By Odin Rasco
Any opportunity to see a live play is a gift, and it’s a gift that keeps on giving this month. As the holiday season comes into full swing, it’s a time for traditions and yearly favorites to come back for all to enjoy.
Sacramentans looking to see a time-honored favorite one more time — or start a new annual tradition — have options aplenty, including two different interpretations of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” If something with more spectacle is sought, Sacramento Ballet’s “Nutcracker” is sure to wow kids and adults alike. And, for those interested in seeing a play that doesn’t fit in with the Christmastime fare, Capital Stage’s presentation of “I and You” is just the ticket.
Caroline has been stuck at home for some time; too sick to go to school for months, but still as quick and sardonic as she ever was. One afternoon, the athletic and popular Anthony arrives at her house unexpectedly, bringing along a battered copy of Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass.” As they work on a seemingly mundane poetry project, the two let down their guard, share secrets and delve into a mystery that has brought the two together. A special limited production coming to Capital Stage this month, “I and You” is an ode to youth, life, love and the beauty of human connection.
Venue: Capital Stage, 2215 J St., Sacramento
Dates: Dec. 3-28
Cost: $55-67
Tickets: https://capstage.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0STV000002Bl5h2AC
“Amahl and the Night Visitors” and “Four Lost Santas”
With December’s chill entering the air, enjoy the return of two holiday shows which had their premiere on the West Coast last year by Light Opera Theatre Sacramento.
“Amahl and the Night Visitors” is the story of a poor shepherd boy, Amahl, as he and his mother provide hospitality to some unexpected visitors — the Three Wise Men, following a glorious star to Bethlehem. During this visit, Amahl’s mother and the Wise Men share a transformative moment of grace and redemption.
The other side of the double-billing is “Four Lost Santas,” the comical story of a quartet of singing Santas whose car breaks down on their way to a Santa Claus Convention. They are rescued by a son and mother who are late for their performance of “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” Will the Santas make it to SantaCon? Will Rudy and Judy get to the theater on time to perform in Amahl?
Both works will be presented staged with a live orchestra.
Venue: 24th Street Theatre, 2791 24th St., Sacramento
Dates: Dec. 5-7
Cost: $20-30
Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/amahl-and-the-night-visitors-and-4-lost-santas
The close to a strong season at Celebration Arts is a staging of the iconic poet and author Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity,” a retelling of the traditional New Testament Nativity story. Hughes’ retelling combines gospel music, dance and a biblical narrative to celebrate love, hope and faith.
Venue: Celebration Arts, 2727 B St., Sacramento
Dates: Dec. 5-21
Cost: $22-27
Tickets: https://celebrationarts.vbotickets.com/event/BLACK_NATIVITY/143292
Scrooge is returning to the Chautauqua Playhouse for a second year. An adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” “Scrooge” has been a go-to production for Northern California stages looking to celebrate the holidays, with the show popping up at theaters in the region every year since 1978. With 12 musical numbers, a postcard set, colorful costumes and a talented cast, this year’s show is sure to bring the Christmas Spirit(s) to the whole family.
Venue: Chautauqua Playhouse, 5325 Engle Rd., Ste. #110, Carmichael
Dates: Dec. 5-24
Cost: $21-23
Tickets: https://secure.boxofficeavenue.com/Chautauqua/Home/ListShowings?aid=352
B Street Theatre is returning to a fresh adaptation of Dickens’ Christmas story for another year. Back by popular demand, Sam Kebede’s hilarious adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” is returning to The Sofia. The show features original music, and audiences are sure to be entertained by the three person cast’s shenanigans as they transform into every character in this classic holiday story.
Venue: The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave., Sacramento
Dates: Dec. 10-28
Cost: $41-45
Tickets: https://bstreettheatre.org/mainstage/a-christmas-carol-2025/
A cherished memory for schoolkids from the Sacramento region and a yearly tradition for many, Sacramento Ballet will be performing “Nutcracker” at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. Accompanied by the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera, the show is a splendid showcase of masterful dancers and musicians bringing a wintertime classic to life.
Venue: SAFE Credit Union PAC 1301 L St., Sacramento
Dates: Dec. 12-21
Cost: $45-149
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/sacramento-ballet-tickets/artist/3160201
This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics and protocols, the city had no editorial influence over this story and no city official reviewed this story before it was published. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, CapRadio, Hmong Daily News, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review and Sacramento Observer. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.
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