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.
Flint Hills Children Choir (Dec. 4)
McCain Auditorium
Celebrating its 10th Anniversary Season, The Flint Hills Children’s Choir (FHCC), is excited to present “Happy Holidays from the Little Apple,” and honored to feature members of Bates Dance Studios and the Manhattan Youth Symphony. With membership now over 100, FHCC singers represent the communities of Clay Center, Manhattan, Olsburg, Riley, Saint George, Wamego, and Westmoreland.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical (Nov. 25)
Topeka Performing Arts Center
In 1964, the beloved stop-motion animated television classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, made its network television debut and has been delighting audiences across the country for over 50 years. Projections, costumes and characters are faithfully brought to the stage against a backdrop of nostalgic set designs. The 12-foot-plus-tall Abominable Snow Monster is jaw-dropping. The cast brings high energy to classic songs and dialogue, while irresistible and loveable puppets highlight the charming “roughness” from the television show’s stop-motion effects.
The Chocolate Nutcracker (Dec 6)
Topeka Performing Arts Center
“The Chocolate Nutcracker,” an urban twist on the classic ballet will be performed Dec. 6 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.
Holiday Movie Night: Elf (Dec. 6)
Manhattan Arts Center
Come enjoy this HUGE holiday-themed major motion picture! We’ll have snacks and beverages for the whole family. You can dress up if you’d like, and even bring some pillows and blankets!
Ballet Midwest Presents: The Nutcracker (Dec. 13-15)
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!
The Nutcracker with the Salina Symphony and Ballet (Dec. 14-15)
Stiefel Theater, Salina
Enter the world of childlike imagination with Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet, The Nutcracker. Enjoy a magical experience watching Clara and the Nutcracker grace the stage as the Salina Symphony and more than 80 dancers bring Tchaikovsky’s masterful score to life. This beloved story of a young girl’s Christmas Eve dream never fails to touch the heart and is sure to create a lasting memory for the whole family!
Manheim Steamroller Christmas (Dec. 19)
McCain Auditorium
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for more than 35 years! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects — capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.
Stage Reading of “Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge” (Dec. 20)
Manhattan Arts Center
“Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge” is a holiday parody of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens that focuses on the character of Mrs. Bob Cratchit. The play is a wild and funny take on the classic story, with parodies of Oliver Twist, The Gift of the Magi, and It’s a Wonderful Life. The Ghost’s powers go haywire, and Scrooge and Mrs. Bob seem to be falling in love.
The Nutcracker (Dec. 21-22)
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. Each year, we are proud to feature student dancers from Kansas Ballet Academy along with visiting guest artists.
Festival of Holiday Music (Dec. 8)
St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center
The K-State Choirs’ annual tradition featuring Concert Choir, Collegiate Chorale, Univeristy Treble Choir, Collegium Musicum, and In-A-Choird.
