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December 2 — Puppet Masters
What do Sir Michael Caine, a rubber-chicken factory, and a talking frog have in common? They are all part of one of the most beloved — and eminently silly — Christmas movies ever created. The Muppet Christmas Carol stars Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge, who is taught the importance of charity and brotherhood by a host of off-the-wall puppets. Miss Piggy, Kermit, and the rest of the gang all make for a sleigh-load of holiday cheer during this family-friendly screening at Stamford’s Avon Theatre.
 Stanley William Hayter, Eros, 1970 Gift of Judith and Stephan Wertheimer, Bruce Museum Collection |
December 2 – March 1 — Fit to Print
Over the last 200 years, printmaking evolved from a means of reproducing masterworks and pamphlets to a veritable fine art in its own right. The Bruce Museum’s new exhibition, American Abstraction: The Print Revival of the 1960s and ’70s, charts printmaking’s resurrection as a cutting-edge artistic medium promulgated by some of that era’s biggest names. Works by Ernest De Soto and Irwin Hollander can be spied in this energetic exhibit on show from Dec 2 to Mar 1.
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December 3 – 14 — Tea Off
Stop by the scenic grounds of Katonah’s Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts this month for an afternoon of festive song and a little sweet accompaniment. The center’s popular Holiday Tea Musicales brings musicians of several backgrounds and styles to perform for guests as they enjoy finger sandwiches, holiday-themed treats, and a variety of teas — or hot chocolate and marshmallows for kids. Taking place inside Caramoor’s opulent Music Room, the event provides a prime opportunity to experience a stately teatime like nowhere else.
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December 10 — Toy Story
Be honest, would it really be the holiday season without a performance of The Nutcracker? The acclaimed New York Theatre Ballet will perform an hour-long rendition of this favorite Tchaikovsky gem, aimed at both youngsters and their merry parents. Having recently sold out Carnegie Hall, the New York Theatre Ballet will be making a rare stop at the Tarrytown Music Hall, to bring to life the story of a brave young lady and the life-size Nutcracker, who defends her from the nefarious Rat King.
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December 17 — Snap, Crackle, Pops
Believe it or not, one of the season’s most enjoyable classical concerts boasts a Broadway songstress and a world-renowned violinist. Conductor Ted Sperling and The Westchester Philharmonic will join famed vocalist Laura Michelle Kelly, who has starred in Broadway hits including The King and I and South Pacific, for their annual Winter Pops show at Purchase College’s Performing Arts Center. Drawing from both classical Christmas carols and Broadway gems, the evening also features violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins playing celebrated solos from Fiddler on the Roof.
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December 17 — Living in Sin
What better way to get into the swing of the season than with Jingle All the Way star and award-winning comedian Sinbad? Boasting four HBO specials and appearances on dozens of TV shows, as well as films that include Houseguest and Good Burger, Sinbad is a master of cracking wise. This month, the two-time BET Image Award winner will bring his boisterous act to Peekskill’s Paramount Hudson Valley, where he will show why he still has people lining up for laughs.
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December 22 – January 14 — A Good Hunch
Families with a soft spot for the fan-favorite 1996 Disney film will want to reserve a seat at White Plains Performing Art Center’s new production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. With music by Academy Award-winning composing duo Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin), this engaging play tells the story of Quasimodo, who dwells alone in a French cathedral until he is forced to defend the love of his life. With stirring songs and a sweeping set, this inspired musical is well worth an evening out with the kids.
