r
If you're ears are itching to be dazzled, there are a number of musical productions on the Annapolis theater scene this month. At Maryland Hall of the Creative Arts, The Annapolis Chorale, Annapolis Chamber Orchestra, and the Annapolis Youth Chorus join for one weekend (December 6th and 7th) called A Cele ation of Christmas, which is set to include selections from “Oh Holy Night” to “It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Later at the same venue, singer and pianist Tony DeSare will join the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra for Swinging' Season's Greetings—an energetic show of big band and swing inspiration.
r
Similarly, The Talent Machine's Holiday Greetings includes a wide range of music to please all ages, and guest appearances by a variety of favorite holiday characters at St. John's College Key Auditorium, December14th–23rd.
r
In that same zip code, two productions of Messiah are on the schedule. Handel's three-part symphony includes the “Hallelujah Chorus” in what's become an acclaimed Christmas tradition. The first continues 66 years of tradition from the United States Naval Academy Glee Club and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, December 1st and 2nd at the Naval Academy's Main Chapel, and the second, December 14th–16th is presented by St. Anne's Church and the Annapolis Chorale.
r
BELOVED CLASSICS
r
If it's a nostalgic experience you seek, The Colonial Players of Annapolis have got you covered. Their rendition of A Christmas Carol—playing December 6th–16th—transports you to the streets of London 170 years ago, where you'll follow Scrooge through meetings of the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and future.
r
And no holiday season is complete without the sights and sounds that come alive in The Nutcracker. The whimsical family favorite takes audiences along for the ride as Clara sets out to rescue her Nutcracker prince. Brought to us by the Ballet Theatre of Maryland, the show will go on weekends December 8th–16th at Maryland Hall.
r
For more Nutcracker Ballet fun, the Chesapeake Arts Center presents its own production at the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts Sunday, December 2nd, at 2 p.m. For tickets and information, visit Chesapeakearts.org.
r
r
OFF-THE CUFF FUN
r
If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind holiday show, look no further than the Chesapeake Arts Center, which will present Hack & Slash, the Christmas Special, December 14th and 15th at 8 p.m. The show that originated in 1992 “with the mission of inging outstanding swashbuckling action and fresh, edgy comedy,” and headlines at many a Renaissance Festival, is coming to Maryland with a holiday twist. Guests are invited to ing clothing and food donations, and to wear their pajamas. For more information or to buy tickets, visit Hackandslashshow.ticketleap.com.
r
Finally, Anne Arundel Community College will produce The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Written by Barbara Robinson and directed by Lars Tatom, it's the story of six unruly children who attend church because they're told it serves snacks, they're tossed into roles of the church's Christmas pageant, where they tell the story in an unlikely, unconventional way.
r
