Tweet
Holiday Arts Guide
By COURTNEY LEWIS
Photo by James Sewell
JAMES SEWELL BALLET
The annual performance of James Sewell’s
Amahl and the Night Visitors, about a young boy and his widowed mother who are visited by the Three Kings, debuts in the newly refurbished Ritz Theater from November 30 to December 3. • Ritz Theater, 345 13th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-436-1129,
www.jsballet.org.
DANCERS AND PRANCERS BALLET OF THE DOLLS
Nutcracker?! (not so) Suite, Dec. 14-–31 • Ritz Theater, 345 13th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-436-1129,
www.balletofthedolls.org.
ETHNIC DANCE THEATRE
The Nutcracker!, Dec. 15–17 • E. M. Pearson Theatre, Concordia University, 312 Hamline Ave., St. Paul, 651-209-6689,
www.ethnicdancetheatre.com.
MERRY MEN AND WOMEN CHILDREN’S THEATRE COMPANY
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Nov. 8–Dec. 31 • Children’s Theatre, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls., 612-874-0400,
www.childrenstheatre.org.
COMMONWEAL THEATRE COMPANY
A Christmas Carol, Nov. 18–Dec. 23 • St. Mane Theatre, 206 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro, 800-657-7025,
www.commonwealtheatre.org.
HERITAGE THEATRE COMPANY
Christmas in Oz, Nov. 3–12 • Maplewood Community Center, 2100 White Bear Ave., Maplewood, 651-773-1455,
www.heritagetc.com.
HISTORY THEATRE
Something fishy is going on at the Great American History Theatre, but don’t blame the codfish.
Lutefisk Champ & Other Frozen Holiday Tales, showing November 25 to December 31, encourages its jolly audience to bring their dancing shoes. So far, no word on the agility of the finned star. • Great American History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul, 651-292-4323,
www.historytheatre.com.
ILLUSION THEATER
The classic Dickens Christmas tale
The Seven Poor Travelers, or the
Trials and Travails of Richard Doubledick, Dec. 1–20 • Festival of Lights Hanukkah family show, Dec. 21–23 • Hennepin Center for the Arts, eighth floor, 528 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-339-4944 ext. 200,
www.illusiontheater.org.
IN THE HEART OF THE BEAST PUPPET AND MASK THEATRE
La Natividad (The Nativity Story), Dec. 1–23 • 1500 E. Lake St., Mpls., 612-721-2535,
www.hobt.org.
LAKESHORE PLAYERS
Lakeshore Players family holiday show
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Nov. 30–Dec. 10 • Lakeshore Players, 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake, 651-429-5674,
www.lakeshoreplayers.com
MINNESOTA JEWISH THEATRE COMPANY
Hanukkah holiday show
The Odd Potato, Dec. 8–22 • Hillcrest Center Theater, 1978 Ford Pkwy., St. Paul, 651-647-4315,
www.jewishtheatre.org.
OLD LOG THEATER
Old Log Theater’s annual children’s holiday show
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Nov. 18–Dec. 30 • Old Log Theater, 5185 Meadville St., Greenwood, 952-474-5951,
www.oldlog.com.
ORDWAY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Irving Berlin’s
White Christmas, Dec. 1–Jan. 7 • Ordway Center, 345 Washington St., St. Paul, 651-224-4222,
www.ordway.org.
PANTAGES THEATRE
Altar Boyz, Dec. 19–31 • Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-673-0404,
www.hennepintheatredistrict.org.
PENUMBRA THEATRE COMPANY
Black Nativity: A Homecoming, Nov. 30–Dec. 24 • Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul, 651-224-3180,
www.penumbratheatre.org.
PIONEER PLACE ON FIFTH
A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol, Nov. 30–Dec. 23 • 22 Fifth Ave. S., St. Cloud, 320-203-0331 or 800-851-3935,
www.pioneerplaceonfifth.com.
SHELDON THEATRE
Ozark Mountain Christmas, Nov. 7–8 •
Joyous Brass, performed by Sheldon Theatre Brass Band, Nov. 25–26 •
It’s a Wonderful Life, presented by Phoenix Theatre, Dec. 7–10 •
Nutcracker, presented by the Continental Ballet Company and Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra, Dec. 16–17 • VocalEssence presents
Conrad Susa carols and lullabies, Dec. 21 • Holiday silent film series with Peter Pan and Big Business, Dec. 22 • Sheldon Theatre, 443 W. Third St., Red Wing, 651-388-8700 or 800-899-5759,
www.sheldontheatre.org.
STAGES THEATRE COMPANY
A Christmas Carol, Nov. 17–Dec. 28 • Stages Theatre, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 952-979-1111,
www.stagestheatre.org.
STEPPINGSTONE THEATRE
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!, Dec. 1–22 • F. K. Weyerhaeuser Auditorium, Landmark Center, 75 W. Fifth St., St. Paul, 651-225-9265,
www.steppingstonetheatre.org.
