The Best Holiday Plays for Families
Christmas and Holiday Shows That Children and Parents Will Love
Nov 6, 2009
For families on a budget, the theater is not always the most common form of entertainment. Taking the children to see a show is a luxury for many families because of the high cost of tickets, and during the regular season many theaters present shows that would not be appropriate for young children.
Fortunately around the holidays, everything changes. Shows become less expensive and sometimes even free, specials are offered for children, and many shows become not only family-friendly, but perfect options for parents tired from the holiday bustle.
The following shows come out every holiday season and can make for favorite family pastimes. In addition, they are so common that it is very likely any nearby city or town will be producing them.
Holiday Plays and Shows for Families
One of the most popular Western ballets in the world, Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker is not only appropriate for children, it is about them. Its young cast, familiar music and basic plot make this show accessible to all family members, regardless of age. It is performed during the holidays by professional troupes, community ballet groups and touring ballet companies.
Charles Dickens' classic novella A Christmas Carol has been brought to life since its first publication, when Dickens personally read the piece to captive audiences. It has been performed as a musical, a one-man show and as a religious piece. With so many different adaptations, the show can vary greatly from year to year. Depending on the production, some elements can also be scary for young children, such as the portrayal of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. To be certain the piece is family-friendly, parents should call the theater before making reservations.
A 1946 film classic starring Jimmy Stewart, It's a Wonderful Life spurred two stage adaptations. The musical version is typically more common in regional theaters, while the two-act play version is the adaptation most commonly performed in community theaters. While the play is framed by the dark theme of suicide, most families find that its lessons on gratitude, joy and the value of life are what children take away from the show.
Based off of Barbara Robinson's book of the same title, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a popular children's play that centers around the Herdman children – six delinquents who find themselves cast in a church Christmas pageant. It is a common holiday choice for community theaters and children theaters, as it offers many roles for young actors.
Regional Shows and Other Community Events During the Holidays
For families that live in or near large cities, regional shows can make great memories. Many performing arts centers partner with famous performers to host a Christmas show at their venue. To find out what is available in a particular region, families can call local performing arts centers and convention centers, check their websites, or search for their location through Ticketmaster. These shows can be quite costly for large families, who should consider matinees and weekday performances. Scholarships are also sometimes made available during the holidays. Individual theaters can offer more information on cost-saving options.
Most communities also have a number of other holiday shows available for a very low price or for free. Many churches and schools host Christmas pageants. Towns and cities have holiday light shows and tree lightings. Usually these community events offer musical entertainment, but many also offer arts and crafts and holiday foods such as gingerbread cookies and hot cider. Families should check local news for events that might make for out-of-the-ordinary, inexpensive holiday traditions.
If a family cannot afford to take everyone out for a show, or prefers to celebrate a holiday not often represented in the theaters, or enjoys being adventurous, it is not difficult for the family members to direct their own holiday play or entertainment. Performances could be a small family event, or suitable for a volunteer day at a local nursing home or shelter. If created with love, a homemade play could soon become a family's favorite holiday show.
Plays and Shows as Christmas Traditions
Because of their availability and affordability, Christmas and holiday shows can serve as a great family tradition. They capture the imagination, entertain the whole family, and can be a special treat that children look forward to each year. Most importantly, they offer a chance for families to take a break, get away and be together when the holidays get stressful. To find out more information, and to get the best deals, parents should call their regional arts centers, local theaters, schools or churches ahead of time.
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