Stranger Than Fiction to perform ‘What the Dickens: An Improvised Christmas Carol’
PORTSMOUTH — Take a break from the hectic holiday season for some laughs! There are multiple opportunities to catch What the Dickens: an Improvised Christmas Carol, put on by the Seacoast’s premier improv comedy troupe Stranger Than Fiction.
The 2024 season marks the third year Stranger Than Fiction has performed this unique rendition of the holiday cult classic, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future – just with a fun, improvised twist.
Make a plan to see this nostalgic and hilarious show on one of the following:
Players’ Ring, 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth: Sunday, Nov. 24 and Sunday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.
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Newmarket Millspace, 55 Main St., Newmarket: Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.
Nasson Little Theater, 457 Main St., Springvale, Maine: Friday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m.
For more information about Stranger Than Fiction and upcoming shows, classes, or workshops, visit stfimprov.com or follow the troupe on Instagram and Facebook.
The Dance Annex announces the return of ‘The Nutcracker’
KITTERY, Maine — The Dance Annex announces the return of The Nutcracker at Kittery’s STAR Theatre, kicking off the holiday season with seven magical performances. Join Clara on her enchanting journey to the Land of the Sweets, featuring special guest artists, the Annex Contemporary Dance Company, and over 50 talented local students. Audiences will experience the thrilling battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse Queen, the grace of dancing snowflakes, and the elegance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in this spectacular production that is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Following the Saturday matinee performances, audiences can enjoy a special Land of the Sweets Meet & Greet, where they can interact with cast members and see tutus and tiaras up close.
Performances will take place Friday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 7 through Sunday, Dec. 8, with shows at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $34 for adults and $26 for seniors and children (12 and under), and are available through The STAR Theatre box office at 207-439-3800 or online at www.thedanceannexstudio.com.
Celebrate Artists Sunday in Dover
DOVER – The Sunday after Thanksgiving, Dec. 1, Dover invites you to immerse yourself in the world of art and creativity as we celebrate Artists Sunday. This special day, part of a nationwide movement, emphasizes the importance of buying art and supporting local artists and their unique creations.
Artists Sunday is a dedicated day to support the extraordinary talent of our local artists and the cultural enrichment they bring to our community. Whether it’s a stunning painting, an intricately crafted sculpture, or an engaging art workshop, investing in art and art experiences nurtures the soul and supports the creative economy.
Event Highlights:
- Art Exhibitions: Explore diverse artworks from local artists at participating galleries and studios.
- Exclusive Offers: Take advantage of special deals on art pieces, classes, and experiences.
- Meet the Artists: Engage with the creators and learn about their inspirations and techniques.
Visitors can discover local art spots at www.VisitDowntownDoverNH.com. Share your art discoveries and experiences on social media with the hashtag #ArtistsSundayDoverNH.
‘A Tuna Christmas’ at the Players’ Ring Theatre
PORTSMOUTH – In this hilarious sequel to “Greater Tuna,” it’s Christmas in the third-smallest town in Texas. Radio station OKKK news personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities, including the hot competition in the annual lawn-display contest. In other news, voracious Joe Bob Lipsey’s production of “A Christmas Carol” is jeopardized by unpaid electric bills. Many colorful Tuna denizens, some you will recognize from Greater Tuna and some appearing here for the first time, join in the holiday fun. A Tuna Christmas is a total delight for the Holiday Season, performed by two super talented quick-changing comedians.
‘A Tuna Christmas’ will be at Players’ Ring Theatre, 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth. Show runs Nov. 22 through Dec. 1. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
General Admission: $29, Students / Seniors (65+): $26, Military / First Responders: $26. Visit www.playersring.org for tickets.
Arts at the Airfield
RYE — It’s a destination! Fly, drive or run over to the Hampton Airfield, 9A Lafayette Road, North Hampton, for our 5th holiday art faire Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dine at the Airfield Cafe, watch the busy piper cubs take off, then head to the second floor for our show. This is an intimate artisan fair where you can take your time appreciating and shopping each artist. No entry fee. Free parking. Restaurant on-site.
Art on the Hill Open Studios returns
KITTERY, Maine — The old brick school house in Kittery, home to Art on the Hill, is opening its doors to the public for their annual Open Studios on Nov. 30. Fourteen artists and makers will showcase and sell paintings, jewelry, pottery, and other handmade creations at 78 Government Road in Kittery from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free and a highlight of the holiday season on the Seacoast as more people recognize the importance of shopping local to support the arts community. Parking is plentiful at Art on the Hill, and a large new sign marks the building.
Voices from the Heart Fall Concert
PORTSMOUTH — Celebrate 30 years of singing with Voices from the Heart! Voices celebrates this special anniversary, singing their favorite songs from 1995 to the present. Don’t miss Voices from the Heart’s special anniversary concert Nov. 23 at South Church , 292 State St., Portsmouth at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at portsmouthnhtickets.com/organizations/voices-from-the-heart at Local Anchor, 62 Market St., Portsmouth. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door on concert day. Doors open to the public a half hour before concert time.
Two Family Holiday Pops! concerts
PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra will perform two Family Holiday Pops! concerts on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at York Community Auditorium and Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Portsmouth High School, both at 7:30 p.m.
An annual favorite, the Family Holiday Pops! program will delight audiences of all ages with a seasonal blend of music that will put your whole family in the holiday spirit. Both concert programs will include Anderson’s Christmas Festival Overture and Sleighride, selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and Richman’s Hanukkah Festival Overture as well Stephenson’s A Holly and Jolly Sing-Along!.
On Dec. 17, the PSO will be joined by the York High School Treble and Honors Choir, and the Community Chorus of South Berwick, who will perform Stopford’s “Lully, Lulla, Lullay,” Rutter’s “The Very Best Time of the Year” and Bradford’s “Sing We Now of Christmas.”
The Dec. 18 performance will feature Monte Bohanan as narrator of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” as well as Suite from Polar Express and Strauss’ Unter Donner und Blitz.
Tickets for either performance are $35 for adults and $15 for students and can be purchased in advance on the PSO’s website at www.portsmouthsymphony.org. The York Community Auditorium is located at 1 Robert Stevens Drive in York, Maine. Portsmouth High School is located at 50 Andrew Jarvis Drive in Portsmouth, N.H.