In Naples there is Via San Gregorio Armeno, where you can find shop after shop run by artisans who specialize in creating nativity scenes from papier-mâché, terracotta, wax and fabric. It is an art whose roots go back to the eighteenth century, a magnificent example of which is the Baroque manger exhibited annually by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This installation depicts entire street scenes: animals, food stalls, fishermen, wise men – and, of course, the cozy Christmas itself. (Metropolitan Museum of Art; through January 6.)
“Radio City Christmas Spectacular»
The Radio City Rockettes started a hundred years ago in St. Louis. Their New York Christmas Pageant is a relatively young ninety-two years old. Several technological innovations have accumulated over the decades, including this year a new sound system. The band's centenary hasn't brought any new material, but the show's oldest is better anyway: the sustained precision of the dancers' tapping and kicking; and the time-honored structure of the “Parade of Wooden Soldiers” act, which collapsed in slow motion from the moment the performance began. (Radio City Music Hall; until January 5.)
Nutcrackers galore
There comes a point in December when The Nutcracker becomes ubiquitous; Whether you like it or not, it's here to stay. But not all Nutcrackers are the same. In addition to the canon version…The Nutcracker by George Balanchine“, at the New York Ballet (David H. Koch Theatre; through January 4)– also worth mentioning “Nut/crackby the Bang Group, featuring tap dancing in pointe shoes and a snow waltz in which everyone keeps slipping and falling onto imaginary ice. (92G, 13-16 Dec.) AND “Nutcracker Rouge“, a mischievous burlesque for mature audiences set in a visually stunning Baroque-inspired world filled with sensual Christmas delights. (Theater XIV; until January 31.)
“It's a wonderful life!”
The story of George Bailey, a small-town banker whose suicidal intentions are dispelled after an angel shows him the importance of his life, is the gift that keeps on giving. It originated as a 1943 short story, became a Frank Capra cult film three years later, and was staged at Irish Rep in 2012, reworked by Anthony E. Palermo into a radio play broadcast by actors in a sound studio. After revivals in 2013 and 2017 returns to the representative office stage this year (December 3–31).
“Advent Carolndar” and “Sugar and Booze: A Holiday Spectacular”
For those who might go completely berserk after hearing “White Christmas” one more time, Julia Mattison and Joel Waggoner: “Advent Carolndar» (Joe's Pub; December 4–15) offers a haven of unconventional holiday celebrations, largely drawn from the comedians' 2019-21 Instagram series, which featured an original Christmas song each day from December 1st to 25th. Ana Gasteyer’s concert will also revive the old fun.”Sugar and booze» (town hall; December 15)with music from her 2019 jazzy Christmas album; in its sharply sung phrasing, the title refers to “the best part of the holidays.”
Sergei Prokofiev wrote Peter and the Wolf in 1936 for a children's theater in Moscow. It is both a parable and a clever example of music education using orchestral instruments. Peter is personified by a beautiful, frank melody on the strings; he meets a duck (oboe), a cat (clarinet) and, of course, a wolf (horn). Isaac Mizrahi is a good-natured storyteller; John Heginbotham came up with some witty choreography; Prokofiev's characteristic music is played by Ensemble Connect. (Works & Process, Guggenheim Museum; December 5–14.)
Holiday carols
Will there be snow this year? Who knows, but we can still sing about it. Ring all the way to Judson Memorial Church for the annual West Village Chorale. Caroling Walk around the area (December 20). Or ride a one-horse open sleigh to Brooklyn to see the Dessoff Choirs perform.Welcome, Yul” concert (December 6). Maybe the bobtail bells will jingle (whatever that means) while you sway to the songs “Goy Christmas for you!» at the Kauffman Center (December 10). The possibilities are many, and they may even lift your spirits.