Photo by Aaron
Smith, Smitty's
Workshop
SAINT PAUL HOTEL
Historic holiday celebrations fit right in at the 96-year-old Saint Paul Hotel. This year, the venerable landmark presents
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play, accompanied by a multi-course holiday tea, from December 18 to 23, in place of the decade-long run of Tea with Scrooge. • Saint Paul Hotel, 350 Market St., St. Paul, 651-292-9292,
www.saintpaulhotel.com.
THEATER LATTÉ DA
A Christmas Carole Petersen, Nov. 30–Dec. 30 • Loring Playhouse, 1633 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 651-209-6689,
www.theaterlatteda.org.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Inspecting Carol, Nov. 24–Dec. 10 • Minnesota Centennial Showboat, docked at Harriet Island Regional Park in downtown St. Paul, 612-624-2345,
www.theatre.umn.edu.
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON CANTUS
Away in a Manager: An American Christmas, Harriet Island Pavilion, Nov. 25 •
Christmas with Cantus: An American Christmas, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Dec. 17; Westminster Presbyterian Church, Dec. 19–20 • Harriet Island Pavilion, 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd., St. Paul; Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 301 Oak St., Excelsior; Westminister Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave., Mpls.; 612-435-0046,
www.cantusonline.org.
COLLEGE OF SAINT BENEDICT
Diane Reeves Christmas concert, Dec. 9 • Petters Auditorium, College of Saint Benedict, 37 College Ave. S., St. Joseph, 320-363-5777,
www.csbsju.edu/finearts.
COLLEGE OF ST. CATHERINE
Katie McMahon’s Celtic Christmas, Dec. 9 • O’Shaughnessy Auditorium, 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, 651-690-6700,
http://oshaughnessy.stkate.edu.
COLLEGE OF ST. SCHOLASTICA
Katie McMahon’s Celtic Christmas, Dec. 1 • Mitchell Auditorium, College of St. Scholastica, 1200 Kenwood Ave., Duluth, 218-723-7000,
www.css.edu/mitchell.xml.
EXULTATE
Tidings of Joy: A Christmas Festival, St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, Dec. 8; Luther Seminary Chapel, Dec. 9; Christ the King Lutheran Church, Dec. 10 • St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Rd. 6, Plymouth; Luther Seminary Chapel, 1490 Fulham St., St. Paul; Christ the King Lutheran Church, 8600 Fremont Ave. S., Bloomington; 651-707-0727,
www.exultate.org.
HOPKINS CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Blessings: A Peterson Family 20th Anniversary Holiday Concert, Nov. 30, Dec. 2 • Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 952-979-1111,
www.hopkinsartscenter.com.
MINNESOTA CENTER CHORALE
Cabaret ’06: Celebrate the Season, Dec. 8–9 • Great Hall, St. John’s University, Collegeville, 320-363-3577,
www.csbsju.edu/news/mcc.
MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA
Osmo Vänskä conducts
Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker 1906: The Spirit of a Concert Past, Orchestra Hall, Nov. 24 • Handel’s Messiah, Cathedral of Saint Paul, Dec. 7, and Orchestra Hall, Dec. 10 • Cathedral of Saint Paul, 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul; Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-371-5656,
www.minnesotaorchestra.org.
MINNESOTA SINFONIA
Since 1989, Minnesota Sinfonia’s
Holiday Pops Concerts have promoted young talent, this year featuring ninth-grade violinist Derek Huang at Catholic Eldercare on November 30; Metropolitan State University on December 1; and the Basilica of Saint Mary on December 2. • Catholic Eldercare, 817 Main St. NE, Mpls.; MSU, 700 E. Seventh St., St. Paul; the Basilica, 88 N. 17th St., Mpls.; 612-871-1701,
www.mnsinfonia.org.
ORKESTAR BEZ IME
Solhanumas Celebration traditional holiday concert, Dec. 27 • Visit
www.rogaria.com for more information.
THE PHIPPS CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Holiday concerts, Dec. 9–10 •
Handel’s Messiah, presented by the Phipps Oratorio Society Chorus and Orchestra, Bethel Lutheran Church, Dec. 17 • The Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust St., Hudson, Wisconsin; Bethel Lutheran Church, 920 Third St., Hudson, Wisconsin; 715-386-8409,
www.thephipps.org.
RIVERSIDE CONCERTS
Christmas with Aaron Neville, Dec. 8 • Mayo Civic Center, 30 Civic Center Dr. SE, Rochester, 507-285-8076 or 800-657-3980,
www.riversideconcerts.com.
ROCHESTER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CHORALE
Messiah, Dec. 16–17 • Christ United Methodist Church, 400 Fifth Ave. SW, Rochester, 507-286-8742 or 877-286-8742,
www.rochestersymphony.org.
ROSE ENSEMBLE
Christmas in Elizabethan England, Trinity Lutheran Church, Dec. 21; Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas, Dec. 22; Basilica of Saint Mary, Dec. 23 • Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 Fourth St. N., Stillwater; Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas, University of St. Thomas, 2115 Summit Ave., St. Paul; Basilica of Saint Mary, 88 N. 17th St., Mpls.; 651-225-4340,
www.roseensemble.org.
