You don’t need to be a plan-in-advance type to enjoy all the exciting shows and theatre performances this holiday season. In fact, all you need is Goldstar. We discovered a bevy of family-friendly events that are still available on Goldstar! The best part? They’re all offered at a discount. Read on for our picks that won’t break the bank.
The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker: Debbie Allen’s Modern Spin on the Holiday Classic
Actress, dancer and choreographer Debbie Allen’s fun, fresh spin on The Nutcracker returns for the sixth year—this time at L.A.’s grand Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker (a two-time Goldstar National Nutcracker Award winner) gives the seasonal favorite a rich new cultural context and updated characters, and features a lively contemporary score with original songs from multiple-Grammy winner Mariah Carey, Arturo Sandoval, James Ingram and others. Little ones will have no trouble following along thanks to the narration by three wisecracking mice: Harvey, Schmink and Buckey. Allen herself, along with Raven Symone, Carlo Imperato, Tichina Arnold and Rasta Thomas, appears in this fun holiday musical adventure.
Where: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles
When: Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Cost: $32-$75 (regularly $64-$124)
Disney On Ice presents Frozen Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt
Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond all imagination at Disney On Ice presents Frozen. You’ll be magically whisked away into the wintry world of Arendelle, where you will be dazzled by amazing special effects and astonishing skating. Sing and dance along to inspiring songs, including “Let It Go.” Join royal sisters Anna and Elsa, the hilarious snowman Olaf, Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven and the mystical trolls as they journey to discover that true love is ultimately the most magical power of all! Hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, with special guest appearances by your most beloved Disney princesses and characters from favorites like Disney*Pixar’s Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Disney’s The Lion King.
Where: Honda Center of Anaheim, Anaheim
When: Dec. 17 at 10:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $34-$39
Queen Mary’s CHILL: Ice Tubing and the Incredible Ice Kingdom
The Queen Mary Dome transforms into a 13,000-square-foot igloo called The Ice Kingdom – where Charles Dickens’ classic novel, A Christmas Carol, comes to life with over two million pounds of ice at this year’s CHILL holiday event. Created by an international team of expert ice carvers and enhanced with stunning sound, lights and colors for a captivating experience unlike any other, The Ice Kingdom takes visitors through the frozen streets of London as they follow Ebenezer Scrooge to discover the meaning of Christmas.
Where: Queen Mary, Long Beach
When: Nov. 20, 2015-Jan. 10, 2016
Cost: $17.50-$22.50 (regularly $34.99-$44.99)
CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE
Peter Pan and Tinker Bell: A Pirates Christmas
Step into The Pasadena Playhouse and embark on a wild quest with Tinker Bell, Wendy and Peter Pan, as they try to put a stop to the plot of some dastardly pirates who plan to kidnap Peter as a present to Captain Hook. Filled with big laughs, magic, dancers from So You Think You Can Dance and contemporary songs by everyone from Taylor Swift to the Bee Gees, this family show has something for everyone.
Where: The Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena
When: select dates and times Dec. 10-19
Cost: $25-$62 (regularly $34-$77)
Long Beach Ballet’s The Nutcracker with Full Symphony Orchestra
This stunning version of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet by artistic director David Wilcox has been a Southern Californian holiday favorite for 32 years. Accompanied by full symphony orchestra, the Long Beach Nutcracker also boasts sparkling sets and costumes, a cast of over 200, dazzling pyrotechnics and magic effects, along with a special appearance by Rebel, Long Beach Ballet’s gorgeous white Arabian horse.
Where: Long Beach Performing Arts Center, Terrace Theater, Long Beach
When: select dates and times Dec. 12-20
Cost: $17-$61.20 (regularly $31-$68)
ELF The Musical
ELF The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Based on the beloved film starring Will Ferrell, this musical adaptation co-written by the three-time Tony winner behind The Producers broke box office records on Broadway.
Where: Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks
When: Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $41.25 (regularly $55)
The Magic of Christmas Starring The Young Americans
The talented college-age singers and dancers of the Young Americans are back with The Magic of Christmas, the annual yuletide musical designed to make your season merry. Some 250 Young Americans, performers ages 18-24 from 39 states and 14 countries, come together for this annual production, boasting more than 6,000 costumes and 45-foot high LED walls. This year’s spectacular is set to include holiday-themed musical numbers ranging from hip-hopping penguins and dancing Santas to scenes based on the Nutcracker, Polar Express and classical favorites, like Handel’s Messiah.
Where: La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, La Mirada CA
When: Dec. 16 at 8 p.m., Dec. 17 at 8 p.m., Dec. 18 at 2 p.m.
Cost: $20-$26 (regularly $33-$40)
The Giving Tree: A Play Inspired by Shel Silverstein’s Classic Story
You and your children will love Los Angeles Children’s Theater’s live re-creation of Shel Silverstein’s touching and tender storybook parable The Giving Tree. The classic children’s book is about the simple gifts nature offers each of us. Through a boy and a loving apple tree, Silverstein’s story follows the seasons of life from young child to old age, from joyous youth to self-centered adolescence, from somber adulthood to bittersweet old age. Each stage of love, loss, heartache and heartbreak is expressed through words, gestures, dance and music that will delight people of all ages.
Where: The Little Theater, Los Angeles
When: Nov. 14 & Nov. 15 at 4 p.m.
Cost: $7.50 (regularly $15)
What shows will you buy tickets to? Have you seen any of these performances before? Leave a comment below!
copy adapted from Goldstar; photos courtesy of Goldstar
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