Did you know the Japanese bombed the Oregon Coast and sent balloon bombs into our state during World War II? This is one of many interesting tidbits to be gained from Tapestry Theater’s dramatization of an actual radio show broadcast from Portland during those perilous times. The show also includes music, including seasonal favorites like “White Christmas” and “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Runs weekends from Nov. 30 to Dec. 16 at the Hollywood Theater. Tickets are $16 for students.
The holidays: on stage!
1942 Christmas From Home Did you know the Japanese bombed the Oregon Coast and sent balloon bombs into our state during World War II? This is one of many interesting tidbits to be gained from Tapestry Theater’s dramatization of an actual radio show broadcast from Portland during those perilous times. The show also includes music, including seasonal favorites like “White Christmas” and “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Runs weekends from Nov. 30 to Dec. 16 at the Hollywood Theater. Tickets are $16 for students.
The Ghosts of Haddon Hall This Winter Solstice celebration gives an alternative to traditional Christmas or Chanukah fare and it’s appropriate for all Portlanders, especially pagans. This year’s Yule celebration follows the story of the abandoned ancestral home of the Dukes of Rutland and the reactions of the spirits that live there to news that it is to be torn down. Song, dance and comedy ensue on weekends from Dec. 7 to Dec.16 at Portland’s Scottish Rite Theater. Tickets are $12 to $24 for students, depending on seating.
BiglittlethingsImago brings their holiday classic back this year with their trademark blend of acrobatic dance and magical mime. Recently back from a tour to China, the production runs from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5 at Imago’s theater space off East Burnside. Tickets run $26 to $28 for students.
The MessiahGeorge Fredrick Handel’s classic Christmas choral work, including the famous “Hallelujah Chorus,” is presented by Portland’s only orchestra specializing in that period of music. Highlights will be played Thursday, Dec. 20 and Friday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church. Those willing to brave the entire three-hour work can see it at the same location Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m. or at the First United Methodist Church (right by the Goose Hollow Max stop) Dec. 23 at 5 p.m.
A Christmas CarolMead Hunter, Portland Center Stage’s director of literary and educational programs, presents a new adaptation of this classic story about a greedy capitalist turned holiday socialist by an encounter with the spirit world. Runs Nov. 27 to Dec. 23 at the Gerding Theater. Tickets are $21.50 for students.
The Nutcracker Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet of toys coming to life strongly resembles feudal Russia, reminding us why people thought communism was such a good idea in comparison. Runs Dec. 8 to Dec. 24 at the Keller Auditorium. Tickets run from $17 to over $100 for students, depending on how close you want to be to the action.
Jesus Christ SuperstarThis stage revival of the classic Andrew Lloyd Weber musical features the same actor as the original play and movie, Ted Neeley, who is much older now. Corey Glover, from In Living Color, is cast as Judas, a casting that I hope is not intended to be racist. Runs Thursday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 21 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Arlene Schnitzer concert hall. Tickets range from $20 to $50.
