San Diego theaters have lined up a bounty of seasonal stage shows designed to delight even the biggest humbugs. Here’s a look at what’s already opened and what’s coming soon.
Cast members of Genesis Opera Theatre’s 2022 production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” a one-act opera about a poor boy’s encounter with the wise kings of Bethlehem. (Genesis Opera Theatre)
‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’
Genesis Opera Theatre presents Gian-Carlo Menotti’s 1951 one-act, English-language Christmas opera inspired by the story of a poor disabled boy who meets three wise kings on their way to meet the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The production is directed by Cynthia Leigh with musical direction by Abraham Fabella. 7 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20; 3 p.m. Dec. 21. Trinity Episcopal Church, 845 Chestnut St., Escondido. $30.95-$41.95. genesisoperatheatre.com
‘Black Nativity’
Common Ground Theatre’s artistic director Yolanda Marie Franklin directs this theatrical reimagination of Langston Hughes’ all-Black adaptation of the Nativity story with live gospel music from Eddie Baltrip and the Fulfillment choir. 6 p.m. Dec. 12; 3 and 6 p.m. Dec. 13; 3 p.m. Dec. 14. Morse High School Theater, 6905 Skyline Drive, San Diego. $15-$35. commongroundtheatre.com
CAT Christmas Story
Community Actors Theatre presents its annual holiday children’s program. Written and directed by Marvell Bryant and Kimberly Coburn, it’s a drama featuring actors ages 7 to 15 learning how the spirit of Christmas season is about honesty, faith and teamwork. 7 p.m. Dec. 11-13; 3 p.m. Dec. 14. 2957 54th St., San Diego. $10. 619-581-2634. communityactorstheatre.com
A scene from Cygnet Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol,” which made its debut at The Joan on Nov. 26. (Karli Cadel)
‘A Christmas Carol’
Cygnet Theatre pesents its 10th anniversary production of Dickens’ redemptive holiday tale, this time with Patrick McBride taking over the role of the miserly Victorian money-lender Ebenezer Scrooge, at the company new home theater, The Joan. Charles Dickens’ holiday novella was adapted for the stage and directed by Cygnet artistic director Sean Murray, with lyrics by Murray and original music by Billy Thompson. It features sing-along Christmas carols, puppetry, humor, dancing and special effects. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 24. Joseph Clayes III Theater, The Joan. $73. 619-337-1525. cygnettheatre.com
The cast of San Diego Musical Theatre’s “A Christmas Story” musical. (Julie Licari)
‘A Christmas Story’
San Diego Musical Theatre brings back this holiday musical adaptation of the beloved 1983 film about Ralphie, a precocious boy in 1940 Indiana who dreams of getting a a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. This will be the second time the company will produce the popular show. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through Dec. 28. SDMT Stage, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego. $30-$75. 858-560-5740, sdmt.org
Coronado Playhouse Holiday Cabaret
Coronado Playhouse presents its annual holiday concert featuring sing-along favorites, directed by Desha Crownover Suited for all ages. 7 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20. 2 p.m. Dec. 21. 1835 Strand Way, Coronado. $14-$24. 619-435-4856, coronadoplayhouse.org
‘Cygnet’s A Magical Holiday Celebration!’
Cygnet Theatre’s education and outreach director Carlos Mendoza presents this holiday song-and-dance show for all ages at Cygnet Theatre’s new home, The Joan. Inspired by the annual Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, the high-energy show will feature performances of songs including “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “Feliz Navidad” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Runs Dec. 10 through 28. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Dottie Studio Theatre, The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District, Liberty Station, San Diego. $83. 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.org
‘Dickens Unscripted’
IMPRO Theatre presents this holiday comedy inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” A troupe of actors will perform an improvised version of the classic story from audience suggestions. 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $50. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org
Sofia Barredo as Cindy-Lou Who and Andrew Polec in this year’s production “The Grinch in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” at The Old Globe. (Jim Cox)
‘Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’
The Old Globe’s 28th annual production of this holiday classic will once again star Andrew Polec, who returns for his fifth year in the title role, with a nearly all-new cast of principal actors as the grown-up citizens of Whoville. Based on a 1957 children’s book by the late La Jolla author Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel, the musical by Timothy Mason and Mel Marvin premiered in 1994 at a children’s theater in Minneapolis. In 1998, it moved to the Old Globe, where artistic director Jack O’Brien worked with Geisel’s widow, Audrey Geisel, to add music from the famous 1966 animated TV version and a storybook-come-to-life scenic and costume design. It’s been an annual tradition ever since. Now playing through Dec. 31. Showtimes vary, but mostly 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $51 and up. 619-234-5623. theoldglobe.org
‘A Drag Queen Christmas’
Murray & Peter presents this 11th anniversary tour hosted by Nina West. Some of the rotating cast members takin gpart in this holiday spectacular are Lexi Love, Shea Coulee, Jewels Sparkles, Crystal Methyd, Suzie Toot, Brooke Lynn Hytes, and Lydia B. Kollins. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $49.50 and up. sandiegotheatres.org
A scene from The Old Globe’s “Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show.” (Rich Soublet II)
‘Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show’
The Old Globe brings back its fast-paced comedic take on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” which was first presented at the Globe in 2019. Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, it’s an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Victorian novella about miserly Ebenezer Scrooge’s Christmas morning redemption, re-set in San Diego with music, comedy and all of the time-traveling ghosts and other characters for which the story is known. Show times vary but generally 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through Dec. 28. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $70 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org
Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado will bring back its long-running “Festival of Christmas” series of holiday musical plays with an all-new script on Dec. 3. (Lamb’s Players Theatre)
‘Festival of Christmas: Let it Be Christmas’
Over the past 47 years, Lamb’s Players Theatre’s associate artistic director Kerry Meads has written dozens of original holiday plays with music under the collective title “Festival of Christmas.” This year’s all-new script, “Let it Be Christmas,” will feature a cast of 11 Lamb’s veteran performers presenting a mix of Christmas stories in the styles of Shakespeare, Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, as well as a mix of sacred, secular, classics and pop songs and music. Opens Wednesday and runs through Dec. 28. 7 Tuesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m.Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. $49-$98. 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org
Ginger Minj, winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10, brings her holiday show to La Jolla Dec. 5 and 6. (Magnus Hastings)
Ginger Minj’s Holiday Spectacular
Ginger Minj, winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10, is bringing her holiday show to La Jolla. The event will include campy holiday classic songs, costumes, humor and decor. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6. Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla. $30-$80. artpower.ucsd.edu/event/ginger-minj-holidayspectacular/
‘Giving Season’
Write Out Loud presents an afternoon of live readings of seasonal stories and poetry inspired by the light and joy of the holidays. 7 p.m. Dec. 15. The Dottie Studio Theater, The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District Liberty Station, San Diego. $10-$25. 619-297-8953, writeoutloud.net
‘Hauntings of the Holidays’
Write Out Loud will present readings of eerie Christmas ghost stories as a re-creation of the English Victorian Christmas tradition. Actors dressed in Victorian attire will present the stories at the Villa Montezuma Museum, an historic Queen Anne Victorian masion in Sherman Heights. 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14. 1925 K St., San Diego. writeoutloudsd.com
‘How to Write a Holiday’
North Coast Repertory Theatre will host a reading of of a new comedy written and directed by Rachael VanWormer and Omri Schein about a holiday family weekend gone horribly wrong. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $25. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org
Writers, actors, comedians and drag queens Jinkx and DeLa will present “The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show” on Dec. 18 at the Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego. (Mettie Ostrowski)
‘The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show’
Writers, actors, comedians and drag queens Jinkx and DeLa return with their holiday comedy show, featuring spectacle, comedy, storytelling, dance numbers and costumes. 7 p.m. Dec. 18. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $65.30 and up. sandiegotheatres.org
Filmmaker John Waters brings his annual “A John Waters Christmas” solo comedy show to Lou Lou’s Jungle Room at the Lafayette Hotel in San Diego on Dec. 8 and 9. (John Waters)
‘A John Waters Christmas’
The eccentric filmmaker of “Hairspray” and “Pink Flamingos” returns to San Diego with his annual 90-minute solo show filled with Christmas memories, biting satire and comedy, followed by a post-show Q&A. Only bar seating is still available for sale. 8 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9. Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, the Lafayette Hotel, 2225 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego $90. loulous.turntabletickets.com
‘La Pastorela: A Shepherd’s Tale’
Teatro Máscara Mágica will present Timothy Paul Evans’ 37th anniversary pastorela play about the shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem on the first Christmas. The bilingual faith-based play will be performed mostly in English with Christmas carols sung in Spanish in two locations. 7 p.m. Wednesday through Dec. 6 at El Salon Cultural Center, 114 W. Hall Ave., San Ysidro. Also at 7 p.m. Dec. 18-23 and 2 p.m. Dec. 20-21 at Southwestern College Performing Arts Center, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista. $10-$25. 619-987-5616, tickettailor.com/events/teatromscaramgica.
Broadway San Diego will persent the touring circus theater show “A Magical Cirque Christmas” on Dec. 28 at the Balboa Theatre. (A Magical Cirque Christmas)
‘A Magical Cirque Christmas’
Broadway San Diego presents this touring cirque-style holiday show with acrobatics and feats of agility, holiday songs, dancing and more. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $72 and up. sandiegotheatres.org
San Diego cabaret and musical theater performer Erica Marie Weisz will present her “Mistletoe Melodies” solo show in December at two local theaters. (Erica Marie Weisz)
‘Mistletoe Melodies’ with Erica Marie!
San Diego musical theater performer Erica Marie Weisz presents her jazz-and-classics holiday cabaret show at two local theaters in December. 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15 at Scripps Ranch Theatre, Legler Benbough Theatre, Alliant International University, 9783 Avenue of Nations, San Diego. $25. scrippsranchtheatre.org. Also at 6 p.m. Dec. 18-20. White Family Stage, New Village Arts, 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $28-$33. 760-433-3245, newvillagearts.org
‘Mrs. Claus’ Holiday Hullaba-Two: Holly Jollywood’
Patio Playhouse Community Theatre presents this new Christmas show with a cast of 40 young actors. When a producer plans to film a Netflix-style holiday special at the North Pole, the elves pack their bags for Hollywood. Runs Thursday through 14. 7 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. 201 E. Grand Ave., Suite 1D, Escondido. $12.62-$17.82. 760-746-6669, patioplayhouse.com
‘Movin’ Merrily Right Along: A Christmas Tribute to Jim Henson’
Oceanside Theatre Company presents Tafolla Productions’ holiday musical tribute to the music of The Muppets, Sesame Street and more, with songs, comedy and puppetry. 8 p.m. Dec. 5. Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside. $28-$43. 760-433-8900, oceansidetheatre.org
“Stubby Pringle’s Christmas”
Trinity Theatre Company’s Playwrights Saloon presents a reading of Jack Schaefer’s cowboy Christmas musical play about a young wrangler with a big heart who makes an unforgettable Christmas Eve ride. 7 p.m. Dec. 9. Trinity Theatre, Mission Valley shopping center, 1640 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 129, San Diego. Pay what you can tickets start at $10. trinityttc.org