What to See: Show-Stopping Spectacular Holiday Picks

Local theater-lovers are going to be busy during the holidays. Here’s a list of great venues and shows not to be missed.

Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center
76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach

Treasured Stories by Eric Carle
Known for their gentle storytelling, Mermaid Theatre‘s much-anticipated new production will bring together old favorites and new friends. Featuring evocative music, stunning visual effects and innovative puppetry, the triple-bill highlights three of Eric Carle‘s most beloved tales. December 7, 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Tickets: $10

Vienna Boys Choir
Capture all of the enchantment and joy of the holidays as these young fellows raise their glorious voices in magnificent harmony. Their highly diverse, crowdpleasing repertoire includes classical masterpieces, beloved pop songs, medieval chants and holiday favorites. This is truly a special occasion for the whole family to enjoy. December 9, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $85, $70, $55

The Nutcracker Sweet Ballet Performance
A magical journey to the Land of Sweets. Start a new holiday tradition by sharing this beloved classic ballet with the entire family! This year’s performance is bigger and better than ever before. A cast of local children will perform alongside professional ballet dancers who have danced major roles with some of the most celebrated dance companies. With expanded scenes and dazzling new costumes, WHBPAC will present the charming adaptation of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. December 15, 7 p.m. and December 16 3 p.m. Tickets: $15

Frindle
Presented by the Griffin Theatre Company—Illinois, Nicholas Allen has plenty of ideas. When he ends up in Mrs. Granger’s language arts class, he has his best idea ever. He decides to create his own word…FRINDLE! Before long Nick’s word creates a buzz in his school, and his town. Then, to his surprise, it spreads all around the country, and a power struggle erupts with the strict Mrs. Granger. Will the word “Frindle” win? Based on the multiple award-winning bestselling novel by Andrew Clements, this quirky, imaginative tale encour- ages discussion about creative thought, the power of words and the true nature of language. Tickets: $10. Recommended for grades 3-6. December 10, 9:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. and December 11, 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

For a schedule of all WHBPAC events and ticket purchases, please visit www.whbpac.org or call 631-288-1500

The Gateway Playhouse
215 South Country Road, Bellport
71 Main Street, Patchogue

The Rat Pack Is Back!
Features uncanny vocal recreations, unbridled humor. Backed by “The Black Tie Affair,” a smoking hot, 15-piece orchestra that sends audiences straight back to the coolest time in history. Hits include “That’s Amore,” “My Way,” “Mr. Bo Jangles,” “Fly me to the Moon,” “My Kind of Town,” “New York, New York” and many more. See why The Las Vegas Sun writes, “This is as close as anyone has come to capturing the feeling of the real thing,” and the Chicago Tribune raves, “Classic comic material. Excellent!” At the Patchogue Theatre, December 31, 7 and 10:30 p.m. and January 1, 1 & 3 p.m. Tickets: $60 and ($85 for New Year’s Eve party and show)

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
For the holidays, enjoy a true Christmas classic, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Based on the 1954 film of the same name, the musical follows army-veterans-turned-vaudeville-stars Bob Wallace and Phil Davis. Intent on wooing Betty and Judy Hanes, the boys follow the sister act to their gig at a Vermont inn, only to discover the place is run by their beloved former commander. The boys agree to put on a show to draw visitors to the floundering lodge, all the while hoping for a white Christmas. Nominated for two Tony Awards and six Drama Desk Awards, the heartwarming new book by David Ives and Paul Blake incorporates Irving Berlin classics including “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano” and, of course, “White Christmas.” December 14-30

For a schedule of all Gateway Playhouse events and ticket purchases, please visit www.gatewayplayhouse.com or call 631-207-1300

The Staller Center
Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University Contemporary Chambers Players 25th Annual Premieres Concert
Called “a small army of musicians who demonstrate consistent accomplishment” by The New York Times, the Stony Brook Contemporary Chamber Players, under the direction of Eduardo Leandro, will present the 25th Annual Premieres concert of works written especially for the occasion by guest composers. The series has produced over 90 works to date. This year’s program will consist of works by Mark Gustavson, Alex Temple, Judith Shatin, and Du Yun. December 5, 6, 7, 8 p.m.

For a schedule of all events and ticket purchases, please visit www.stallercenter.com 631-632-ARTS

Guild Hall
158 Main Street, East Hampton

Crossroads Music presents On the Air @ Guild Hall: A Community Benefit for WPPB 88.3 FM & Guild Hall. Hosted by Grammy-award winning recording engineer Cynthia Daniels, along with the WPPB team—Bonnie Grice, Brian Cosgrove and Ed German. Members of the local musical community will perform to raise money for this public radio station and this historic performance venue. The concert will be recorded for future use on WPPB 88.3 radio and will be musically directed by Randolph Hudson III. November 30, 7 p.m. Tickets: $20/general, $18/members, $10/students.

Also at Guild Hall Conservatory Performance Project will present the talented students of Valentina Kozlova’s Dance Conservatory of New York (VKDCNY) in the holiday classic The Nut- cracker on December 22. The Nutcracker will transport the audience to an enchanted land of dancing snowflakes, flowers and a magical sugar plum fairy. It is a delightful performance for children and adults of all ages. December 22, 4 p.m. Tickets: $20/child, $40/adult

For a schedule of all events at Guild Hall and ticket purchases, please visit www.guildhall.org or call 631-324-0806

Bay Street Theatre
Corner of Bay and Main Streets, Sag Harbor

Holiday Sing-a-long
Join Bay Street Theatre in the spirit of the holidays. More details to come! December 18, 7 p.m. Suggested donation, $10
Bay Street Theatre, in association with Historic Films Archive, is pleased to present The Legends classic vintage holiday performances by Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Alvin & The Chipmunks, Eartha Kitt, Herb Alpert, The Supremes, Judy Garland and many more. The film was created by Joe Lauro and edited by Anthea Carr of Historic Films. December 21, 8 p.m. Tickets: $15

For a schedule of all Bay Street events and ticket purchases, please visit www.baystreet.org or call 631-725-9500