The holiday classics we all know and love are given a modern-day twist, beginning with St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s hip-hop spin on Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Our merriest entertainment picks also feature a new Cirque du Soleil show at the Fabulous Fox, St. Louis Ballet’s updated production of “The Nutcracker,” The Rep’s take on a 1940s Christmas classic, and the return of an iconic jazz band to The Sheldon.
WHAT: Q BROTHERS CHRISTMAS CAROL
WHERE: National Blues Museum
WHEN: Various times; through Dec. 23
St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s first-ever holiday production at the National Blues Museum is guaranteed to rock the bells! What happens when you mash up Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” with the Q Brothers’ mastery of “add-rap-tations?” You get a hip-hopping, laugh-out-loud production that will have you rockin’ rhymes to the bang bang boogie!
DJ Stank opens the show at the intersection of Dickens and Hip-Hop, where Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three unexpected but familiar music legends as the ghosts of Hip-Hop Past, Present and Future. Music fans will recognize iconic rhymes, rhythms and beats, from reggae to rock, as Scrooge goes on his journey in this classic tale of love, forgiveness and redemption.
As a bonus, the museum galleries and the holiday pop-up bar, Club Fezzy, will be open during performances, allowing ticketholders to enjoy music, art and themed drinks, while exploring the exhibits after-hours. $35 to $75; stlshakes.org
WHAT: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY
WHERE: Loretto-Hilton Center
WHEN: Various times; Dec. 1 to 23
Turn the dial and transport yourself back to the Golden Age of Radio for The Rep’s take on the timeless Christmas tale, based on “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern and adapted by Joe Landry.
It’s the 1940s and George Bailey stands on the brink of despair. When he is visited by an angel named Clarence, he learns the power of kindness, the importance of family and friends, and the realization that each life – no matter how ordinary it may seem – is truly wonderful.
The production features an entirely local company of actors, many of whom are returning to The Rep from last season’s run of “A Christmas Carol.” The St. Louis references are worth the price of admission. $25 to $155; repstl.org
WHAT: PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND CREOLE CHRISTMAS
WHERE: The Sheldon
WHEN: 8 p.m., Dec. 13
Spice things up this holiday season with New Orleans’ iconic jazz band amid the perfect acoustics of The Sheldon.
For more than 50 years, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band has embodied the Crescent City’s spirit and joie de vivre, breaking racial boundaries and presenting music fans with the origins of and the living links to jazz. Enjoy the thrill of live music as the band performs New Orleans classics, as well as some of its best-loved holiday selections – with a twist!
$41 to $61; thesheldon.org
WHAT: THE NUTCRACKER 2023
WHERE: The Touhill
WHEN: Various times; through Dec. 23
With new choreography by Saint Louis Ballet artistic director Gen Horiuchi, Tchaikovsky’s music comes to life with a never-ending spectacle of colorful costumes, classic characters and special effects against a stunning set at The Touhill.
A parade of characters, led by Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker, takes audiences on a delightful adventure in magical lands, including the Land of Sweets! The cast is comprised of Saint Louis Ballet’s company of dancers and students, as well as professional character actors.
$36 to $84; stlouisballet.org/thenutcracker
