Holiday Performances in Long Beach

When thinking of the holidays, it’s easy to go right to the gift-giving, feast-eating or light-sparkling, and forget that it is also a time when we enjoy some of our most cherished art performances, whether it be music, dancing or drama. That will all be taking place in Long Beach over the next few weeks – here’s a Christmas list of great performances!

A BAROQUE CHRISTMAS, MUSICA ANGELICA

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, LONG BEACH PLAYHOUSE

The perennial favorite returns for its 11th incarnation at Long Beach Playhouse (5021 E. Anaheim St.), which just may be Long Beach’s hardest working, live performance outfit. Established in 1929, the Playhouse produces 13 shows annually. Chances are you’re very familiar with this story, but you may not have ever seen such a quick-paced telling of Dickens’ classic tale. The production runs from a half-price preview on December 9-18 on the Playhouse’s Main Stage.

Credit: Long Beach Playhouse

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT, LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE

THE NUTCRACKER, LONG BEACH BALLET

This is the 40th anniversary of what has come to be known as the nation’s best loved Nutcracker. Produced and performed by the Long Beach Ballet, the devotion people have for this particular production of the Tchaikovsky classic is that LB Ballet Artistic Director David Wilcox tends to pull out all the stops on the production. This year’s performance at the Long Beach Terrace Theater (300 E. Ocean Blvd.) is no different, as the production, which runs from December 16-18 and December 22-23, will feature a full orchestra, flying sleigh, a live horse, plenty of on-stage pyrotechnics and a cast of more than 200.

HOLIDAY POPS, LONG BEACH SYMPHONY

HANDEL’S MESSIAH, LONG BEACH CAMERATA SINGERS

The Camerata Singers are the choral partner not only for the Long Beach Symphony but Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra. But, on this night, it’s all about Camerata as it performs, for the 15th year, one of the great and most popular musical classics. The one-time performance takes place December 22 (7:30 p.m.) at the Beverly O’Neill Theater (300 E. Ocean Blvd.) Sing Hallelujah, it promises to be an unforgettable time!

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Steve Lowery