When: Through Dec. 29; Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday matinees and Thursday-Sunday evenings.
Where: La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro
Details: La Comedia Artistic Director Chris Beiser stages and choreographs another entertaining, tap-happy experience. Terrific tenor Scott O’Brien (easygoing performer-turned-farmer Jim Hardy) and endearingly suave Sam Stickels (cheeky song-and-dance man Ted Hanover) star in the local premiere of this tuneful, nostalgic and romantic showcase based on the 1942 Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire film of the same name celebrating holidays from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July. O’Brien’s rendition of “Blue Skies” and Stickels’ playful “Heat Wave” (opposite dynamic dancer Emily Thamm-Avsyuk as Lila Dixon) are notable. “Shaking The Blues Away,” an upbeat Act 1 highlight led with vigor by comical understudy Meghan Slowik as Louise, particularly spotlights the wonderfully cohesive, vocally strong ensemble of vibrant dancers including Elliot Chilcote, Josh Ilan, Jack Preston Issler, Haley Iverson, Parker Lowrie, Mary Ann Sprague, and understudy Allison Gabert.
Cost: $39-$79
More info: 937-746-4554 or lacomedia.com
2. “A Frosty Night”
When: Through Dec. 22; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton
Details: Human Race Theatre Artistic Director Emily N. Wells stages a charming world premiere of Mark Brown’s breezy, silly, naughty and surprisingly tender adults-only comedy about relationships in turmoil at the North Pole. Mierka Girten is a fiery profane riot as Sharon, Frosty the Snowman’s infuriated wife determined to solve the mystery of his infidelity. Christine Brunner, beautifully costumed by Ameera Ansari, injects the humorous chaos with lovely decorum and sophistication as Noel Claus, Santa’s supportive wife. Tim Lile, funny and physical, delightfully excels as the scumbag Snowman. Eric Barker’s attractively eye-catching set accented with a holiday array of Nutcrackers is a warm, cozy and decorative knockout.
Cost: $10-$53
More info: 937-228-3630 or humanracetheatre.org
3. “The Nutcracker”
When: Through Dec. 22; 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays
Where: Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton
Details: The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance’s world premiere of the Dayton Ballet’s all-new presentation is the first to be conceived and conceptualized by the company with a fresh artistic vision in choreography (Dayton Ballet Artistic Director Brandon Ragland), sets (Ray Zupp) and costumes (Lyn Baudendistel) since 2013.
Cost: $8-$108
Tickets and more info: 937-228-3630 or daytonperformingarts.org
Credit: RAY GEIGER
Credit: RAY GEIGER
4. A Carillon Christmas
When: Through Dec. 30; 5-9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Where: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton
Details: Carillon Park’s 65-acre campus is a winter wonderland featuring The Carillon Tree of Light, Carillon Park Railroad, The Tailor of Gloucester Puppet Show, model train displays, Santa Claus and more.
Cost: $14 per adult (ages 18-59), $12 per senior (ages 60+) and $10 per child (ages 3-17). Free to children 2 and under. Free to Dayton History members.
More info: daytonhistory.org
5. A Dunbar Christmas
When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22
Where: 219 N. Paul Laurence Dunbar St., Dayton
Details: Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and the University of Dayton Department of Music invite the community to join this once-in-a-year ranger-led tour of the Dunbar house brought to life with holiday merriment. Participants on the tour will be greeted by singers performing period songs. Historical reenactors, performing as Matilda Dunbar, Paul’s mother, and the poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, will share stories that brings the home to life.
Cost: Free. Tours will start at the Dunbar Visitor Center located at 312 Edison St. The last tour of the Dunbar House begins at 3:30pm. Any groups larger than 10 please R.S.V.P. in advance as the house has limited capacity.
More info: nps.gov
6. “Christmas With C.S. Lewis”
When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21
Where: Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton
Details: This intimate production centers on author C.S. Lewis, whose encounter with his great friend and fellow author, J.R.R. Tolkien, was the start of Lewis’ journey from Atheism to Christianity. The play is set at Lewis’ home near Oxford on Christmas Eve.
Cost: $64
More info: 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org
7. “’Twas: A Holiday Musical”
When: Dec. 19-22; Noon Thursday and Friday, 2, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, of Sinclair Community College’s downtown Dayton campus, 401 W. Fourth St.
Details: Written by local playwright, Patti Frankhouser Celek, “‘Twas” is based loosely on the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” This story features family pets left home alone on Christmas Eve. They discover that families celebrate the holiday season in many ways including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Las Posada, while emphasizing “kindness all year through.”
Cost: $8
More info: sinclair.edu/tickets
8. Black Box Improv Theater Holiday Show
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21
Where: Black Box Improv Theater, 518 E. Third St., Dayton
Details: This year’s Holiday Show includes a very special Black Box ladies’ number, “Out of Pocket,” “Greatest Hits” and the Improvised Musical.
Cost: $22.13-$37.89
More info: daytonblackboximprov.com
Credit: SCOTTIE JACKSON
Credit: SCOTTIE JACKSON
9. Family Holiday Film Series
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21
Where: The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton
Details: The Neon’s Family Holiday Film Series concludes with 1985’s “Santa Claus: The Movie” starring Dudley Moore and John Lithgow.
Cost: Free for children 12 and under. All other tickets are $2 each. Tickets become available at 10:15 a.m. One ticket per person. Patrons must be present to purchase or claim tickets.
More info: neonmovies.com
10. Santa Is Coming! Themed Holiday Skate
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20
Where: RiverScape Metro Park, 237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton
Details: Dress up as Buddy the Elf or wear a holiday sweater on the ice with music and decorations from the movie.
Cost: $10
More info: metroparks.org
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