Nothing rings in the holidays like live entertainment, be it a play or concert. Savor the season with these holiday productions and check the MSR’s online calendar for more events.
Black Nativity
Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul
“Black Nativity” is back to help usher in the season with a joyous and soul-stirring telling of Langston Hughes’ classic musical. Since 1987, Penumbra Theatre has brought to life this story of light born into a dark world to bring hope and redemption.
The minimal set design lets the music shine, led by musical director Sandford Moore and the Kingdom of Life Church Choir. Dennis Spears adds lively showmanship as the crowd is treated to such favorites as “No Room in the Inn” and the toe-tapper “Mary, What You Gonna Name That Pretty Little Baby.” Jamecia Bennet (Sounds of Blackness) takes the show to the next level with soaring vocals and an exquisite range laid bare on the moving “O, Jerusalem in the Morning.”
Runs until December 24. $20-$45. Info: penumbratheatre.org/events
A Christmas Carol
Guthrie Theater, 818 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis
If you’ve ever been relieved after waking from a bad dream, you are sure to relate to Charles Dickens’ classic tale of redemption. As the story goes, the miserable Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with “Bah! Humbug!” until he is visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future and shown the errors of his ways.
Though the staging of the Ghost of Christmas Present was more subdued than previous years, and Nathaniel Fuller was missed as Scrooge, this rendition starring Matthew Saldivar and directed by Addie Gorlin-Han is still a crowd-pleaser.
Runs until December 30. $24-$134. Info: bit.ly/GuthrieChristmasCarol
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls.
In this favorite Dr. Seuss holiday tale, the Grinch has long observed and disdained the Christmas joy and merriment found in Whoville and he’s decided he’s had enough!
Reed Sigmund and Dean Holt lead a production filled with music, Seussian rhymes and more. Through the combination of kindness and community, the audience is taken on a journey to witness the evolution of the once-cantankerous Grinch’s heart.
Runs until January 7. $15-$89. Info: bit.ly/CTCGrinch
Christmas With a Whole Lotta Soul
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 West 78th Street, Chanhassen
Ginger Commodore and friends bring good tidings of soul with Christmas classics and originals, remixed and reframed as R&B, funk and gospel. Enjoy holiday favorites like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “My Favorite Things,” “This Christmas,” “Let It Snow,” “Mary, Did You Know?” and more. Also on tap are band originals laced with R&B stylings, jazz riffs and gospel harmonies.
Runs December 13-14. $44-64. Info: chanhassendt.com/shows/soulchristmas
Holiday Blues Show Cornbread & Friends
The Hook and Ladder Theater, 3010 Minnehaha Ave., Mpls.
Come celebrate the holidays with 94-year-old living legend James Samuel “Cornbread” Harris, Sr.
The Cornbread, as he often refers to himself, has been playing blues, boogie-woogie and rock ‘n roll piano for Twin Cities audiences for decades. The father of Jimmy Jam, Cornbread has opened for Elvis and has been the recipient of numerous prestigious recognitions (Blues Hall of Fame, Sally Award, etc.). Enjoy this intimate holiday blues show with Cornbread Harris and Friends.
Runs December 14-15. $15-20. Info: thehookmpls.com/event/cornbread-holidayshow