‘S#!tfaced Shakespeare’
Blk Box Phx
Nov. 30-Dec. 31
Phoenix Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
The show combines the literary academics of Shakespeare with the maniacal tomfoolery of a totally smashed cast member. Audiences get to pick the play and which actor they would like to see stumble through Shakespeare, after imbibing a few shots of whiskey. There will be a special performance/party on New Year’s Eve. For mature audiences only. Tickets are $34-$47. Visit http://blkboxphx.com.
‘Elf: The Musical’
Through Dec. 30
Phoenix Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road
602-254-2151
Raised by Christmas elves, Buddy always felt a little … different. When Santa reveals to him that he’s actually a human being, Buddy goes on an adventure to New York City to find his father and learn what it means to be a human. Tickets are $56-$96, fees included. Visit http://www.phoenixtheatre.com.
‘Die Hard: A Christmas Story’
All Puppet Players
Nov. 30-Dec. 29
Playhouse On the Park,
Central Arts Plaza
1850 N. Central Ave.
602-254-2151
While most families will deposit their holiday cheer with Scrooge and friends, All Puppet Players offers an alternative that includes a puppet Bruce Willis, a battle for Nakatomi Plaza and tons of pop-culture references to hang nice and cozy over your fireplace. For mature audiences only. Tickets are $26. For more information, visit http://www.allpuppetplayers.com.
‘Black Nativity’
Black Theatre Troupe
Nov. 30-Dec.-16
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’
Center Dance Ensemble
Dec. 1-16
Stage West, Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
The classic story by Hans Christian Andersen set to music by Sergei Prokofiev. Delight in the mystical world of sprites, gypsies and ice maidens, while young Gerda seeks to rescue Kai from the evil crystal palace. Tickets are $28 adults, $23 seniors and $14 for students, plus fees. Abridged lunchtime performances take place Fridays, Dec. 7 & 14, at 12:10 p.m. Tickets are $7 plus fees. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
‘Celebration of Christmas’
Dec. 6-9 & 13-19
Dream City Church
13613 N. Cave Creek Rd.
800-431-9734
This Broadway-style musical theater performance features a full live orchestra and state-of-the-art technology with incredible special effects. Enjoy aerial stunts, “flying angels,” and a beautiful nativity with a majestic kings’ procession. Performances are at 7 p.m., with matinees at 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $9-$27. Visit www.celebrationofchristmas.org.
Mike Chamberlin & Friends Holiday Concert
7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7
Central United Methodist Church
1875 N. Central Ave.
Holiday music provided by Mike Chamberlin, former Ch. 3 newscaster, along with special guests Dave Munsey, Pat McMahon, Mary Jo West, Cory McCloskey, and more. Several great gift baskets will be available in a silent auction. Proceeds benefit House of Broadcasting Inc. (HOBI). Tickets are $15; those 12 and younger admitted free.
‘Tribute to Burt Bacharach’
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8
The Nash
110 E. Roosevelt St.
602-795-0464
Flugelhornist Dmitri Matheny will celebrate Burt Bacharach’s 90th Year, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 at The Nash Phoenix. Popular music wouldn’t be the same without the masterful songwriting of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Bacharach’s passionate melodies and David’s heartfelt lyrics delivered hit after hit, including “Close to You,” “What the World Needs Now” “Alfie,” and many, many more. Matheny will showcase Bacharach’s most beloved songs in collaboration with some of Arizona’s finest jazz artists. Tickets are $25 for table seating, $21 for row seating, and $8 for students age 25 and yourger with ID, row seats only. Visit https://thenash.org/event/dmitri-matheny-group-featuring-holly-pyle/.
Xavier Holiday Pageant
2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9
Virginia G. Piper
Performing Arts Center
Xavier College Preparatory
4710 N. 5th St.
Xavier College Preparatory presents its 16th Annual Christmas Pageant. The pageant is the traditional story of the birth of Christ as told through reverent music and dance, and this year’s theme is “Mary’s Joy.” There is no charge for admission.
‘It’s Christmas!’
ProMusica Arizona Chorale
and Orchestra
4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9
All Saints Lutheran Church
15649 N. 7th St.
623-326-5172
Experience a musical journey through the Twelve Days of Christmas. Traditional, classical, contemporary and even whimsical pieces provide something for everyone in the family. Tickets are $12-$22. Children 15 and younger are free with a paid adult. Visit www.pmaz.org.
‘The Most Offensive Christmas Concert Ever’
7 & 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22
The Listening Room
4614 N. 7th St.
A group of hilarious misfits as who sing the funniest, dirtiest, most inappropriate Christmas songs of our generation. This little shindig is B.Y.O.B. so grab some 40s and laugh your a** off as you fill up on Christmas spirits. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, available at www.thelisteningroomphoenix.com.
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23
Trinity Cathedral
100 W. Roosevelt St.
602-254-7126
A favorite Christmastide service featuring The Cathedral Choir. Paula Provo, Phoenix Symphony Orchestra principal harpist, will provide pre-service music beginning at 5:30 p.m. Guests are invited to a traditional Wassail reception immediately following the service. Free and open to the public. Visit www.trinitymusicaz.org.
‘The Music Man’
Arizona Theatre Company
Jan. 5-27, 2019
Herberger Theater
222 E. Monroe
602-252-8497
The story of Harold Hill – the double-shuffle, two-bit, thimble-rigger con artist who rolls into River City station one hot Iowa summer. “The Music Man” is American musical theater at its best. Tickets are $46 to $86 plus fees. Visit www.herbergertheater.org.
