THIS WEEK: Dec. 4 to 8, 2015

Cirque Dreams Holidaze, a new holiday stage extravaganza with soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats, elaborate production numbers, imaginative costumes, illusions and more. Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 7 p.m. Dec. 2. 570-342-7784.

A Christmas Story, the nostalgic and witty story of young Ralphie and his all-out campaign to get a Red Ryder Air Rifle for Christmas despite everyone’s admonitions that he’ll “shoot his eye out.” Presented by the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble at the Alvina Krause Theatre, 221 Center St., Bloomsburg. Through Dec. 27 with performances 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.; 3 p.m. Sundays. 570-784-8181 or bte.org.

Plaid Tidings, a holiday version of “Forever Plaid,” in which members of a singing quartet are killed on the way to their first professional gig but are allowed to return to Earth to do the show. Theatre at the Grove, 5177 Nuangola Road, Nuangola. Through Dec. 13 with performances 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Special matinees 3 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 12. $20. 570-868-8212.

White Christmas, the Irving Berlin musical based on the 1954 Bing Crosby-Danny Kaye movie. Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville. Through Dec. 20 with performances 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Dinner served 90 minutes before showtime. $35 with dinner; $18 show only. 570-283-2195.

Scrooge, the musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. Presented by the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts at the J.J. Ferrara Center, 212 W. Broad St., Hazleton. Dec. 3 to 13 with performances 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. $32 with dinner; $16 show only. 570-454-5451.

Seasoned Stew, a variety of one-act plays and other entertainment, presented by Actors Circle at the Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, Scranton. Dec. 3 to 13 with performances 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. $12, $10 seniors, $8 students. 570-342-9707.

The Lion in Winter, the tale of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and their dysfuntional royal family, all vying for control of the kingdom. Presented by Diva Productions at the Olde Brick Theatre, 126 W. Market St., Scranton. Dec. 3 to 13 with performances 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 4 p.m. Dec. 5 and 2 p.m. Dec. 13. $12, $10 students and seniors. Reservations: 570-209-7766.

A Christmas Story, the classic holiday tale about bespectacled Ralphie who dreams of getting a BB gun for Christmas. Presented by Phoenix Theatrics at the Phoenix Performing Arts Centre, 409 Main St., Duryea. Dec. 4 to 13 with performances 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. $12. 570-991-1817.

The Miracle of Bethlehem, a Christmas Stage play about the birth of Jesus. Cultural Centre of St. Faustina, 38 W. Church St., Nanticoke. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 to 6. Food and hot chocolate available. 570-735-0552.

A Christmas Carol, a dramatic reading of the Charles Dickens classic by actors Therese and Joe Plummer Jr. Grey Towers National Historic Site, 122 Old Owego Turnpike, Milford. Noon and 3 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6. $20. Reservations: 570-296-9630 or greytowers.org.

A Charlie Brown Christmas, a stage adaptation of the animated television special. Lake-Lehman Junior/Senior High School, 1128 Old Route 115, Lehman Township. 2 p.m. Dec. 5; 7 p.m. Dec. 6. $8, $6 students. 570-675-7458.

Holiday Plays, performances of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” and “The Sixth Candle,” a Hanukkah-themed coming-of-age play, both performed by the Summer Performing Arts Training Academy. Also: a medley of seasonal songs. Lemmond Theater, Walsh Hall, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5; 2 p.m. Dec. 6. $5. 570-674-6207.

Parsons Dance Company, the internationally renowned troupe founded by David Parsons, joined by the East Village Opera Company, performing selections from its rock-dance opera “Remember Me.” Mitrani Hall, Haas Center for the Arts, Bloomsburg University. 8 p.m. Dec. 5. $30, $15 children. 570-389-4409.

The Lady of the Camellias, a filmed performance by the Bolshoi Ballet captured from Moscow, Russia. The production tells the love story of Marguerite Gautier, a gorgeous courtesan celebrated by Parisian high society. Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. 12:55 p.m. Dec. 6. $18, $17 seniors. 800-326-3264.

A Christmas Carol: The Musical, presented by the Greater Hazleton Concert Series. Hazleton Area High School, 1061 W. 23rd St. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7. $30, $10 students. 570-788-4864.

FUTURE

The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, the annual holiday performance with local dancers joining in the production as mice, snowflakes and other supporting roles. The production includes the exclusive Dove of Peace with a 20-foot wingspan, life-sized Matrushka dolls and whimsical 10-foot silk puppets. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. Dec. 9. 570-826-1100.

The Gift, the 22nd annual presentation of the musical drama recreating the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem with more than 100 actors and live animals, performed in an outdoor setting. Back Mountain Harvest Assembly, 340 Carverton Road, Trucksville. 6 and 8 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12; 6 p.m. Dec. 13. 570-696-1128.

