Snow Queen’
Dec. 3-4, 9-11 & 16-18
Stage West, Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
Center Dance Ensemble’s annual popular holiday production that has become a “don’t miss” Valley tradition for the whole family. The classic story by Hans Christian Andersen set to music by Sergei Prokofiev. Show times are 2 & 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 & 5 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $28 adults, $23 seniors and $14 for students, plus fees. Additional lunchtime performances take place Fridays, Dec. 9 and 16, at 12:10 p.m. Tickets are just $6. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
‘Give Me Christmas!’
iTheatre Collaborative
Dec. 9-18
Herberger Theater, Kax Stage
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
Before you go forgetting old acquaintances, don’t forget about iTheatre’s annual Holiday Cabaret, featuring Jeff Kennedy, a grand piano, some of the Valley’s most talented singers and artists, and Cabaret-style seating with plenty of cheer to go around (not to mention brownies). Show times are 8 p.m. Dec. 9-10 and 16-17, and 2 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18. Tickets are $25 general admission. Visit www.itheatreaz.org.
‘Christmas in the Americas’
Phoenix Girls Chorus
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Camelback Bible Church
3900 E. Stanford Drive
602-252-5562
Hear holiday favorites from North and South America, featuring both traditional carols and beloved tunes from Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and of course, the United States. General admission tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $8 for children; premiere seating is $23, $18 and $10, respectively. Visit https://girls chorus.org/concertevents/.
‘A Christmas Carol: The Musical’
Arizona Broadway Theatre
Dec. 10-24
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
What better way to capture the holiday spirit than through the joy and merriment of Charles Dickens’ enduring tale of hope and redemption. Travel back in time with Ebenezer Scrooge as he journeys through his past, present and future to find the importance of family, friendship and love. Brimming with rousing musical numbers, splendid costumes, and side-splitting “bah humbugs,” the show will have you wrapped in the spirit of the holidays. Tickets are $33.50-$53.50 for adults, and $18.50-$36.50 for children, depending on seating location. Additional fees apply for online orders. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
‘Holidays with Orpheus’
3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11
Camelback Bible Church
3900 E. Stanford Drive
602-261-9396
The Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix—Arizona’s longest-standing, continuously performing choral arts organization— will offer newer, lively repertoire such as “Hodie! Alleluia!” along with classics recognized by all including “Silent Night,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” They also will have a bit of fun with “Jing-a-Ling, Jing-a-Ling.” There will be an audience sing-along featuring everyone’s favorite Christmas carols. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors age 65 and older and for students with ID, and free for children ages 12 and younger. Visit www.orpheus.org.
A Chorale Christmas: Silent Night
Phoenix Chorale
7:30 p.m. Dec. 19-20
Brophy Chapel
4701 N. Central Ave.
602-253-2224
First penned in 1816 for a small pilgrimage church in Austria, “Stille Nacht” has become the iconic carol for the holiday season. Commemorating this 200th anniversary, this Christmas program will be filled with unique arrangements of this evocative hymn. This year’s Chorale Christmas also will feature familiar favorites such as “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Advanced tickets are $34 for adults, $29 for seniors and members of the military, and $15 for students with ID; tickets are $5 more at the door. Visit www.phoenixchorale.org.
