On Stage in December

   The holiday spirit takes the stage this month with lots of great shows to see. Here’s the rundown:

- New Works 2016 - ARTS presents its second annual New Works Festival, featuring 21 new plays writing by playwrights from around the world. The performances will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Center at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Readings will be offered at 7 p.m. on Dec. 1 with the reading of a horror screenplay, "Butcher Holler," by Dan Shea, a Kansas resident and Ohio University graduate. At 7 p.m. on Dec. 2 there will be a reading of six short plays with local actors reading plays from writers all over the world. Friday night's headline act is four brand new plays by locally-based, nationally-known playwright Jon Joy. At 4 p.m. on Dec. 3, there will be nine more short plays from talented playwrights all over the world with the night ending with a reading of Mike Murdock's new scary thriller, "Sarah's Fire."

- Mary - Scarpelli and Kehde's rock opera follows the life of Mary, mother of Jesus, during the final nine months before the birth of Christ. A driving score and vibrant young talent brings the story to life on the stage of the WVSU Capitol Center at 123 Summers Street in Charleston on Dec. 1, 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8 for students and $15 for adults.

- A Christmas Story - The Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the musical version of the popular film classic with performances on Dec. 16, 17, 18, 21, 22 and 23 and matinee shows on December 17 and 18 at the Norman L. Fagan State Theater at the Culture Center.

- The Magic Tree House Collections: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr. - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston present the play, which adapts Mary Pope Osborne’s book, as Jack and Annie’s tree house takes them to Victorian London in this holiday-themed story, where they learn the importance of charity and kindness through their friendship with legendary author, Charles Dickens . The play will be presented at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater on Dec. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 10 and 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults.

- A Christmas Carol - ACTC presents its annual production of the Charles Dickens classic on Dec. 2, 2016 at 11 a.m., Dec. 2 and 3 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

- A Charlie Brown Christmas - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the classic story on Dec. 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.

- A Christmas Carol...More or Less - Kanawha Players presents the play on Dec. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the LaBelle Theater at 311 D Street in South Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens $10.

- Joytacular! - No Pants Players present an “all ages” Improv Comedy show on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans. Admission with the donation of a toy for Toys for Tots.

- The Laramie Project - George Washington High School Theater of the Nevertheless is performing the play on Dec. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. at the school's auditorium. 

    So go see a show!