Holiday performing arts capture magic of the season
The sights and sounds of Christmas are magical, and there’s no better way to bring the enchantment of the season to life than by enjoying one of Nebraska’s holiday performances. For many families it wouldn’t be Christmas without attending the annual performance of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” at the Omaha Community Playhouse. The spectacular costumes, enchanting music and fabulous special effects make the production ideal for the whole family. The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company will bring the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” to life once again at the Lied Center for Performing Arts. This timeless ballet features nearly 200 young dancers from southeastern Nebraska in a performance that also features the Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s famous score. Local child actors take the stage for a production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Lincoln’s Haymarket Theatre, while the Lincoln Community Playhouse revisits a simpler time with Laura Ingalls and her family in “A Little House Christmas.” For a modern interpretation of Christmas classics, Nebraska’s own Mannheim Steamroller offers its dazzling multimedia music show at Lincoln’s Lied Center for Performing Arts and at Omaha’s Orpheum Theater.
Omaha’s Rose Theater offers two holiday productions for children this year, beginning with everyone’s favorite schoolgirl in the yellow hat, Madeline, who finds fun and festivities in France in “Madeline’s Christmas.” Debuting Dec. 26, “Ticket to Toyland” introduces a magical elf with a dire message—Santa’s in trouble! Little ones will love this tale of a girl and her little brother helping save Toyland and Christmas. Kids of all ages (and plenty of adults) will enjoy a piece of the Big Apple in the Big O when “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” returns to the Orpheum. The award-winning Broadway smash will have audiences dancing in their seats and singing along to memorable tunes such as “Be Our Guest.” Theaters all over the state will treat visitors to magical performances, and you can find those dates at VisitNebraska.com.
