By Joe Ferriero
Artistic Director,
West Hudson Arts and Theater Company
‘Tis the season. Between holiday shopping and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season a great way to relax and unwind is to take in a great holiday show! This year holiday theatergoers have a plethora of fantastic choices when it comes to seeing a holiday themed show.
In NYC, there are several fun and exciting Christmas stories now playing on the Great White Way:
ELF The Musical is based on the hilarious Will Farrell Hollywood hit. Elf follows Buddy, a larger-than-life orphan who mistakenly believes he’s one of Santa’s elves. This is Elf’s second run on Broadway and it’s bigger and better than ever! It’s running at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 W. 45th St.
A Christmas Story, The Musical is the hilarious account of Ralphie’s desperate quest to ensure that this most perfect of gifts ends up under his tree this Christmas. This new Broadway musical is based on the classic 1983 movie, which itself was based on stories by legendary radio humorist Jean Shepherd. Ralphie Parker wants only one thing for Christmas: An Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. Will he get it or shoot his eye out? You’ll find this play at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 W. 46th St.
A Christmas Carol is a lively musical adaptation of the classic Dickens tale. Follow along with Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by four ghosts. See what happens when he gets a glimpse of his own future if he doesn’t change his life. Will Scrooge catch the holiday spirit and save himself in the process? Find out by visiting The Players Theatre box office, 115 MacDougal St.
In N.J., check out these entertainment options right here in your own backyard!
It’s A Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play is back at your hometown theater! W.H.A.T. brings the story of idealistic George Bailey and how his life plays out one fateful Christmas Eve. See it at the W.H.A.T. Theatre, 131 Midland Ave., Kearny.
Mr. Malcolm’s Musical Christmas Carol is the story of Malcolm O’Scrooge, a stingy miser, has never been kind to people or animals. This Christmas, everything changes. He is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Mice Past and the Christmas Bear Present, and if he doesn’t shape up, who knows what this Christmas will bring. Investigate the outcome at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman, 43 S. Broadway, Pitman.
Look for my list of recommended shows
