Friday, December 16
For what it’s mirth
WHAT: Of Mirth and Mischief
WHERE: Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul
WHEN: 8 p.m.
Kevin Kling is the man of yule, and now, in addition to his annual Tales from the Underbelly of the Yule Log show at the Guthrie, the Fitz commissioned this fantastical theatre work, about downtrodden fairies and interloping elves, seen from a boy’s perspective. Directed with style and wit by Peter Rothstein, plus music by Haley Bonar and James Diers (of Halloween Alaska), it’s the hip family’s Christmas outing. Learn more at fitzgeraldtheater.org
Friday, December 16
A gorgeous peace
WHAT: All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
WHERE: Pantages Theatre, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
The exquisite Cantus chorus performs its soon-to-be classic concert, staged by Theater Latté Da, about the heartwarming and tentative truce worked out on the German-French line during Christmas of 1914. Learn more at hennepintheatretrust.org
Saturday, December 17
Scando X-mas
WHAT: A Scandinavian Christmas with the Minnesota Orchestra
WHERE: Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis
WHEN: 2 p.m.
The vivacious Sarah Hicks leads the orchestra, with a full slate of guest singers, dancers, and folk string players, in this smart-but-family-friendly tribute to the holidays of many Minnesotans’ heritage. Learn more at mnorch.org
Saturday, December 17
The hush of the holidays
WHAT: Today Heaven Sings
WHERE: Westwood Lutheran Church, St. Louis Park
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
Looking for an alternative choral Christmas experience? They may not be the best-known local chorus, but Magnum Chorum may well offer the best holiday concert, from nostalgic European classical tunes to a French lullaby to “Ave Maria” and, of course, a few singalong moments. Learn more at magnumchorum.org
Sunday, December 18
A family affair
WHAT: Peterson Family Christmas
WHERE: Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7 p.m.
They’re the first family of Minnesota music, three generations running, with matriarch Jeanne Arland Peterson still at the head as jazz pianist extraordinaire. Her children, from vocalist Patty (formerly performed with Steve Miller, David Sanborn) to Billy (formerly toured with Bob Dylan, Ben Sidran) back her up. Learn more at dakotacooks.com
Sunday, December 18
Memorable music
WHAT: A Christmas to Remember
WHERE: Loring Theater, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7 p.m.
Some of the finest Twin Cities vocalists (Liz Cummings, Maurice Jacox) perform a very poppy Christmas concert of all-time favorites like those from Carole King, Allison Krauss, Natalie Cole, and others. Learn more at loringtheater.com
