The Wholehearted
Dec. 2-11. Presented by the theater’s DouglasPlus program in association with La Jolla Playhouse, this multimedia production by Stein|Holum Projects follows a female boxer who is brutally attacked by her husband. Recommended for ages 16+. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
The Nutcracker
Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 16-18, 22-24. The Los Angeles Ballet performs Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday tale—here set in 1912 Los Angeles—at the Alex Theatre, Dolby Theatre, Royce Hall at UCLA and Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. Special appearances by the cast of characters and Santa Claus at each performance. See website for schedule and ticket information. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, 818.243.2539; Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.308.6300; Royce Hall at UCLA, 340 Royce Drive, L.A., 310.825.4401; Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach, 310.318.0610. losangelesballet.org
Festival of Carols
Dec. 3, 10. Ring in the holidays at Walt Disney Concert Hall with your favorite carols and songs of the season sung to perfection by the Master Chorale. 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown. lamc.org
Amelie, A New Musical
Opening Dec. 4 This mesmerizing new musical is based on the beloved Oscar-nominated French film of the same name. Hamilton’s Phillipa Soo stars as the quirky Amélie in this pre-Broadway production. Pre- or post-show, keep the Parisian theme by dining on French favorites from Kendall’s Brasserie and Bar, on-site at the Music Center. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Through Dec. 4. Based on the timeless holiday musical, this lavish stage production follows a song-and-dance team putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and falling for a stunning sister act in the process. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
L.A. Dance Project
Dec. 9-10. Benjamin Millepied’s world-renowned L.A. Dance Project returns to the Theatre at Ace Hotel. 933 S. Broadway, downtown. ladanceproject.com
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I
Opening Dec. 13. Set in 1860s Bangkok, this musical tells the story of the relationship between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher, and features classic songs like “Getting to Know You” and “I Whistle a Happy Tune.” Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
LA Phil Holiday Sing-Along
Dec. 17. Enjoy singing your favoritec holiday songs accompanied by the Walt Disney Concert Hall’s huge pipe organ. 11:30 a.m.; 2:30 p.m. 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.850.2000. laphil.com
Messiah Sing-Along
Dec. 18. After 35 years, the annual Messiah Sing-Along is more popular than ever! With orchestra and four talented soloists on stage, Artistic Director Grant Gershon conducts the entire audience for a performance of Handel’s most beloved oratorio of all time. This year, the Master Chorale will be onstage to sing along with the audience for the choral passages and fill the hall with an even bigger holiday sound. Bring your own score or buy one in the lobby and join the chorus. lamc.org
A Chanticleer Christmas
Dec. 20. The 12 men of this “orchestra of voices” make a return to the Walt Disney Concert Hall for their eclectic Christmas program. 8 p.m. 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 23.850.2000. laphil.com
Swinging Christmas with The Arturo Sandoval Big Band
Dec. 22. Trumpet virtuoso and 10-time Grammy honoree Arturo Sandoval leads a Latin-flavored jazz program for the holidays. 8 p.m. 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 23.850.2000. laphil.com
White Christmas Sing-Along
Dec. 23. Sing along to a screening of the classic holiday film with songs like “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing,” “Snow,” “Sisters” and, of course, the iconic “White Christmas.” 3 p.m., 8 p.m. 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.850.2000. laphil.com
L.A. County Holiday Celebration
Dec. 24. The 57th annual Emmy Award-winning LA County Holiday Celebration returns to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion with a free (first-come, first-seated), family-friendly three-hour show on Christmas Eve, featuring bands, choirs and dance companies that honor L.A.’s many neighborhoods and cultures. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.0711. lacountyarts.org
The Beauty Queen of Leenane
Through Dec. 18. This dark comedy follows protagonist Maureen Folan and her aging mother, who meddles in her daughter’s romantic relationship with horrific results. Tony winner Garry Hynes helms this production by the renowned Irish Druid Theatre Company. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Icebergs
Through Dec. 18. Alena Smith’s (The Affair, Newsroom) Silver Lake-set comedy about aimless 30-somethings has its world premiere here. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
Merrily We Roll Along
Through Dec. 18. This rarely staged Stephen Sondheim work navigates the bumpy history of three friends who began their careers in show business together and features songs like “Good Thing Going” and “Our Time.” Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.746.4000. thewallis.org