Macy’s has revealed its newly decorated holiday windows (has anyone stopped long enough to figure out this year’s theme?). Festive commercials appear during breaks in the latest episodes of your primetime TV shows. Your roommate strings enough lights around the apartment to provide a secondary heat source. Yes, the holidays have officially arrived. And while you may have mixed feelings about your rising electricity bill, one thing is certain: ’tis the season for some great holiday shows on Broadway. Here’s your guide to the top holiday shows this season, what to expect, and who you should bring.
Elf the Musical
See it with: the kids, your grandparents, your date
What to expect: unapologetic cheerfulness, fun loving humor, feel good story
Song you’ll leave humming: “The Story of Buddy the Elf”
Gotta love: Buddy’s improvisational singing about how he is always…singing!
Much like the senatorial elections, the hit musical from 2 seasons past has returned for another turn on the Broadway circuit at the Al Hirschfeld, where it had its debut. Much of the original cast has returned, but a new Buddy, played by Jordan Gelber of Avenue Q renown, provides a funny new angle to the sweet but naive elf. You certainly can’t go wrong with this show, based off the Will Farrell movie of the same name. And, with humor that appeals to all ages, it’s a sure thing for the whole gang.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
See it with: the kids
What to expect: fanciful Suessian characters, slapstick humor, simple heart warming story
Song you’ll leave humming: “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”
Gotta love: the Whovians’ crazy hair
Another Broadway reprise, Grinch has made a stop on its national tour in NYC at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Certainly geared towards kids, this is one show that you’ll want a child in tow for. They’ll love the costumes, glittering sets, and silly characters. You’ll love bringing a classic children’s story to life for your kids.
A Christmas Story
See it with: your friends, your parents, your date
What to expect: Expect 1940’s edgy family drama—and a whole lot of leg lamps
Songs you’ll leave humming: “Counting Down to Christmas” and “Up on Santa’s Lap”
Gotta love: Ralphie’s song-and-dance breaks from reality
The only new holiday offering on Broadway, A Christmas Story has seasoned theater goers and newcomers alike buzzing. For those who grew up with the movie, it’s already a hit in their hearts. Surely irreverent (for the 40’s anyway) and ridiculous, many are thrilled to see this classic movie come to the stage. Definitely a great choice for a more mature holiday show you will enjoy seeing with your friends.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
See it with: anyone who is in the holiday spirit
What to expect: a big bold show, beautiful costumes and sets, and lots of high kicks
Song you’ll leave humming: Well, this show doesn’t have songs like the previous three have, but with musical numbers set to brassy renditions of much-loved holiday carols, you are sure to leave with a tune or two stuck in your head
Gotta love: those famous synchronized kick lines
An annual favorite, many know folks who go every year—or are those yearly visitors themselves. This year marks the 85th anniversary of the toe tapping classic. If you haven’t seen the show yet, this may be a great year to go. Promised to be particularly spectacular, take anyone you know—this is one show that appeals to all ages across the board.
