The holidays are square upon us, which means it’s time to get in the mood through theatrical performances put on by our fellow LGBTs. Here is a quick roundup of other holiday-themed shows you won’t want to miss this season. Of course, times are subject to change without notice, so check websites or call ahead beforehand.
See the full list after the jump:
CENTRAL FLORIDA
The Eight Reindeer Monologues
Nov. 23-Dec. 6 at the Historic State Theatre, Eustis
Tickets are $7-12 at EustisBaystreetPlayers.org or 352-357-7777
Have you ever wondered what those reindeer really think about their boss? In Eight Reindeer Monologues, a dark comedy by Jeff Goode, it turns out the North Pole is an epicenter of scandal. One of the reindeer accuses Santa of harassment and makes headlines, which prompts the other seven to share their horrifying tales of life on top of the world.
This show is not for the young. There are adult themes and language, so leave the little ones at home.
Home for the Holidays concert
Nov. 29
Florida Opera Theatre
FlOperaTheatre.org or 407-718-4365
Join the Florida Opera Theatre for its annual holiday concert, dubbed “Home for the Holidays,” this year. The Theatre, based in Orlando, is of course performing all year long, but the holiday concert is one not to be missed. Visit FlOperaTheatre.org or call 407-718-4365 for details and tickets.
A Christmas Carol
Nov. 30-Dec. 21
Theatre Downtown
407-841-0083 or TheatreDowntown.net
A traditional telling of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, returns to Theatre Downtown for the 14th straight year. And this year is extra special, since the theater company will be relocating in 2015.
A Christmas Carol
Dec. 3-28, Shakespeare Theater
407-447-1700 or OrlandoShakes.org
Nine actors bring Dickens’ classic to life in an enchanting new production. The miserly and miserable Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with a “bah humbug” until he is visited by the three ghosts of Christmas. The familiar tale gets the Shakespearian treatment and revitalizes a true Christmas classic.
Naughty and Nice
Dec. 13 and 14, Plaza Live
OrlandoGayChorus.org
Join the Orlando Gay Chorus as it celebrates the joy and beauty of the holidays with song, dance, faith and fun. But before the evening ends, expect a magic sleigh ride with some naughty little elves who want to get into some mischief before Santa’s big night.
TAMPA BAY
The Manhattan Transfer Christmas
Dec. 13, Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
727-791-7400 or RuthEckerdHall.com
World-renowned harmony group The Manhattan Transfer returns to Clearwater performing holiday classics. With numerous GRAMMY® Awards under their belt and millions of albums sold worldwide, The Manhattan Transfer is arguably the most successful vocal harmony group of all time.
Broadway Lights, Holiday Nights
Dec. 12-14, The Palladium, St. Petersburg; HCC, Tampa
Una-Voce.org or 727-560-6044
Only one thing could top an amazing holiday celebrated on Broadway, and that’s the wonderful music, drama, excitement, and entertaining antics of Broadway Lights, Holiday Nights! Join Una Voce: The Florida Men’s Chorale as it presents an original holiday program that takes us to New York City. Watch in amazement as a wide-eyed child and a stage-struck elf share a hilarious and heart-warming adventure as they frolic through the sights, sounds, tastes and thrills of “The Great White Way.”
SARASOTA
A Christmas Story: The Musical
Dec. 3-14, The Players Theatre
ThePlayers.org or 941-365-2494
Everyone grew up with A Christmas Story—whether it was on the big screen or on repeated play in the VCR. The beloved, inappropriate and hilarious film set in 1940s Indiana became a cult classic. Now, the story of Ralphie and his quest for a Red Rider BB gun is a stage musical. And remember that hideous leg-lamp? Expect to see plenty of that from the stage in this production.
A Scrumptious Holiday
Dec. 5 & 7, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center
DiversitySarasota.org or 888-550-6279
Join Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota, as the chorus explores the tasty side of the holidays during its annual holiday concert held within Holley Hall at the Beatrice Freidman Symphony Center. Expect a few laughs and a few moving numbers throughout the night that is typically a mix of traditional and outrageous.
DAYTONA
Bah Humbug Radio
Dec. 19-21, Daytona Playhouse
DaytonaPlayhouse.org or 386-255-2431
Enjoy the retelling of a classic Christmas story from the inside of a radio station! In Bah Humbug Radio, the cast tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim, but adds sound effects from the stage—just like in a 1930s/1940s radio broadcast. Expect a lot of caroling and surprises—was Tiny Tim really that good of a kid?—in addition to funny anecdotes of this behind-the-scenes-style presentation of A Christmas Carol.
