'Tis the Season
If You Go
Every Christmas Story Ever Told
Through Dec. 26
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
The Otto M. Budig Theater, 1195 Elm St.
cincyshakes.com/event/every-christmas-2021
A Christmas Carol
Through Dec. 30
Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mt. Adams Circle
www.cincyplay.com/achristmascarol/tickets
Elf The Musical JR.
Dec. 4 – 13
Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St.
thechildrenstheatre.com/shows/elf
Cinderella
Dec. 1–30
Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati
1127 Vine St.
ensemblecincinnati.org/calendar/cinderella
By now, you’ve started to see the lists of favorite holiday movies – everyone from your best friend from high school to respected critics eventually weighing in with their choices.
As the calendar inches closer to December, you’ll also begin to see questions pop up on social media about when to see each holiday special, so you can schedule your re-watch of Charlie Brown, Rudolph, and whichever one has the Heat Miser in it.
Whether it’s a true classic or just your sentimental favorite, these stories, and those repeating viewings, are part of our holiday traditions.
But in Cincinnati, we have our own – and better – version of this. We have timeless stories we return to on stage. These festive, holiday productions have become traditions for many in the Tristate. Though the stories may be familiar, we discover something new when we see them with the next generation or new friends or our own changed perspective on the world.
The bridge between Rankin-Bass TV specials and live theatre can be found in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s decidedly un-Bard like Every Christmas Story Ever Told.
The show itself is framed as a story about actors working on A Christmas Carol, who embark on a naughty look at “beloved holiday classics” during the course of their show, with no one from Dickens to Dr. Seuss, safe.
“This cast has so much fun together that the show has become a very personal holiday tradition for all of us,” says Jeremy Dubin, the show’s director. “It’s occasionally a little irreverent but always warm-spirited, and it’s the perfect panacea to all your winter woes.”
For a faithful retelling of Dicken’s story of redemption and transformation, don’t miss A Christmas Carol at Playhouse in the Park. Since 1991, families have made this annual show part of their own holiday celebrations.
But, of course, that wasn’t the case last year.
After a year without a Scrooge, Bruce Cromer, who plays the Dickensian curmudgeon, is thrilled to be back.
“After recording the one-man radio version of A Christmas Carol in my basement studio last year, returning to the stage is a delight,” says Cromer. “Acting with my son Charlie, working with Andrea Shell, Cindy Saalfeld, Stephen Skiles, all of the cast and crew, on this 30th anniversary production is an honor.”
Cromer, along with many others in the cast and crew, have been in numerous productions of A Christmas Carol. Gregory Procaccino, who portrays Jacob Marley and Old Joe in the current show, has been in every production since 1991. Marx Wardrobe Mistress Cindy Clifford Saalfeld has been head dresser for every season since 1991.
Given their devotion to the production, the cast and crew don’t take the responsibility of being part of a Cincinnati holiday tradition lightly.
“This is the final time this Marx Theatre production of Howard Dallin's script, as originally directed by Michael Haney, will be presented,” says Cromer. “The Playhouse and all of us are so excited to perform it once again, to remind all to cast hatred and division aside, love our fellow humans, and try to keep the spirit of the holidays throughout the year."
Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati offers the best of both worlds, combining a treasured movie with a live stage experience in its revival of Elf Jr. Based on the film, the musical version is ideal for everyone, from the potentially-on-the-naughty-list dad to the true (Santa) believers.
“Buddy the Elf is back on our stage after a sell-out run in 2016,” says Roderick Justice, artistic director of Children’s Theatre. “Based on one of the funniest holiday films of all time, TCT’s junior version of the musical Elf will have your whole family laughing your stocking off.”
CTC’s acclaimed productions are a great initial live theatre experience for children. At about an hour, the length is perfect for those with short attention spans. CTC also offers ASL and sensory-friendly performances, making the experience accessible to more families.
“After nearly two stressful years, we need our spirits lifted through theatre,” offers Justice. “When the lights dim, the curtain rises, and the music begins—I hope you and your family are there to share in the excitement.”
Using more classic source material, Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati brightens the holidays with Cinderella. For more than 20 years, playwright Joseph McDonough has collaborated with composer/lyricist David Kisor on ETC’s holiday musicals.
“Cinderella sends a message that inner beauty, strength, and intelligence are the keys to success,” says ETC’s Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “It’s about finding the better part of yourself and using the rest of your life to celebrate it. It’s a delightful story that will bring laughter, hope, and smiles to both adults and children.”
These shows often revisit fairy tales but give them a decidedly, but still family-friendly, modern twist.
“It was an easy choice to do this show right now,” says Meyers. “We can all use a little joy and hope.”
–Tricia Suit