On Stage in December

  As you’d expect, the holiday season brings with it lots of Christmas shows (and one non-holiday show) - here’s the rundown (so far):

- Rabbit Hole - Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning play at the Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 8 p.m. Tickets for dinner and the show are $30 (reservations required) - show only is $15. The drama tells the story of parents Howie and Becca after their young child is killed by a teenage driver. The play examines how we cope with loss as a family and as individuals. Filled with love, laughter, anger, sorrow, and soul-searching, the play shows how we can allow hope to grow even while mourning. This play contains adult language and adult subject matter.

- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Marshall Artist’s Series presents the touring Broadway musical on Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center. First airing in 1964, Rudolph has become a beloved Christmas classic, capturing the hearts and wonder of generations of fans.

- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - Curtains Up Players (CUP) presents the holiday play on Dec 5, 6,12 and 13 (Dinner is served at 7 p.m., the show starts at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Dec. 7 and 14 (Dinner at 2:30 p.m. and the show at 3 p.m.). It will be presented at St Paul Lutheran Church at 721 12th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for adults and students and includes a Spaghetti Dinner complete with salad, bread and dessert.

- Mary - CYAC presents its 18th annual production of the original rock musical about the life of the mother of Jesus. The show will be presented Dec. 4, 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - Children’s Theatre of Charleston presents the C.S. Lewis classic story that was adapted into the Narnia movies. The play will be presented Dec. 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 13 and 14 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre.

- A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley - ACTC presents the musical based on the novel by Charles Dickens on Dec. 4, 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m. at the J. B. Sowards Theatre at 1400 College Drive in Ashland. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens and $2 for ACTC / MSU / Lindsey Wilson students.

- A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas - Paramount Players presents the play based on the classic story on Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center at 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students (when bought in advance), and $12 for adults and $10 for students (on the day of the show). 

- An O. Henry Christmas - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the play Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the theatre at 1117 Lawson Street in Portsmouth. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. 

- The Gifts of the Magi - First United Methodist Church of Ashland presents the musical adapted from the story by O'Henry on Dec. 5 and 6 (dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and the show at 7:30 p.m.) at the church at 1811 Carter Avenue in Ashland. Dinner tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Show only tickets are $5.

- A Christmas Carol - Alban Arts and Conference Center presents the classic Dickens play Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. 

- An Old Fashioned Christmas and a Movie - The Nutcracker Story - Limelight Theatre Company presents a video of the group’s 2012 and 2013 performances of "The Nutcracker Story." the show also features a pre-show performance by live singers and dancers. It’ll be presented Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 2 p.m. at the WVSC Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. All tickets are $8.

- Miracle on 34th Street - The Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the musical based on the classic 1947 film on Dec. 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 21 and 28 at 2 p.m. at the Culture Center Theater at the West Virginia Capitol Complex. Tickets are $20 each. 

- Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol - Kanawha Players preents the play based on the Dickens classic on Dec. 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. at the LaBelle Theater at 311 D Street in South Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, seniors and children under 18.

- Irving Berlin's White Christmas: The Musical - The Paramount Players presents the Irving Berlin classic on Dec. 18, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 3 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center on 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland. There will be a Pre-show Chorus 30 minutes before showtime. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for students (if purchased in advance) and $16 for adults and $12 for students (purchased the day of the show). 

   Whew! So get out there, see a show and support your community theatre groups! And Merry Christmas!