By Jessica Steinhoff | Pictured: “A Christmas Carol”
“A MADISON SYMPHONY CHRISTMAS”
Dec. 1-3, Overture Center
The symphony teams up with hundreds of heavenly voices — its chorus, plus the Madison Youth Choirs, the Mt. Zion Gospel Choir, soprano Evelyn Saavedra and tenor Limmie Pulliam — for its annual holiday extravaganza. Feeling extra festive? Join a seasonal sing-along in Overture Center’s lobby 55 minutes before showtime. madisonsymphony.org
“ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914”
Dec. 7-10, 14-17, Overture Center
A Christmas miracle happened in 1914: thousands of World War I soldiers set aside their weapons and celebrated the holiday with their enemies on the Western Front. In “All Is Calm,” a musical by UW-Madison alum Peter Rothstein, the catalyst is a German soldier stepping between the trenches and singing “Silent Night.” A cappella vocals like these are the soul of this Four Seasons Theatre production, which will move you to tears. fourseasonstheatre.com
“MESSIAH”
Dec. 8, Bethel Lutheran Church
If you’ve never experienced Handel’s triumphant “Hallelujah Chorus” in a concert hall, now’s the time to do it. The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and Festival Choir of Madison present this masterwork in all its glory, for one night only. wcoconcerts.org
“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”
Dec. 9-10, 15-17, 22-23, Overture Center
La Shawn Banks of American Players Theatre fame portrays Ebenezer Scrooge in this Children’s Theater of Madison production. If all goes according to plan, the crotchety miser will become a generous gentleman, just in time for Christmas. ctmtheater.org
“THE NUTCRACKER”
Friday, Dec. 15-17, 20-24, Overture Center
Young Clara is whisked away to the Land of Sweets in Madison Ballet’s staging of the yuletide classic, choreographed by Sara Stewart Schumann. Toy soldiers will march, snowflakes will waltz and you’ll be enchanted.
madisonballet.org
