Interludes

THE STATE OF THE ARTS: HOLIDAY EDITION – December 19, 2014

• By drediman
• December 19, 2014
• No Comments

It’s that time of year again! New York City these days is awash in holiday shows. Given the sheer volume of options, it’s easy to see how one may feel overwhelmed. Therefore, I’ve highlighted a number of holiday shows from across the performing arts (theater, dance, cabaret, classical music and opera, pop music, and even burlesque!) to help out in the selection process. I hope this helps and wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season!

HOLIDAY FARE RECOMMENDATIONS

• A CHRISTMAS MEMORY – Alice Ripley is heartbreaking in this earnest and honest new musical adaptation of the Truman Capote short story at the Irish Rep.
• HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS – Shuler Hensley is the Grinch in this season’s edition of the wired and enjoyable musical adaptation of the Dr. Seuss favorite. This year’s venue is the impersonal Theater at Madison Square Garden.
• ELF – The goofy, underrated musical (adapted from the film) returns to the Tri-state area in an excellent production at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Broadway favorites James Moye, Robert Cuccioli, and Heidi Blickenstaff light up the stage.
• HANSEL AND GRETEL – The Met presents Humperdinck’s delightful opera as its holiday offering in Richard Jones’s sophisticated, subversive production.
• THE NUTCRACKER (NYCB) – NYCB’s one-and-only version of “The Nutcracker”, with timeless choreography by George Balanchine, celebrates its 60^th anniversary this year.
• THE NUTCRACKER (ABT) – Don’t miss your last chance to see Alexei Ratmansky’s breathtaking vision of this favorite in New York at BAM.
• NUTCRACKER ROUGE – Company XIV transforms the family favorite into an intoxicating, adults-only burlesque affair.
• JOE ICONIS CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR – Joe Iconis’s shows are starting to become legendary for their thrilling musical and emotional highs. I expect his Christmas show at 54 Below will be a visceral experience.
• RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL CHRISTMAST SPECTACULAR – Radio City always does it big, and this year’s no different. The Rockettes, as always, are a hoot to watch.
• JOEY ARIAS: CHRISTMAS WITH THE CRAWFORDS – Do you want to celebrate the holidays with a little more bite? Try Arias’s show down at the Abrons Arts Center.
• RUFUS AND MARTHA WAINWRIGHT: NOEL NIGHTS – The perfect hipster holiday experience — Rufus and Martha play Town Hall this holiday season.
• HANDEL’S MESSIAH – There are numerous renditions of Handel’s popular piece in the city during the holidays. I’d recommend the always excellent New York Philharmonic’s version at Lincoln Center.