The Nutcracker, the 29th annual performance by the Scranton Civic Ballet Company with professional dancer Edward Spots in the role of the Cavalier. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11; 2 p.m. Dec. 12. $18.50. 570-343-0115.

Live from the Met: The Magic Flute, Mozart’s enchanting comic opera broadcast live from the Metropolian Opera in New York City in a shortened English-language version. 12:55 p.m. Dec. 12. Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre and Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. $25, $22, $20, $17. 570-825-4444 or 800-326-3264.

Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream, with Disney princesses and fairytale characters taking to the ice in a show featuring scenes from “Tangled,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Cinderella” and “The Princess and the Frog.” Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. 7 p.m. Jan. 13 to 15; 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Jan. 16; noon and 4 p.m. Jan. 17; 1 p.m. Jan. 18. $15 to $55. 800-745-3000.

Live from the Met: The Pearl Fishers, Bizet’s opera of lust and longing set in the Far East, broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. 12:55 pm Jan. 16 at Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre and Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. Encore performance at Cinemark 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20. $25, $22, $20, $17. 570-825-4444 or 800-326-3264.

Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s tragic tale of star-crossed lovers in old Verona. Presented by the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble at the Alvina Krause Theatre, 221 Center St., Bloomsburg. Opens Jan. 22 with a “Pay What You Wish” (cash only) performance. Continues Jan. 23 to 30 with performances 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays. 570-784-8181 or bte.org.

Saturday Night Fever, the classic dance story in a new production based on the 1977 movie, packed with legendary hits by the Bee Gees. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Jan. 23. $58.50, $48.50, $38.50. 570-826-1100.

The Taming of the Shrew, a filmed performance by the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow of Shakespeare’s comedy adapted for the ballet stage. Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. 12:55 p.m. Jan. 24. $18, $17 seniors. 800-326-3264.

Madama Butterfly, Puccini’s heartbreaking tale of innocence, betrayal and sacrifice. Performed by Teatro Lirico D’Europa with a live orchestra. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29. $57, $42, $27. 570-826-1100.

Live from the Met: Turandot, the Puccini opera about a proud princess of China, broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. 12:55 p.m. Jan. 30 at Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre and Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. Encore performance at Cinemark 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3. $25, $22, $20, $17. 570-825-4444 or 800-326-3264.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the trials and triumphs of Israel’s favorite son with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 8 p.m. Feb. 5; 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 6; 1 p.m. Feb. 7. 570-342-7784.

Dogfight: The Musical, about a soldier leaving for Vietnam intent on proving his macho superiority by playing a trick on a lonely waitress. Presented by Wilkes University at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 100 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre. Feb. 19 to 28 with performances 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. $10, $5 students and seniors. 570-408-4540.

Macbeth, Shakespeare’s tragedy of greed, ambition, treachery and personal destruction that follow Scots general Macbeth after he receives predictions of his greatness by three witches. Performed by the King’s College Theater Department at the George P. Maffei II Theatre, Administration Building, 133 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 to 26; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26; 2 p.m. Feb. 27. $12; $7 seniors; $5 students. 570-208-5825.

A Moon for the Misbegotten, the final play and only love story written by four-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eugene O’Neill. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. Feb. 25. $38, $28, $18. 570-826-1100.

Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles, a live multi-media journey through the life and times of the celebrated foursome. Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28. 570-342-7784.

Annie, the Tony Award-winning, much-loved musical based on the comic-strip character “Little Orphan Annie.” Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 7 p.m. March 4; 1 and 7 p.m. March 5. 570-342-7784.

Live from the Met: Manon Lescaut, Puccini’s opera of obsessive love between a Parisian temptress and a dashing student, broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. 12:55 p.m. March 5 at Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre and Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. Encore performance at Cinemark 6:30 p.m. March 9. $25, $22, $20, $17. 570-825-4444 or 800-326-3264.

Million Dollar Quartet, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by the true story of the famed recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for one unforgettable night of music. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. March 18. $60.50, $50.50, $40.50. 570-826-1100.

Don Quixote, the full-length ballet about the chivalrous but off-kilter adventures of the self-appointed knight errant, performed by the Moscow Festival Ballet. Mitrani Hall, Haas Center for the Arts, Bloomsburg University. 8 p.m. March 18. $35, $17 children. 570-389-4409.

Live from the Met: Madama Butterfly, Puccini’s tragic love story between a U.S. Naval officer and a young Japanese girl, broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. 12:55 p.m. April 2 at Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre and Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. Encore performance at Cinemark 6:30 p.m. April 6. $25, $22, $20, $17. 570-825-4444 or 800-326-3264.

Secret in the Wings, Mary Zimmerman’s compelling narrative on human impulses using short fairy tales which delve into the lands of ogres and princes. Performed by the King’s College Theater Department at the George P. Maffei II Theatre, Administration Building, 133 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre. April 14 to 23 with performances 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Special matinee 2 p.m. April 23. $12; $7 seniors; $5 students. 570-208-5825

Twelfth Night (or What You Will), Shakespeare’s comedy involving mistaken identity, shipwrecks, love triangles, disguises and more. Presented by Wilkes University at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 100 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. April 14 to 16; 2 p.m. April 17. $10, $5 seniors and students. 570-408-4540.

