One Voice
If you have yet to experience the ethereal pipes of the Vienna Choir Boys, here’s your shot this year. On Dec. 1, this incomparable institution brings its seasonal classics, oratorios, traditional Viennese waltzes and folk songs to the Kimmel Center for an annual holiday concert. Founded in 1498 as a six-member group to entertain Emperor Maximilian I, the ensemble sang exclusively for the court, at Mass and private concerts and functions, and on state occasions until 1918. Now expanded to about 100 members, the Vienna Choir Boys are divided into four touring groups that perform upwards of 300 times a year for almost a half-million people. A non-profit organization financed through concerts, recordings and private donations, they cover a wide range of styles, from medieval to contemporary to experimental. 3 p.m. $35-$75. Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St. Call (215) 893-1999 or visit kimmelcenter.org.
Crunch Time
ContempraDance Theatre’s Philly Nutt Crak-Up puts a unique spin on a well-known holiday favorite. This campy, crazy and exciting Nutcracker spoof by the Wayne-based troupe combines ballet, hip-hop, jazz and modern dance with witty references to local places, personalities, foods and skylines. A rapping Sugarplum Fairy serves as emcee, and Liberty Belle Anne steps in for our young protagonist, Clara. You’ll love the nerdy cheese-steak delivery guy (a.k.a. Captain Philadelphia), the City Hall Dolls, Barbie, Sugar Plum, Princess Lai and Jaylo. Running Dec. 14-16, the production involves 28 kids—which makes for a great Q&A session at matinee performances—and features music by Fatboy Slim, James Brown, Leonard Bernstein, Tchaikovsky and many others. $22-$28. Post-reception wine and cheese party Dec. 14; $50, includes opening-night performance; call (610) 225-3007. Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., Philadelphia. Call (215) 925-9914 or visit contempradance.com.
Flashy Pan
Walnut Street Theatre’s new production of J.M. Barrie’s classic Peter Pan will have parents and kids thinking happy thoughts through Jan. 6. Follow Peter Pan, Wendy, John, Michael and Captain Hook as they soar their way through Neverland and back again. Peter Pan is brought to life by Cary Michele Miller, recently featured as Carrie Pipperidge in the Walnut’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel. For its younger talent, the Walnut embarked on an extensive audition process, assembling a cast that features many Main Line children. Double-cast in the role of Michael Darling are Conor O’Brien of Bala Cynwyd and Dante Mignucci of Havertown. The troupe of Lost Boys includes Matt Bedenko of Media, Thomas McDonald of Wayne and Danny Rapuano of Narberth. Set designer Robert Kovach’s concepts are a visual masterpiece of oceans, pirate ships, forests and cityscapes. $10-$115. 825 Walnut St., Philadelphia. visit walnutstreettheatre.org or call (215) 574-3550.
For more upcoming events, see our Calendar.
