On Stage in December

    After a quiet November, community theatres are cooking on all burners for the last month of 2017.

   Here’s the rundown: 

- Elf the Musical, Jr., based on the film starring Will Ferrell, will be presented at Huntington High School at 1 Highlander Way on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are available at the door and are $12 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under and senior citizens. 

- The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of A Christmas Carol - The Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the play on Dec. 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Portsmouth Little Theatre at 1117 Lawson Street.

- A Christmas Story - The Aracoma Story presents the play on Dec. 1, 2, 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. at the Coalfield Jamboree at 308 Main Street in Logan, W.Va. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students, and $6 for kids under 10 years old.

- Mary: A Rock Opera is an original musical about the mother of Jesus, created by Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde, and it's being presented by the Contemporary Youth Arts Company (CYAC) on Dec. 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. It's being presented at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens and are available at the door.

- A Christmas Carol - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the classic play by Charles Dickens on Dec. 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 3 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Theatre at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky. 

- A Charlie Brown Christmas - The Marshall Artists Series brings the beloved TV animated special to life onstage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5. The faithful stage adaptation features favorite characters including Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the entire Peanuts gang. Tickets are $68.40, $54.21 and $43.30.

- Annie - The Alban Arts Center presents the beloved musical on Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans, W.Va. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and children.

- The Snow Queen - The Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the play on Dec. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 9 and 10 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children.

- Madeline's Christmas - The Paramount Players present the musical on Dec. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec 16 at 3 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center at 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland, Ky. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students.

- The Phantom of the Opera: A Live Radio Play - Lawrence Burgess presents the reading on Dec. 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 16 and 23 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 each. A portion of all proceeds benefits animal adoption and cruelty prevention.

- 1st Annual Toytacular! - The Fearless Fools and Tony Slack present this all-ages improv comedy performance as a benefit for Toys for Tots. It’ll be staged on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans. Tickets are $10 each or $5 with a new unopened toy donation.

- The State 35 Joytacular! - The No Pants Players presents the holiday, all-ages improv comedy show on Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences at 1 Clay Square in Charleston. Tickets are $10 each or $5 with a new unopened toy donatio. The performance will help the Ghostbusters - WV Division's annual toy drive for the Children's Home Society of West Virginia.

   So get out there and see a show!