One of the best parts of the holiday season is special live theater and concerts. Whether you’re making it an annual tradition or doing something special this year, there are so many shows to choose from in Manhattan and the surrounding area.
Straight No Chaser (Nov. 8)
McCain Auditorium
If the phrase “male a cappella group” conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivied campuses… think again. Straight No Chaser (SNC) are neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. They have emerged as a phenomenon with a massive fanbase and a long list of accomplishments including 2 RIAA Gold Certified albums, over 1.5 million concert tickets sold, over 1 billion streams on Pandora, and over 2 million albums sold worldwide. Straight No Chaser is the real deal, the captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense… and with a sense of humor.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Nov. 17)
Topeka Performing Arts Center
A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Emmy and Peabody award-winning story by Charles M. Schulz, has warmed the hearts of millions of fans since it first aired on television over fifty-five years ago. Now the classic animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation that celebrates the timeless television classic so the whole family can join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts characters in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas.
Holiday Performing Arts Festival (Nov. 24-December 24)
Manhattan Town Center
Manhattan Town Center welcomes school, churches and community groups to perform throughout the holiday season during mall hours for the Holiday Performing Arts Festival.
The Chocolate Nutcracker (Nov. 25)
Topeka Performing Arts Center
The Chocolate Nutcracker, an urban twist on the classic ballet “The Nutcracker,” will be performed Nov. 25th at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. The Chocolate Nutcracker showcases a variety of ethnic dances, including hip hop, jazz, African contemporary, lyrical, praise dance and ballet.
Coney Island Christmas (Dec. 1-3, 8-10)
Manhattan Arts Center
Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Marguiles weaves together nostalgia, music, and merriment in the world premier of this new seasonal classic. A holiday show for people of all ages and all faiths, Coney Island Christmas introduces us to Shirley Abramowitz, a young Jewish girl who (much to her immigrant parents’ exasperation) is cast as Jesus in the school’s Christmas pageant. As Shirley, now much older, recounts the memorable story to her great-granddaughter, the play captures a timeless and universal tale of what it means to be an American during the holidays.
A Christmas Carol (Dec. 6)
McCain Auditorium
A powerful story of redemption, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” has enchanted audiences the world over with its simple message of holiday joy. Ebenezer Scrooge, that most unrepentant and miserly of fellows, is made to see the light as he survives a merciless battery of revelations by the ghosts of his own life: Jacob Marley and the Christmas spirits of Past, Present, and Future.
Ballet Midwest Presents: The Nutcracker (Dec. 8-10)
Topeka Performing Arts Center
For over 45 years, Ballet Midwest has been entertaining audiences with the magical Nutcracker Ballet set to the unforgettable score by Tchaikovsky. Join Clara at a Christmas Eve party where she receives a gift that will soon take her on a fantastic journey. Feel the joy of a Christmas Eve party, marvel at the special effects and excitement as the Nutcracker battles the Mouse King, watch as the snow falls gently in the forest and marvel as the dancers entertain you in the Kingdom of Enchantment. You don’t want to miss this Topeka holiday tradition!
Christmas Festival with the Salina Symphony (Dec. 9-10)
Stiefel Theater, Salina
The Symphony’s cherished holiday tradition continues with song and dance from the Symphony, Iron Street Dance Company, Tamara Howe School of Dance, Salina Chorale, Kansas Wesleyan University Chorale, and Salina Youth Choir. Celebrate the season with us!
A Joyful Christmas (Dec. 12)
McCain Auditorium
Jim Brickman’s captivating Christmas concert experience dazzles audiences with his signature piano style and soothing vocals. A heartwarming evening of music and laughter fill the air with the sounds of Yuletide carols, classics and all of Brickman’s biggest hits.
The Nutcracker (Dec. 16-17)
Topeka Performing Arts Center
Join Clara’s adventures with the Nutcracker Prince, his army of toy soldiers, and their plan to defeat the evil Mouse King! Enjoy this dazzling holiday classic, performed with live musical accompaniment by Topeka Symphony Orchestra. Tickets on sale.
Kansas City Chorale (Dec. 19)
McCain Auditorium
Under the direction of Charles Bruffy, the Grammy-winning Kansas City Chorale will perform in the new St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center in its first ever appearance in Manhattan. Founded in 1982, the 24-voice choir has garnered international recognition for artistic merit, having been praised for its refined sound, phrasing and flawless intonation. The Chorale will perform its beloved “Wintersong” program that features lavish choral tapestries and ethereal adaptations of favorite carols and holiday tunes, a perfect pairing to the lush cathedral acoustic and visual splendor of the new chapel at St. Isidore’s.