SAINT PAUL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Cantus and Carols with Layton James conducting, Trinity Lutheran Church, Nov. 30; Wayzata Community Church, Dec. 1; and St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Dec. 2 • Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 Fourth St. N., Stillwater; Wayzata Community Church, 125 E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata; St. Paul’s UCC, 900 Summit Ave., St. Paul; 651-291-1144,
www.thespco.org.
THE SINGERS
What Sweeter Music: Christmas with the Singers, St. Paul’s on the Hill Episcopal Church, Dec. 2; Wayzata Community Church, Dec. 9 •
Sharing the Spirit! The Singers and Guests Sing of Christmas, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Dec. 3; St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, Dec. 10 • St. Paul’s on the Hill Episcopal Church, 1524 Summit Ave., St. Paul; Wayzata Community Church, 125 E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata; Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4310 County Rd. 137, St. Cloud; St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Rd. 6, Plymouth; 651-209-6689,
www.singersmca.org.
ST. CLOUD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Holiday concert featuring the St. Cloud State Concert Choir and the Chichester Psalms, Dec. 3 • St. Augustine Church, 442 Second St. SE, St. Cloud, 320-259-5463,
www.stcloudsymphony.com.
TWIN CITIES COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR
Christmas concert, Dec. 9 • Church of St. Michael, 16091 45th St. NE, St. Michael, 612-521-0800,
www.tccgospel.org.
TWIN CITIES GAY MEN’S CHORUS
Messiah Sing-Along, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Dec. 3 •
Our Gay Apparel, Ted Mann Concert Hall, Dec. 8–10 • St. Paul’s UCC, 900 Summit Ave., St. Paul, 612-339-7664; Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 Fourth St. S., Mpls., 612-624-2345;
www.tcgmc.org.
VALLEY CHAMBER CHORAL
Christmas with the Valley Chamber Chorale, guests Sara Grudem on harp and Casey Kovacich on flute, Dec. 8–10 • Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine St. W., Stillwater, 651-430-0124,
www.valleychamberchorale.org.
VOCALESSENCE
Star of Wonder, Plymouth Congregational Church, Dec. 2 •
Welcome Christmas!, Plymouth Congregational Church, Dec. 3, 10; St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Dec. 7; Normandale Lutheran Church, Dec. 9 • Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls.; St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi; Normandale Lutheran Church, 6100 Normandale Rd., Edina; 612-624-2345,
www.vocalessence.org.
FESTIVE SIGHTS AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE
“A Nordic Christmas” annual holiday exhibit, Nov. 4–Jan. 14 •
“Lucia Morning: Illustrations by Carina Ståhlberg,” Nov. 4–Jan. 14 • Christmas Fairs I & II, Nov. 4 and 18 • First of Advent celebration of first day of Swedish Advent, Nov. 26 •
Tomtenissefrukost (Breakfast with the Christmas Elves), Dec. 2 • Lucia Celebration at Augustana Lutheran Church, 11th Ave. S. and Seventh St., Mpls., Dec. 9 • Julglädje musical performances and storytelling, Dec. 26 • American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Mpls., 612-871-4907,
www.americanswedishinst.org.
BLOOMINGTON ART CENTER
Holiday art sale, Nov. 15–18 • Bloomington Art Center, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, 952-563-8587,
www.bloomingtonartcenter.com.
FIVETWOSIX GALLERY
Holiday event with music, food from Zander Café, Bon Vie, and Great Harvest bakery, plus wine from Solo Vino, Dec. 9 and 16 • FiveTwoSix Spa, Salon, and Gallery, 526 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-3839,
www.526salon.com.
MALL OF AMERICA
Tours of the World’s Largest Gingerbread House, beginning Nov. 24 • Holiday musical performances and visits with Santa, Nov. 24–Dec. 23 • Mall of America, Bloomington, 952-883-8800,
www.mallofamerica.com.
MINNETONKA CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Holiday art gift sale, Nov. 16–Dec. 23 • Minnetonka Center for the Arts, 2240 North Shore Dr., Wayzata, 952-473-7361,
www.minnetonkaarts.org.
MINNESOTA DANCE THEATRE
Add the Sugar Plum Fairy to the Galleria’s fifth annual holiday open house, and you’ve got a plum deal: desserts, music, shopping, and abbreviated performances of
Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy, presented during the holiday promotions November 10 through 12, 25, and December 2 and 9. • Galleria, 3510 W. 70th St., Edina, 952-925-4321,
www.galleria-edina.com.
TOURS & TINSEL ARD GODFREY HOUSE
Free holiday tours and entertainment at the
1850s Holiday Party, Dec. 3 • Historic Ard Godfrey House, Chute Square, 50 University Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-813-5319,
www.ardgodfreyhouse.org.
LANDMARK CENTER
Skandia Festival, Dec. 10 • Five Star New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 • 75 W. Fifth St., St. Paul, 651-292-3233,
www.landmarkcenter.org.
MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Hill House Holidays historic home tours led by costumed actors, Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 2–23 • James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul, 651-297-2555,
www.mnhs.org/hillhouse.
RICE PARK
Winter Wonderland holiday decorations, ice skating, hot cider, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, and visits with Santa Claus, Nov. 25–Jan. 1 • Rice Park is located in downtown St. Paul between Fourth and Fifth streets.
