From now until New Year's, Anchorage audiences will have a big choice of seasonal performances including some of the most firmly established holiday happenings in the repertoire.
Like "The Nutcracker." The annual presentation, which opened on Friday, features professional dancers and sets from the Eugene Ballet Company along with Alaska performers. Tchaikovsky's music is performed by a live orchestra of local musicians and scores of dancers from Alaska Dance Theatre.
Final performances are at 1 and 5 p.m. today in Atwood Concert Hall. Tickets are $19-$39 at centertix.net and at the door.
Much more is on the way. Here's a roundup of some holiday highlights. Tickets are available at centertix.net or by calling 263-2787 unless noted otherwise.
MORE DANCE
ANCHORAGE CLASSICAL BALLET ACADEMY CHRISTMAS DANCE RECITAL at Discovery Theatre. This two-hour program by local dance students is recommended for children ages 6 and older.
Showtime is 7 p.m. on Dec. 16. Tickets are $19-23.
ANCHORAGE BALLET'S CHRISTMAS 2011 at Discovery Theatre. A holiday performance that includes highlights from "The Nutcracker." The contemporary dance group Momentum Dance Collective take part as guest artists.
Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 17. Tickets are $25-$29.
THEATER
INSPECTING CAROL at Anchorage Community Theatre, 1133 E. 70th Ave. One of the funniest modern comedies ever, this ingeniously paced play involves a shaky little theater company that needs to pack in the crowds with its annual production of "A Christmas Carol" to stay solvent. Not recommended for children on account of adult language, but a howler for grown-ups and teenagers.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 23. Tickets, $15, $13 for seniors, are available at 868-4913.
A review is posted online at adn.com/artsnob.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Valley Performing Arts, Machetanz Theatre in Wasilla. The only way it's possible to make fun of "A Christmas Carol" is because Charles Dickens' story is an undisputed masterpiece that never fails to plumb emotions and raise spirits.
VPA's production takes an interesting turn by setting up the tale as one of Dickens' readings. The author weaves in and out of the action creating an extra level of drama and literary richness. Food donations will be accepted at all performances.
Showtimes are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 18. General admission is $17 at valleyperformingarts.org or by calling 907-373-0195.
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at Cyrano's, 413 D St. The movie starring James Stewart and Donna Reed has become a beloved holiday classic. This production, directed by Elizabeth Ware, presents it as a live radio broadcast from the 1940s. Five actors create more than 50 roles -- with a little help from the sound effects technician.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 18 and 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 19-21. Tickets, $18.50.
CHRISTMAS IN SPENARD at Tap Root, 3300 Spenard Rd. Mr. Whitekeys' popular satirical look at Alaskans at yuletide was last seen in 2005. It returns for 12 shows in December. The multimedia musical spectacular features a live band, new material and "over 800 awe-inspiring images of Alaskan stupidity." Patrons must be 16 or older due to mature content "and a snotty attitude toward politicians." Minors must be accompanied by a parent.
Showtimes are 6:45 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 5-28. Tickets, $11-$21.
RAVEN'S RADIO HOUR MUKTUKMAS at Sydney Laurence Theatre. Jack Dalton's zany mix of legend, contemporary Native life and comedy returns with a seasonal scrips and the vocal talents of Pamyua. Dalton is joined by Princess Lucaj, Christina Gagnon, Ethan Petticrew and Ed Bourgeois.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15-17 and 3 p.m. Dec. 18. Tickets are $18.50
FOR YOUNGER AUDIENCES
JUNIE B IN "JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS!" at Sydney Laurence Theatre. Local kids star in Alaska Theatre of Youth's show about Junie, a "first grader with an attitude" who picks the class tattle-tale for her Secret Santa.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, and 1 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10. Tickets are $15-$20.25.
PINKALICIOUS! THE MUSICAL at Cyrano's, 413 D St. The hour-long family friendly show is based on the well-loved children's book by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann about a kid who loves the color pink a little too much. Anchorage's Teresa Pond, who has been directing the off-Broadway production of the show for the past several years, will be back in town to shepherd this production. Sales of tickets on opening day performances will benefit the Anchorage Imagination Library. Those shows will be followed by a cupcake reception.
Showtimes are noon and 2 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday, Dec. 3-18, and 2 p.m. weekdays Dec. 22-30. Tickets are $12.75 except for opening day, $14.
THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF SANTA CLAUS at Grant Hall Auditorium, Alaska Pacific University, 4101 University Drive. TBA Theatre presents the fantastical biography of Santa as envisioned by Frank L. Baum, the author of the "Wizard of Oz" series and other books. A big cast presents elves, fairies and dark forces bent on derailing the mission of bringing joy to the world. Three actors play Santa at various points in his life.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 9-18. Tickets, $10, $5 for ages 12 and under, are available by calling 677-7529.
MUSIC
HURRICANE DAVE'S CHRISTMAS JAM IV at Town Square Grill, 508 W. Sixth Ave. Local troubadour "Hurricane" Dave Rush will be joined by an all-star lineup of Alaska musicians including Matt Hammer, the Nuther Brothers, Fiddlin' Keith Junot, Stu Schulman and more in a benefit for the Marines' Toys for Tots and Mat-Su Special Santa charities. In addition to traditional and contemporary Christmas music, Rush says he's throwing in a new ditty titled "Christmas Without Sarah."
Showtime is 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Admission is by cash donation; no toys please.
COMMUNITY MESSIAH at West High School Auditorium. The Anchorage Concert Chorus sponsors this annual presentation of choice excerpts from Handel's "Messiah."
Showtime is 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. Tickets are $10 at the door.
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON at Atwood Concert Hall. The Air Force Band of the Pacific presents its annual concert of holiday music.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 6 and 7. Admission is free!
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES at two venues. The Alaska Chamber Singers will revisit Christmas concerts past with a collection of memorable pieces sung over the course of their previous 25 seasons.
Showtimes are 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 3900 Wisconsin St., and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, at St. Andrew Church, 16300 Domain Lane, Eagle River. Tickets are $30, $20 for seniors and students.
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY in Atwood Concert Hall. The way these hipsters turn Christmas classics into big band extravaganza, it's no wonder that they're sold out.
Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 9. Tickets, if any remain, are $15-$39.
TUBA CHRISTMAS in the Lorene Harrison Lobby at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Anchorage brass players again join players in 200 other cities as big horns perform favorite carols and holiday songs.
Showtime is noon on Dec. 10 and admission is free.
RUTTER'S "MAGNIFICAT" at Anchorage Lutheran Church, 1420 N St. The "Magnificat" by John Rutter is one of the most popular pieces of contemporary choral music. A choir of 40 from several area churches will present the piece. There'll also be a hand bell choir and a carol sing for the audience -- and a Christmas cookie reception after.
Showtime is 7 p.m. on Dec. 17. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.
FAMILY HOLIDAY POPS in Atwood Concert Hall. The Anchorage Concert Chorus's annual Christmas program is a tradition for many local families. Enjoy the merriment and sounds of the season with carols delivered by the massed choir.
Showtime is 4 p.m. on Dec. 18. Tickets are $24-$38.
CHRISTMAS MUSIC OF MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER in Atwood Concert Hall. The first announced Anchorage concert by Mannheim Steamroller sold out immediately. Anchorage Concert Association added a second then a third concert. Act fast.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 (very few seats), 7:30 p.m. Dec. 30 (a few more seats) and 4 p.m. Dec. 30 (your best chance at getting seats). Tickets are $49-$69.
NOT HOLIDAY-THEMED
... but worth noting
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW at the University of Alaska Anchorage Mainstage Theatre in the Fine Arts Building. Shakespeare's battle-of-the-sexes comedy is presented in an updated setting.
Showtimes are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 11. Tickets are $10-$18. Parking is free during the shows.
ANCHORAGE YOUTH SYMPHONY at Discovery Theatre. Though holiday music isn't on the program, the young performers will present the Scherzo from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, the Polka and Fugue from "Schwanda the Bagpiper" by Jaromir Weinberg, plus music by Maurice Ravel and William Schuman. The program is presented in conjunction with the Anchorage Youth Philharmonic.
Showtime is 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29. Tickets, $10-$15.
PETER PAN & WENDY at Sydney Laurence Theatre. Another Alaska Theatre of Youth production featuring young actors, this play celebrates the 100th anniversary of the beloved tale of the boy who never grew up, Captain Hook and Tinkerbell in a true-to-the-book version.
Showtimes are 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 and 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9. Tickets are $15-$20.25 at centertix.net.
DANNY. KING OF THE BASEMENT in Discovery Theatre. Alaska Junior Theatre presents the story of a 10-year-old who doesn't let poverty and homelessness stifle his imagination and creativity. A touching story filled with hope, humor and good will.
Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 10. Tickets are $14.50-$17.
Reach Mike Dunham at mdunham@adn.com or 257-4332.
By MIKE DUNHAM
Anchorage Daily News