By Kristen Nevarez Schweizer
November 24, 2024
‘Tis the season for gathering in homes and theaters. Here’s my personal (and thus theatre-heavy) round-up of the city’s best holiday options. Spoilers – this list includes four versions of A Christmas Carol because, in my choice of eggnog-laden fever dreams, I’ll always choose three ghosts over a dozen mice.
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story told by Jefferson Mays
This is at the top of my list because, obviously: Jefferson Mays. The celebrated, oft-awarded actor has been described as a tour-de-force for his ability to play multiple characters distinctly. He’s a UC San Diego alumnus who returns to The Old Globe after originating in the lead role of their 2013 Tony Award-winning musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. I’ve adored Mays since I Am My Own Wife at the La Jolla Playhouse.
In this one-man Christmas Carol, Mays will play more than 50 roles. (No, that is not a typo: FIFTY!) Artistic Director Barry Edelstein directs. Expect to be dazzled.
The Old Globe | December 12 – 22 | $64 – $96 (Broadway taping on Amazon Prime)
Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play
The black-and-white movie is better live than in Technicolor, with a full cast of local gems, original carols, and live Foley effects. Opening night is already sold out, but there are plenty more performances and you can catch a sneak peek on their Insta. Plus, their Carlsbad location is the most charming spot for a sunset-dinner-and-a-show type evening.
New Village Arts | November 22 – December 24 | Tip: Go early for Pay-What-You-Wish previews
San Diego Opera: Making Merry
Soprano Alisa Jordheim and San Diego Civic organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez will join the San Diego Opera Chorus. Audiences of all ages are invited to sit back in delight or join in on the sing-a-long. San Diego Opera is a gift to our city, and this is an accessible entry point for newbies to the art form to consider subscribing in 2025.
San Diego Opera | December 7 | $23 – $163
An (Updated) Christmas Carol
As is tradition, Cygnet will perform its annual production of A Christmas Carol, and thankfully, artistic director Sean Murray returns as the lead. (Murray elevates every production in which he acts, and I’m still giggling about his 2023 performance in Present Laughter.) The 2024 storyline will feature original music and an updated script. Note, this is the last year in their Old Town location before its big move.
Cygnet Theatre | November 29 – December 24 | $39 – $73
Charlie Brown Jingles & Jazz
San Diego icon Peter Sprague spins his compositional expertise into the soundtrack of the beloved television special: A Charlie Brown Christmas. Sprague, who often uses a twin-neck guitar, brings skill and imagination to the beloved songbook.
CAMARADA | December 21 | $28 – $98
Black Nativity: A Soulful Celebration of Joy
Langston Hughes’ holiday musical features jazz, gospel, soul, and spoken words with special guest appearances by local clergy. Plus, anything directed by executive artistic director Yolanda Marie Franklin is bound to be good.
Common Ground Theatre | December 15 | $20 – $35
Your Local Theater Presents…A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again.
La Jolla Playhouse being La Jolla Playhouse presents a world premiere play to the 2024 holiday offerings. Anna Ouyang Moench (Netflix’s “Beef” and Apple TV+ “Severence”) penned a biting adult comedy following a Juilliard-trained actor who grudgingly spends every holiday season in a Christmas Carol production, working his way from bit parts until finally playing Scrooge. By the way, their new parking structure is up.
La Jolla Playhouse | November 24 – December 15 | $30 – $91
San Diego Symphony: Elf in Concert
The family-focused screening of Will Ferrell’s ridiculous, delightful film will be accompanied live, with conductor Bruce Kiesling at the helm. Best of all, it is held at the stunning new Jacobs Music Center.
San Diego Symphony | December 21 | $47 – $109
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)
This dizzying holiday comedy smashes every Christmas tale and season tradition into one show. Did I mention it’s only three actors? For those who love community theatre, this is one of my favorites.
Patio Playhouse Community Theatre | November 14 – December 8 | $10 – $15
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Obviously, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (running through December 31, $74+) is happening for the twenty-seventh year at The Old Globe. The fourth-time-is-the-charm star Andrew Polec is incredible, so I wrote him a love letter, I mean, a feature article. Yes, one might need to sell a kidney to afford the tickets, but at least your heart will grow three sizes.
