Nights of Noël
Our guide to the season’s best performances and festivities
Compiled by Courtney Lewis
Photo by Peter Horjus (Illustration)
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The Twelve Days of Christmas can seem like an eternity if the only items on your agenda are eating, opening gifts, and singing carols in the den. Luckily, the local arts community is here to help. From plays to concerts to B&B tours, there’s plenty to lure you off the La-Z-Boy. Looking for a display of lights? Metro Connections offers a motorcoach tour of the Twin Cities’ outdoor décor. Want the kids to learn something from Tiny Tim? Choose from several Christmas Carol productions, including the traditional staging at the Guthrie Theater. There’s even a Kwanzaa celebration at the Minnesota History Center, Saint Lucia events at both the American Swedish Institute and the Landmark Center, and the annual Hanukkah play by the Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company. Step into the past with the Minnesota Historical Society’s decorated Victorian-century homes, or into the future with Macy’s Holidazzle Parade. Keep this list handy all month and remember—even the wise men followed a guide.Dance
ETHNIC DANCE THEATRE: Nutcracker, a “ballet-free” production, Dec. 7–9 • E. M. Pearson Theater, Concordia University, 312 Hamline Ave., St. Paul, 651-209-6689, www.ticketworks.comJAMES SEWELL BALLET: Amahl and the Night Visitors, Dec. 21 and 22 • The O’Shaughnessy, College of St. Catherine, 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, 651-690-6700, www.theoshaughnessy.com
MINNESOTA BALLET: The Nutcracker, Dec. 14–16 • Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, 350 Harbor Dr., Duluth, 218-529-3742, www.minnesotaballet.org
MINNESOTA DANCE THEATRE: Abbreviated performances of Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy, Dec. 1 and 8 • Galleria, Edina, 952-925-4321, www.galleriaedina.com
ZENON DANCE COMPANY: The Nutcracker According to Mother Goose, Dec. 15, 22 • Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave. S., Mpls., 612-340-1725, www.southerntheater.org
Theater
BRAVE NEW WORKSHOP: Stuck in the Manger with You; or Carol On, My Wayward Son, continues this month • 2605 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls., 612-332-6620, www.bravenewworkshop.orgCHANHASSEN DINNER THEATRES: 22nd Annual Holiday Revue: The Best of the Holidays, closes Dec. 30 • 501 W. 78th St., Chanhassen, 952-934-1525, www.chanhassentheatres.com
DULUTH PLAYHOUSE: Scrooge, the Musical, closes Dec. 16 • 506 W. Michigan St., Duluth, 218-733-7555, www.duluthplayhouse.org
GUTHRIE THEATER: A Christmas Carol, closes Dec. 30 • 818 S. Second St., Mpls., 612-377-2224, www.guthrietheater.org
HENNEPIN STAGES: A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol, closes Dec. 31 • 824 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-673-0404, www.adonthugmechristmascarol.com
KNOX NEIGHBORHOOD THEATER: Home for Christmas, Dec. 1 and 2 • Knox Presbyterian Church, 4747 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-822-2181, www.knoxpc.org
LYRIC ARTS: It’s a Wonderful Life, closes Dec. 23 • 420 E. Main St., Anoka, 763-422-1838, www.lyricarts.org
MINNESOTA JEWISH THEATRE COMPANY: The Magic Dreidels, Dec. 6–21 • Hillcrest Center Theater, 1978 Ford Pkwy., St. Paul, 651-647-4315, www.mnjewishtheatre.org
OLD LOG THEATER: Little Red Riding Hood—this year’s holiday children’s show, closes Dec. 30 • 5185 Meadville St., Greenwood, 952-474-5951, www.oldlog.com
ROCHESTER REPERTORY THEATRE COMPANY: Comfort and Joy, Dec. 1, 6–8 • 314 1/2 S. Broadway, Rochester, 507-289-1737, www.rochesterrep.org
THE SOAPBOX THEATRE: Inspecting Carol, a comical take on Dickens’ classic tale, closes Dec. 23 • Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro, 800-657-7025, www.commonwealtheatre.org
STAGES THEATRE COMPANY: Madeline’s Christmas, closes Dec. 30 • Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 952-979-1111, www.stagestheatre.org
THEATER LATTÉ DA: A Christmas Carole Petersen, Dec. 7–29 • McKnight Theatre, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul, 651-224-4222. www.ordway.org
YOUTH PERFORMANCE COMPANY: Babes in Toyland, closes Dec. 18 • Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-623-9080, www.youthperformanceco.com
