Holiday Theater

To kick off the holiday season, Actors¿ Playhouse Musical Theatre for Young Audiences will present a timeless tale of yuletide spirit live on stage in A Christmas Carol, the Musical. A fabulous musical adaptation written especially for family audiences, this Miracle Theatre favorite promises to warm hearts as it reveals the true meaning of the holidays. ( Alberto Romeu Photography, courtesy / November 28, 2012)

By Rod Stafford Hagwood, SouthFlorida.com

7:22 p.m. EST, November 28, 2012

South Florida stages are extra bright this time of year with illumination from Christmas lights.

Here’s a roundup of theatrical holiday happenings.

“It’s A Fabulous Life”

Nov. 28 – Dec. 2

It's 5 o'clock somewhere: Check out our list of the best happy hours

A gay musical take on “It’s A Wonderful Life” with a local cast that includes drag queen Daisy Deadpetals at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale.

7:30 p.m. Nov. 28-Nov. 30

3 and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 1

1 and 6 p.m. Dec. 2

Tickets $35 at 954-462-0222 or BrowardCenter.org

“The Nutcracker, A Magical New Play”

Nov. 30 – Dec. 30

The House Theatre of Chicago reinvents the Christmas classic as a play set in modern day and includes local actors in the cast when the company plays The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami.

7:30 p.m. Nov. 30

3 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1

7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays Dec. 2-30

Tickets $45 at 305-949-6722 and ArshtCenter.org

“Holiday Dances We Dance Performance Showcase”

Nov. 30 and Dec. 1

Faculty, students and guest choreographers from the Florida Atlantic University’s department of theatre and dance showcase ballet, modern, jazz and ballroom with a holiday theme at the University Theatre on the Boca Raton campus.

7 p.m. Nov. 30