With all the Holiday hullabaloo of preparing gifts, attending parties, and hosting friends and family, it’s important to step back, relax and enjoy the season. From graceful ballerinas to classic holiday tunes performed by some of the Valley’s top musicians, here are some holiday stage shows in Phoenix, where all you have to do is sit back and watch the winter magic happen.
‘A Christmas Carol’
The original holiday humbug, Ebenezer Scrooge, comes to life in this rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future at more than one Valley theater.
Southwest Shakespeare Company, through Saturday, Dec. 22. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com, swshakespeare.org.
Hale Centre Theatre, through Monday, Dec. 24. 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert. Haletheatrearizona.com.
Theater Works, through Sunday, Dec. 23. Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 8355 W. Peoria Ave. theaterworks.org.
‘Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!’
The popular children’s-book character, Junie, is faced with a dilemma when she is assigned to play Secret Santa. Performed by Childsplay, Tempe’s professional theater for young audiences.
Through Sunday, Dec. 23. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway. 480-350-2822, childsplayaz.org.
‘The Nutcracker’
Ballet Arizona’s twist on the Tchaikovsky classic presents a magical winter wonderland with 260 costumes, 25 backdrops, 200 pounds of falling “snow” and 100,000 glimmering Swarovski crystals.
Through Monday, Dec. 24. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-381-1096, balletaz.org.
‘A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail’
Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet and Poo come to life at Valley Youth Theatre’s annual holiday show of the beloved children’s books.
Through Sunday, Dec. 23. Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. First St., Phoenix. 602-253-8188, vyt.com.
Christmas Cabaret: ‘Back Home for the Holidays’
iTheatre Collaborative presents pianist Jeff Kennedy and his Christmas Cabaret of classic holiday tunes mixed with comedy.
Through Saturday, Dec. 22. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-252-8497, herbergertheater.org.
‘Deck the Halls’
The Phoenix Opera performs a gorgeous selection of holiday music, including carols and international classics.
Friday, Dec. 21. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com.
