A Bloody Mary Christmas
Through Dec. 30
Space 55
1524 N. 18th Ave.
Space 55’s 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.). Tickets start at $15; wear an ugly holiday sweater on Dec. 17 and get $5 off admission. Visit www.space55.org.
‘Newsies’
Through Dec. 31
Phoenix Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
This Disney Theatrical musical is suited for the whole family. Inspired by the real-life newsboys strike of 1899 and based on the 1992 film, “Newsies,” it follows Jack Kelly and a rag-tag group of newsies as they take on the biggest names in publishing in a fight for justice and fair pay. Tickets are $35-$85, fees included. Visit www.phoenixtheatre.com/newsies.
‘A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail’
Dec. 1-23
Valley Youth Theatre
525 N. First St.
602-253-8188
The theater celebrates the 22nd 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. Most performances are matinees, in either the morning or early afternoon. Tickets to all shows are $20 plus fees for general admission. Visit www.VYT.com.
‘Die Hard: A Christmas Story’
All Puppet Players
8 p.m. Dec. 1-23
Playhouse on the Park,
Central Arts Plaza
1850 N. Central Ave.
602-254-2151
The All Puppet Players offer a holiday alternative that includes a puppet Bruce Willis, a battle for Nakatomi Plaza and tons of pop-culture references. There’ll be caroling, gunfights, curse words and all the puppet anarchy you can shake a yule log at (for mature audiences only). Shows are Fridays and Saturdays, with an additional showing on Thursday, Dec. 21. Tickets are $22 general admission, available through the Phoenix Theatre box office. Visit www.phoenixtheatre.com.
‘Black Nativity’
Black Theatre Troupe
Dec. 1-3 & 7-10
Helen K. Mason
Performing Arts Center
1333 E. Washington St.
602-258-8129
A joyous company of singers, actors, dancers and musicians delivers its powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation, featuring the works of Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes. Saturday and Sunday matinees available. Tickets are $38 plus fees, general admission. Visit www.blacktheatretroupe.org.
Frances Smith Cohen’s ‘Snow Queen’
Dec. 2-3, 9-10 & 16-17
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 $28.50 adults, $23.50 seniors and $14.50 for students, plus fees. Abridged lunchtime performances take place Fridays, Dec. 8 and 15, at 12:10 p.m. Tickets are just $7. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
Xavier Holiday Pageant
2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3
Virginia G. Piper
Performing Arts Center,
Xavier College Preparatory
4710 N. 5th St.
Xavier College Preparatory presents its 15th Annual Christmas Pageant. The pageant is the traditional story of the birth of Christ as told through music and dance. This year’s theme is “More Precious Than Diamonds.” The performance is Xavier’s gift to the community, so there is no charge for admission.
‘A Christmas Carol – The Musical’
Arizona Broadway Theatre
Dec. 9-28
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
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. Tickets are $49-$69 plus fees. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
Mike Chamberlin & Friends Holiday Concert
7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
Central United Methodist Church
1875 N. Central Ave.
Holiday music provided by Mike Chamberlin, former Channel 3 newscaster; Dave Munsey, recently retired weathercaster from Ch. 10; Dick Moore, formerly with KOY; and more. Get up close and personal with some of the most talented of Arizona media types. Several gift baskets will be available in a silent auction. Proceeds benefit House of Broadcasting Inc. (HOBI). Tickets are $10; 12 and younger admitted free.
‘A Holiday Celebration!’
Arizona Masterworks Chorale
7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
All Saints’ Episcopal Church
6300 N. Central Ave.
602-350-8261
Featuring a couple of holiday “mash-ups” including “A Christmas Wish,” which combines the holiday classics “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” as well as the ancient carol “Lo, How A Rose,” combined with the well-known pop song “The Rose,” which was a hit for Bette Midler. Other highlights include a performance of the cantata “A Feast of Carols,” and traditional holiday favorites. Tickets are $20 at the door, or $15 in advance (plus fees) at www.ArizonaMasterworks.com.
‘Winter Blast!’
Valley Women’s Ensemble
7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-9
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church
1212 E Glendale Ave.
Valley Women’s Ensemble is a 35-voice women’s choir, featuring clarinetist Kristi Hanno and the Klezmer-style music of Judaism. Winter tunes ranging from sacred to silly. Something for everyone, and fun for the whole family! Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Contact choir@valleywomensensemble.org for advance sales. *Mention this story at the door and get BOGO pricing.
‘The Santaland Diaries’
7 p.m. Dec. 14 & 16, Dec. 20-23
Phoenix Theatre,
Hardes Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
The wickedly true, 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. Recommended for mature audiences. Tickets are $40-$58, fees included. Senior, military, student and group discounts available by calling the box office. Additional performances are at 10 p.m. Dec. 22 & 23. Visit http://www.davissonentertainment.com.
‘A Tuna Christmas’
Dec. 15-23
Phoenix Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
Holiday cheer and holiday stress go hand in hand and Tuna, Texas is no different. The little town of Tuna is home to the annual Christmas Yard Display Contest, a cagey competition between the townsfolk. Competition is intense every year and the Christmas Phantom—the unknown assailant of nativity scenes—is at it again. Show times are 7 p.m. Dec. 15, 19 and 21; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17; and 2 p.m. Dec. 23. Tickets are $40-$58, fees included.Senior, military, student and group discounts available by calling the box office. Visit http://www.davissonentertainment.com.
A Chorale Christmas
Phoenix Chorale
7:30 p.m. Dec. 18-19
Brophy Chapel
4701 N. Central Ave.
Celebrate the season with this award-winning music group as they perform a sparkling array of traditional and popular holiday favorites from the Huron Carol to “Winter Wonderland” and more. Tickets are $38 adults, $33 seniors (65+), $33 active duty military, and $18 students with ID. Visit http://www.phoenixchorale.org.
The Calamari Sisters’ Clam Bake
Dec. 21-Jan. 21, 2018
Herberger Theater, Stage West
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
Coming off their smash hit “Cooking with the Calamari Sisters,” Delphine & Carmela will be teaching you the ins and outs of an Italian clambake. You’ll laugh until your sides hurt as these two plus-size siblings sing, dance, and cook their way through the perfect summer picnic. Tickets are $54 for balcony seating or $62 for orchestra/mezzanine, plus fees. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
‘Man of La Mancha’
Arizona Theatre Company
Jan. 11-28, 2018
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-256-6995
A new production of the Tony Award-winning favorite about dreaming the impossible dream. The score of beloved songs includes the iconic “Impossible Dream,” while pulsating with the vibrant culture of Spain. This exciting new staging takes inspiration from the spontaneous, raw theatricality of flamenco performance—focusing on the passion and virtuosity of the performers and musicians as they tell the intertwined stories of Don Quixote and his imprisoned creator, Miguel de Cervantes. Tickets are $46-$85 plus fees. The show is expected to sell out quickly. Visit www.arizonatheatre.org.
