As the Coastal Bend anticipates a rare chill in the South Texas air, local theaters gear up for holiday productions and memories that will last a lifetime. There’s arguably no better way to take in the season than a night out at the theater. Whether stepping out for a yearly viewing of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol or looking for a more modern spin with Alex Garza’s Abuelita’s Christmas Carol, your next holiday tradition awaits.
Harbor Playhouse, A Christmas Carol
November 21-December 21
A yearly tradition for many households, Harbor brings back its institutional holiday programming while celebrating the finale of its 100th season in the Coastal Bend. Former cast member turned director Matt Simpson brings a special spin to the production for audience members in the form of past production callbacks and Easter eggs. “Filled with dazzling music, spirited dance and heartwarming moments, A Christmas Carol captures the true meaning of the season and reminds us all that it’s never too late to open your heart,” shared Harbor’s marketing specialist Jesica Hill. Tickets—only available for purchase online at harborplayhouse.com—are $20 each with reserved seating in the theater.
Port Aransas Community Theater, Winter Wonderettes
December 4-21
Staying true to its mission of keeping the spirit of theater alive on the Island, this season PACT brings the Winter Wonderettes, a holiday production starring the Marvelous Wonderettes. A quirky holiday revue-style comedy directed by Debra Aguilar, the Wonderettes are full of vintage glitz and glamour, sure to charm audiences of all ages. When Santa turns up missing, the girls use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party. Featuring great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run” and “Winter Wonderland,” the result is, of course, marvelous. Tickets for the show are available on the PACT website.
Aurora Arts Theatre, Elf, The Musical
November 21-December 27
Ending its 15th season with a little holiday humor and magic, Aurora Arts Theatre brings Elf, The Musical to the stage for its Coastal Bend premiere production. “We are excited to bring a new holiday tradition to our community,” said creative director Dylan Rios. “It is joyful and full of heart, which is everything Aurora has stood for since the beginning.” Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at auroraartstheatre.com, at the theater box office or by calling 361-851-9700.
Aurora Arts Theatre, Abuelita’s Christmas Carol
December 20
For one night only, Alex Garza brings the familial warmth of this Tex-Mex holiday comedy to Aurora. Meet Rosita, aka Abuelita, the star of the production inspired by Garza’s real-life grandmother, Rosa Hinojosa. She leads a cast of wacky and dear characters, including a ghost pig named Agapito. A prolific performer and playwright out of Austin, Garza has taken his production of Abuelita across Texas and as far as Santa Monica, California, to rave reviews. “She’s no George Bailey. She’s no Ebenezer Scrooge. She’s a little bit spicier,” Garza said. Don’t miss this one-day run of a cultural holiday hit. Tickets for the show are available online or at the Aurora Arts Theatre box office.
Rockport Little Theatre, A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 12-14 & 19-21
Charlie Brown, Snoopy and company are back to remind us all that it’s not about what’s under the Christmas tree that matters, it’s who’s around it. Directed by Katherine Mendoza, this faithful stage adaptation of the 1965 TV special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson features a spirited cast of youngsters aged 3 to 15. Audiences can discover the true meaning of Christmas with this production on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. at the Rockport Little Theatre; tickets may be secured either online or at the door.
