You have many choices for Christmas plays in Western New York but one with very high production values and a charming plot is MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLY in the beautifully appointed Shea's 710 Theatre (Main at Tupper). The story brings two likeable misfits together under the mistletoe on a lavish set.
OPENING
THE BETSY CARMICHAEL CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, interactive original comedy conceived & written by Mary Kate O’Connell & Joey Bucheker, directed by O’Connell, starring Betsy Carmichael, Dec 14-23, Fri at 8, Sat at 2 & 8, Sun at 2. Shea’s Smith Theatre, 654 Main St. (847-0850). www.oconnellandcompany.com
ONGOING
A CHRISTMAS CAROL, adapted and directed by Neal Radice, starring David C. Mitchell, James Cichocki, David G. Poole, Joyce Stilson, Roger VanDette, Emily Yancey, Lauren McGowan. Through Dec 23, Fri at 7:30, Sat at 2 & 5, Sun at 2. Alleyway Theatre, One Curtain Up Alley (852-2600). www.alleyway.com
MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY, play by Lauren Gunderson & Margot Melcon, presented by Road Less Traveled Productions, directed by Katie Mallinson, starring Alex Watts, Nick Stevens, Amy Feder, Todd Benzin, Rosa Fernandez, Darryl Semira, Brittany Bassett, Tracy Snyder. Through Dec 22, Thu at 7:30, Fri & Sat at 8, Sun at 2. Shea's 710 Theatre, 710 Main St. (1-800-745-3000). www.roadlesstraveledproductions.org
NUNCRACKERS, musical by Dan Goggin presented by O'Connell & Company, directed by Drew McCabe, starring Susana Breese, Mary Craig, Mary Moebius, Ann Mosner, Mary Kate O’Connell, Michael Starzynski. Through Dec 23. Thu-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2:30. The Park School, 4625 Harlem Road, Snyder (848-0800). www.oconnellandcompany.com
A VERY, VERY TRUMPY CHRISTMAS CAROL, adapted and directed by Todd Warfield, starring Stephanie Bax, Timothy Patrick Finnegan, A. Peter Snodgrass, Guy Tomassi. Through Dec 23, Fri & Sat at 8, plus Dec 16 & 23 at 7. Alleyway’s Main Street Cabaret, 672 Main St. (852-2600). www.alleyway.com
CLOSING
BARCELÓ ON THE ROCKS, play by Marco Antonio Rodriguez presented by Raíces Theatre Company, directed by Victoria Pérez, starring Alejandro Gabriel Gómez, Rolando Martín Gómez, Jake Hayes, Victor Morales, Dewel Pérez, Jordan Rosas. Through Dec 16, Thu at 7:30, Fri & Sat at 8, Sun at 6. Manny Fried Playhouse, 255 Great Arrow Ave. Third Floor (381-9333). www.raicestheatrecompany.com
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, based on the story by Charles M. Schulz and the television special by Melendez & Mendelson, adapted by Eric Schaeffer, presented by Theatre of Youth. Through Dec 16, Sat & Sun at 1 & 4. Allendale Theatre, 203 Allen St. (884.4400). www.theatreofyouth.org
CHRISTMAS OVER THE TAVERN, world premiere of the musical by Tom Dudzick, directed by Randall Kramer, starring Jacob Albarella, Isaac Fesmire, Samuel Fesmire, Wendy Hall, Pamela Rose Mangus, Caroline Schettler, Michael Scime. Through Dec 16, Wed & Thu at 7, Fri at 7:30, Sat at 3:30 & 7:30, Sun at 2. MusicalFare Theatre, 4380 Main St., Amherst (839-8540). www.musicalfare.com
MY THREE ANGELS, comedy by Samuel & Bella Spewack, directed by Tom Makar. Through Dec 15, Thu-Sat at 8. New Phoenix Theatre, 95 Johnson Park (853-1334). www.newphoenixtheatre.org
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
THE LADIES FOURSOME, comedy by Norm Foster presented by Desiderio’s Dinner Theatre, directed by Jay Desiderio, starring Lisa Ludwig, Maureen Porter, Susan Toomey, Lisa Hinca. Through Jan 20, evening shows arrival at 6, show at 7:30; matinee shows arrival at 1, show at 2:30. Bobby J’s Italian American Grille, 204 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga (395-3207). www.mybobbyjs.com
MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, radio-play/musical presented by American Repertory Theater, directed by Matthew LaChiusa, starring Courney Maj, Joe Russi, Derrick Reynolds, Candice Kogut, Kelly O'Hara, Joe Spahn. Dec 14-22, Fri & Sat at 8, plus Dec 15 at 4. 545 Elmwood Ave. www.artofwny.org
Listings adapted from "On the Boards" appearing in Artvoice 12/12/2018