December Staff Picks
The holiday season gives us so many reasons to celebrate. Here are just a few of them from the ArtsBoston staff:
Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity: National Center of Afro-American Artists
Now – December 17 | BosTix Deal Available
In the spirit of good cheer, the National Center of Afro-American Artists offers its 47th lively edition of Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity as a gift to all people of “good will.” Featuring a cast of more than 75 singers, actors, dancers, and musicians, including children, the productions retells the Christmas story in gospel music, African-inspired dance, and black vernacular speech. Its rich chorus and moving voices will lift you and your family to new heights of joy, and stir fresh hope for a better world.
She Loves Me: Greater Boston Stage Company
Now – December 23 | BosTix Deal Available
Direct from a hugely successful Broadway revival, this delightful, romantic Tony Award–winning Broadway musical tells the story of Amalia and Georg, co-workers in a department store, who fall in love with each other without knowing it through anonymous lonely heart letters.
Hold These Truths: Lyric Stage Company
Now – December 31 | BosTix Deal Available
Hold These Truths is the true story of Gordon Hirabayashi, the American son of Japanese immigrants, who resisted internment during World War II. Michael Hisamoto plays Hirabayashi, a college student and a Quaker, whose unquenchable hope and patriotism over 50 years inspired President Barack Obama to posthumously award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.
Mark Dion: Misadventures of a 21st-Century Naturalist: Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston
Now – January 1 | Free with museum admission
Since the early 1990s, Mark Dion has forged a unique, interdisciplinary practice by exploring and appropriating scientific methodologies. Often with an edge of irony, humor, and improvisation, Dion deconstructs both scientific and museum-based rituals of collecting and exhibiting objects by critically adopting them into his artistic practice. He has traveled the world to gather plant and animal specimens, conducted archaeological digs, and rummaged through forgotten collections, arranging his finds into brimming curiosity cabinets and charismatic sculptures.
Celebrating! Spanish and Latin American Festive Music: La Donna Musicale – RUMBARROCO
December 9 | BosTix Deal Available
Launch your holiday season with the rhythms of this Latin-Baroque fusion program, featuring Spanish madrigals from the Cancioneros, Tonos Humanos, Fandangos, Latin American Black Villancicos, and Venezuelan Aguinaldos. Enjoy an entrancing mixture of Renaissance, Baroque, and Afro-Hispanic music from Spain, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Colombia, played on Baroque and folk instruments, with a special performance by Venezuelan harp virtuoso Eduardo Betancourt.
Believe: Boston Gay Men’s Chorus
December 10 – 17 | BosTix Deal Available
Do you believe? The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates the joy of the season with traditional favorites (“Ave Maria,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Oh Holy Night”) and modern classics (“Spirit of the Season,” “Believe,” “North Pole Rock n’ Roll”).
Our Favorite Things: Back Bay Ringers
December 15 | BosTix Deal Available
This season, the Back Bay Ringers asked their friends and fans to share their favorite holiday song and why that song is important to them. The result is a diverse collection of holiday favorites, including the classic “Ukrainian Bell Carol,” a new arrangement of “Stille Nacht,” an arrangement of “Mary’s Boy Child” that will make you dance in your seat, and arrangements of other popular Christmas songs.
Christmas in Medieval England: Blue Heron
December 22-23 | BosTix Deal Available
Blue Heron presents its popular program of music for Advent and Christmas from 15th-century England, including motets by Leonel Power and John Dunstaple, English carols, and Sarum plainchant.
