As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us once again, it is easy to get pulled into the tide of commercialized preparations and traditions. A sure way to remove some of the stress that has become associated with the season is to enjoy some Christmas theater on Cape Cod.
All through out the Cape and the Island are festive shows at the local theaters and playhouses that will give you respite from your expanding to-do list and get you back in the true spirit of the season.
Madeline’s Christmas -this Christmas classic will have multiple showings at Dreamland, Nantucket’s Film and Cultural Center through December 7th- 17th. This delightful children’s tale of the resilient Madeline in Paris will get the whole family into the holiday spirit. Weaving a tale through devastating sickness and magic carpets, Madeline will help you count your blessings and set the mood for a magical holiday season.
Christmas Theater on Cape Cod:
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever– playing weekends through December 30th, at the Harwich Junior Theatre is based off the much-loved novel by Barbara Robinson. The heartwarming story about six misfit children who end up teaching the town the true meaning of Christmas. This heartwarming play is great for all audiences, with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. A great way to experience Christmas theater on Cape Cod and support the local talent. Matilda – The Musical plays now through December 17th, at the Cotuit Center for the Arts. This performance spins the tale of Roald Dahl’s award-winning book about a little girl with astonishing intelligence and psychokinetic powers. Performed on the main stage, there is plenty of room for high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs. Both children and adults will be delighted by this special little girl with an extraordinary wit and imagination. Dickens of a Christmas – A Christmas Carol in Harwich – the scenes of this Dicken’s classic will come to life along Main Street in Harwich from 12-6pm on Saturday December 2nd. Come join in the fun, strolling from Pilgrim Masonic Lodge to Brooks Park. After your stroll into interactive Christmas theater on Cape Codyou can find some tasty treats from the food trucks and vendors that will be at Brooks Park. After enjoying Dickens you can enjoy the Holiday Open Market or the Harwich Garden Club Holiday House. This new event is sure to become a beloved tradition of Harwich.Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol – The drama club of Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School will take on the Dickens’ classic this year in their annual dinner theater experience. Let them take you on a journey to experience Christmases past, present and future in Victorian England.
The performances on Dec. 15th- 17th will feature a three-course dinner, served prior to the show, that will be prepared and served by culinary students. Dessert will be served at special moment in the play to engage the audience in the show. The ticket cost of $50 is a bargain for a dinner and show but also supports the school.
Chatham Orpheum Theaters Special Showing – Elf – drop off the kids so they can enjoy this holiday classic while you shop during the Chatham Stroll on Dec 9th. The $10 ticket charge includes a snack pack and the proceeds go the the Chatham Elementary PTO. A great way to get the family in a festive mood while you kick-start your holiday shopping.
Check out the schedule of Holiday Movies throughout the month of December at the Orpheum– Chatham’s non-profit community theater.
Martha’s Vineyard Christmas Shows
A Polar Express – Interactive Showing –Reserve your free tickets for the December 3rd special showing of this holiday classic! The MV Film Society in collaboration with the Vineyard Haven Library will present this fun holiday event for all ages. So wear your coziest pajamas and make this a new tradition for your family, as you embark on a magical journey to the North Pole. Miracle on 34th Street – this 1947 Christmas movie classic, starring Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, will be shown at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse on December 11th at 6pm. There is a $5 admission fee. Another Christmas classic, It’s A Wonderful Life, starring with James Stewart, Donna Reed, Frank Capra will be shown the following week on December 18th. The Playhouse brings the Christmas Spirit to the big screen every year, maintaining the same low ticket price so the shows can be enjoyed by all generations.Nantucket Christmas Theater
Winter Street -will play at the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket through December 3rd. This production is a new adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand’s novel, Winter Street. The beloved Nantucket novelist introduces us to the Quinn Family and follows them through the holidays with a couple of festive weddings and of course kept exciting with births, deaths and love – new love, old love, passionate love, but most importantly love! This new Hilderbrand adaptation of the Quinns is sure to become a Nantucket holiday favorite.A Sherlock Carol-This year the White Heron Theatre welcomes full cast of the original New York production of A Sherlock Carol to perform a dramatic reading of the overlay of Sherlock Holmes with Charles Dickens’ beloved tale of A Christmas Carol. The only 2 performances will be held December 2-3rd, on the weekend of the Nantucket Stroll.
If you come early, you will enjoy some hot cider, cookies and good cheer at the White Heron Theatre.