Face it—we all love The Nutcracker and The Rockettes, but sometimes during the holidays, it’s nice to branch out. With that in mind, we’ve come up with some alternative holiday entertainment in New York City. We’re not suggesting you forego the classics, just add on to them with these special holiday shows.
The Hard Nut—Mark Morris
Brooklyn Academy of Music, December 10-18
This is not your grandmother’s Nutcracker. Although loosely built on the original E.T.A Hoffmann story, it’s also based on the comic book art of Charles Burns. This one features dancing GI Joes that battle rats, 1970s suburbia, and the subtext of more adult themes (still totally fine for kids, though). It’s a story within a story: Herr Drosselmeier tells Marie a tale about a little girl under a curse that can be broken by a suitor cracking a hard nut with his teeth. Fun fact: twenty pounds of confetti fall during each performance during the “Waltz of the Snowflakes.” bam.org
The Paul Winter 37th Solstice Celebration
St. John the Divine, December 15, 16, 17
With dancers, drummers, and musicians, this much-loved annual program offers a modern interpretation of old solstice rituals—when people gathered to celebrate the longest night of the year, and the return to shorter nights and longer days. This year’s festival is a tribute to the late Sir George Martin, who produced the Beatles’ recordings; he also produced Paul Winter’s album Icarus. Plus—that incredible cathedral setting! stjohndivine.org
New York City Gay Men’s Chorus: Xmas and Chill
Town Hall Theater, December 17, 18
Xmas and chill! (Yes, that’s the name as well as an invitation.) Prepare for holiday classics and traditional choral arrangements, as well as a string quartet in these shows, which feature more than 250 performers and a healthy dose of humor. thetownhall.org
Dickens: The Early Years
Clurman Theatre, Theatre Row, now through December 18
Author of the Christmas-iest of all Christmas stories, Charles Dickens is represented here in Dickens: The Early Years, a musical that examines the author’s childhood. Forced to work in a factory at 12 when his father was sent to debtor’s prison, he slowly works his way out of poverty. Many of the figures he meets become characters in his novels; you’ll want to go home and reread (or at least, page though) some of his works. theatrerow.org/clurmannowplaying
Unsilent Night
Washington Square Park, December 18
In this 25th presentation of Unsilent Night, composer Phil Kline leads participants holding boom boxes from the west to east village—he lends out a limited number of vintage boom boxes, and will also hand out cassettes for those that bring their own. (It also takes place in various cities.) If you’re into interactive holiday festivities, or a twist on caroling, check this one out. unsilentnight.com
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
The Theater at MSG, now through December 18
While some profess to be Grinch folk, many would argue that Rudolph is the quintessential holiday classic; this one is based on both the animated TV special as well as the stage version by Jeff Frank and First Stage. All your faves are there—from Clarice and the Abominable Snowman to Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius. Remember, it’s what makes you different that makes you special. Oh—and come early for the pre-show: carnival-style Reindeer Games. theatermsg.com
Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas
Theater at Blessed Sacrament, now through December 31
In this musical adaption of the enormously popular Fancy Nancy children’s book by Jane O’Connor, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser, Nancy has sold some of her gowns and accessories to buy a glam tree topper. What’s better then decorating the tree, after all? Things don’t exactly go as planned—but you can be sure that the holidays will still be splendiferous. vitaltheatre.org.
Swedish Marionette Cottage: The 3 Bears Holiday Bash
Central Park, now through December 30
Uh-oh! Looks like Baby Bear has invited Santa to participate in Mama and Papa’s holiday show! Will merriments and chaos ensue? But of course! Tales from Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah all add their charm to this puppet, music, and dance-filled production. (And the Marionette Cottage looks like it was made for the holidays, anyway.) cityparksfoundation.org
Taste of Home Gingerbread Boulevard
Madison Square Park, now through December 18
The witch in “Hansel and Gretel” has nothing on this: life-sized gingerbread housespopulate Madison Square Park. You can actually go inside the houses—you’ll appreciate the interactive and virtual elements. Plus—what a photo op! (Oh, and please. No nibbling.) madisonsquarepark.org
