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 Chaster (Nov. 9)
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. 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 Christmas Story: The Musical (Dec. 10)
McCain Auditorium
Following a successful Broadway run garnering three 2013 Tony Award nominations including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical (Joseph Robinette) and Best Original Score (Benj Pasek and Justin Paul), along with six Drama Desk nominations, and two Outer Critics Circle nominations, “A Christmas Story, The Musical,” returns as a National Tour for yet another year!
The Chocolate Nutcracker (Nov. 22)
Topeka Performing Arts Center
“The Chocolate Nutcracker Midwest” an urban re-telling of the classic ballet. Two performances will be performed at the Topeka Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Nov. 22, 3PM and 7:30PM. “The Chocolate Nutcracker” showcases a variety of dances, including hip hop, jazz, African contemporary, lyrical, praise dance and ballet.
Ballet Midwest Presents: The Nutcracker (Dec. 12-14)
Topeka Performing Arts Center
Christmas Festival with the Salina Symphony (Dec. 13-14)
Stiefel Theater, Salina
The Symphony’s cherished holiday tradition continues with the Christmas Festival! Multi-talented vocalist, instrumentalist, and composer Andrew Lipke will return to Salina to conduct and perform. The concert will also feature festive song and dance from Iron Street Dance Company, Tamara Howe School of Dance, Salina Chorale, Kansas Wesleyan University Chorale, and Salina Symphony Youth Choir. Celebrate the season with us!
The Nutcracker (Dec. 20-21)
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. 7)
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.