Live from the Met: Roberto Devereux, Donizetti’s opera about Queen Elizabeth I who was forced to sign the death warrant of the nobleman she loves, broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. 12:55 p.m. April 16 at Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre and Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. Encore performance at Cinemark 6:30 p.m. April 20. $25, $22, $20, $17. 570-825-4444 or 800-326-3264.

Materialize! A Broadway-caliber magic show with master illusionist Drew Thomas, a finalist on “America’s Got Talent.” F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. April 16. $40, $30, $25. 570-826-1100.

Koresh Dance Company, with guest performers from local and regional dance studios. Mitrani Hall, Haas Center for the Arts, Bloomsburg University. 9 p.m. April 23. $30, $15 children. 570-389-4409.

Riverdance, the 20th-anniversary tour of the show that propelled Irish dancing and music into popular culture. Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 8 p.m. April 29; 2 and 8 p.m. April 30; 1 and 6:30 p.m. May 1. 570-342-7784.

Live from the Met: Elektra, Richard Strauss’ opera about a woman’s primal quest for vengeance, broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. 12:55 p.m. April 30 at Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre and Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. Encore performance at Cinemark 6:30 p.m. May 4. $25, $22, $20, $17. 570-825-4444 or 800-326-3264.

42nd Street, the quintessential Broadway musical comedy about a starry-eyed dancer who leaves her Allentown home to become a Broadway star. Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 8 p.m. May 20; 2 and 8 p.m. May 21; 1 p.m. May 22. 570-342-7784.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Auditions for the Jan. 30-Feb. 21 production of the musical “Guys and Dolls,” open to men and women age 16 and older. Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville. 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15. 570-283-2195.

Diva Productions will present ‘The Lion in Winter’ Dec. 3 through 13 at The Olde Brick Theatre in Scranton. From left: Peter Miles, Bob Balitski, Kathryn Bondi, Eric Lutz, Keith Novack and Robert Wormuth with Helen Lavelle (seated).
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_12.4-Lion-in-Winter-1.jpg.optimal.jpgDiva Productions will present ‘The Lion in Winter’ Dec. 3 through 13 at The Olde Brick Theatre in Scranton. From left: Peter Miles, Bob Balitski, Kathryn Bondi, Eric Lutz, Keith Novack and Robert Wormuth with Helen Lavelle (seated).

Annie Walters and Kevin Halchak portray Mary and Joseph in the upcoming production of ‘The Miracle of Bethlehem’ Dec. 4 to 6 at the Cultural Centre of St. Faustina in Nanticoke.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_12.4-stage-bethlehem-miracle.jpg.optimal.jpgAnnie Walters and Kevin Halchak portray Mary and Joseph in the upcoming production of ‘The Miracle of Bethlehem’ Dec. 4 to 6 at the Cultural Centre of St. Faustina in Nanticoke.

Joe and Therese Plummer will deliver a dramatic reading of Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ Dec. 5 and 6 at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_12.4-stage-grey-towers-Plummers_Christmas-Carol1.jpg.optimal.jpgJoe and Therese Plummer will deliver a dramatic reading of Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ Dec. 5 and 6 at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford.

Perennial holiday favorite ‘A Christmas Story’ will run Dec. 4 to 13 at the Phoenix Performing Arts Centre in Duryea. Pictured are Jacob Bianchi, Amanda Hunisch, Colin Casey and Rory Moher.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_12.4-stage-Phoenix.jpg.optimal.jpgPerennial holiday favorite ‘A Christmas Story’ will run Dec. 4 to 13 at the Phoenix Performing Arts Centre in Duryea. Pictured are Jacob Bianchi, Amanda Hunisch, Colin Casey and Rory Moher.

Dan Pascoe and Karl Kleist will do some fancy stepping in the holiday musical ‘White Christmas’ Dec. 4 to 20 at the Music Box Dinner Playhouse in Swoyersville.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_P8.jpg.optimal.jpgDan Pascoe and Karl Kleist will do some fancy stepping in the holiday musical ‘White Christmas’ Dec. 4 to 20 at the Music Box Dinner Playhouse in Swoyersville.

‘A Christmas Story’ returns to the stage of the Alvina Krause Theatre with the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble presenting the comedy through Dec. 27. Pictured are Cassandra Pisieczko, Levi Fritz and Richard Cannaday.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_12.4-stage-BTE.jpg.optimal.jpg‘A Christmas Story’ returns to the stage of the Alvina Krause Theatre with the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble presenting the comedy through Dec. 27. Pictured are Cassandra Pisieczko, Levi Fritz and Richard Cannaday.