The Grinch meets The Nutcracker in Southern Ballet Theatre's A Very Grinchy Christmas. Inspired by Dr. Seuss' classic children's story, this new holiday favorite tells the story of the ultimate Christmas hater, The Grinch, who sets out to steal the presents of everyone in Whoville. Along the way, he orchestrates a battle between a Nutcracker, a Rat King, dolls, mice, toy soldiers and even a pirate ship armed with cannons. But, with the help of Cindy Lou Who and the rest of Whoville, the ultimate grouch learns the true meaning of Christmas.
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre's magical version of this holiday favorite boasts beautiful dancing by more than 100 performers, along with elaborate costumes and sets, a combination that's made this production one of the largest and best-attended Nutcrackers in Metro Atlanta for more than 30 years. Set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score, the ballet tells the story of a young girl who receives a wooden nutcracker for Christmas. That night, she dreams that it comes to life, and together they battle the wicked mouse king and embark on adventures through sparkling lands of snow and sweets.
If you've wondered about experiencing the joy and beauty of The Nutcracker, but weren't sure you were interested in seeing the whole thing, Sugarloaf Ballet has just the ticket for you. This year, they're presenting the familiar, and beloved, 1892 version of Tchaikovky's The Nutcracker, but they're just presenting the highlights. Some of the favorites of this production include such sections as Mother Ginger, Tea, Arabian, Spanish, Peppermint and Angels. Audiences will also enjoy scenes from Snow, Waltz of the Flowers, Sugar Plum and more. The evening will begin with a concert from a live chamber orchestra.
Aurora Theatre is all set to brighten your season with its annual holiday musical-variety spectacle, Christmas Canteen. This living Christmas card is Gwinnett's longest-running theatrical holiday tradition, now in its 19th season, and is famed for both its nostalgic fun and high production values that make it feel like a true winter wonderland. The show not only features traditional favorites like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Silent Night," among others, but also serves up everything from comedy to country, rock, swing music and more, all wrapped up in one entertaining package.
Aurora Theatre veteran Anthony P. Rodriguez returns for the eighth consecutive year to present a unique spin on Charles Dickens' beloved holiday tale in this one-man adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Experience the unforgettable characters and vivid imagery as Charles Dickens originally intended, and rediscover this timeless classic presented as a solo performance. Rodriguez relies on his voice and mannerisms to masterfully bring to life the characters Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley and the remarkable ghosts found in the greatest Christmas story of all time. A few spectacular effects complete the transformation. A classic story of redemption and forgiveness, this imaginative version of A Christmas Carol captures the true spirit and magic of the holiday season -- the joy of giving.
Only precocious eight-year-olds find the prospect of being "Home Alone" at Christmas all that exciting. For those of us who are older and wiser (and still single) there's The 12 Dates of Christmas, a funny and touching one-woman show about being surrounded by holiday cheer when you're miserable. When Mary sees her fiancé making out with his co-worker on national TV at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, she dumps him and drops her engagement ring into a Salvation Army kettle. She then spends the next year being set up, hooked up, strung up, and fed up as she navigates her life "alone" as a New York actor in her thirties. Kelly Criss directs this exceptional play that's quickly becoming a holiday tradition in its own right at Aurora Theatre.
When It's a Wonderful Life was first released, movies often also were adapted as radio plays and performed for a live studio audience. That tradition continues today, as five actors play the parts of all the characters in this adaptation of the holiday classic, which is set as a broadcast in the 1940s. With the help of only a sound-effects artist, the ensemble re-enacts the story of George Bailey, a young man whose dreams of traveling the world are thwarted by his sense of responsibility to the family business. Down on his luck, Bailey, compassionate yet disheartened, is at the end of his rope. He questions his purpose in life and considers ending it all. Just then, an angel arrives to show Bailey how the lives of those he loves would be affected if he were not around. The story's message is profound and remains relevant for today's audiences.
