Best 2015 Holiday-Themed Stage Productions In OC
The end-of-the-year holiday season is a special time on the calendar, but what is the best way to celebrate? In Orange County, one can find inspired stage productions of traditional Christmas stories. Some theater troupes also put a different spin on the season with hi-tech artistry and eye-popping performances. In other parts of the OC, certain stage productions have become an annual tradition. During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, take time out to enjoy these shows with the whole family.
The Nutcracker
Irvine Barclay Theater
4242 Campus Drive
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 854-4646
www.thebarclay.org
Dates: Dec. 12-24, 2015
The Irvine Barclay Theater plays host to the Festival Ballet Theater's production of the beloved "Nutcracker" this holiday season. Featuring guest artists from the San Francisco, New York and Joffrey Ballet companies, the story of a little girl who receives a nutcracker soldier for Christmas comes to life. In addition to the professional dancers, the cast also includes over 100 children from Southern California.
A Very Electric Christmas
City National Grove of Anaheim
2200 E. Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 712-2700
www.nederlanderconcerts.com
Date: Nov. 28, 2015 at 8 p.m.
Remember the Lightwire Theater, the electrifying theater troupe from season seven of "America's Got Talent?" They are bringing an illuminated holiday story to Anaheim this year. Through lights and music, Lightwire will tell the story of Max, a bird who heads south for the winter but lands instead at the North Pole. A wonderful blend of performance art and holiday themes, this production shows why the group made it all the way to the semi-finals on "AGT" years ago.
A Cirque Christmas
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
615 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.pacificsymphony.org
Dates: Dec. 18-19, 2015 at 8 p.m..
Richard Kaufman will conduct the Pacific Symphony in this energetic Christmas concert. As the orchestra plays, dancers, strongmen, acrobats and other cirque entertainers will perform inside the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. This fusion of holiday music and acrobatics definitely is a fun way to celebrate the season. Suitable for the whole family, concert tickets are available on the Pacific Symphony's website.
A Child's Christmas In Wales
Camino Real Playhouse
31776 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 489-8082
www.caminorealplayhouse.org
Dates: Nov. 27-Dec. 20, 2015 at 8 p.m. (2 p.m. matinees on Sunday).
There's something special about San Juan Capistrano, and Christmas makes it even more enticing. During the holiday season, the words of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas will come to life on the Camino Real Playhouse's stage. Thomas' poetry forms the core of the story, capturing the magic, wonder and joy of Christmas Day. Make sure to come early, find parking and enjoy dinner in San Juan Capistrano before the curtain rises.
A Christmas Carol
South Coast Repertory
655 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-5555
www.scr.org
Dates: Previews Nov. 27-Dec.3, 2015. Regular performances Dec. 4-27, 2015.
It really isn't Christmas without a visit from three ghosts, Tiny Tim and the Cratchits. Charles Dickens' classic tale of redemption returns to South Coast Repertory's Segerstrom Stage. Hal Landon, Jr. reprises the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, a businessman who has lost sight of the true meaning of the season. With this, it's 36th annual production of the play, South Coast Repertory can set the right tone for the holidays.
Related: Best Places to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree In The OC Area
