10 Things to Do in Metro Detroit This Weekend (Dec. 21-23)

The city is stirring with holiday shows, sing alongs, and more
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The Great Russian Nutcracker
The Soldiers in the Great Rat King Battle in The Great Russian Nutcracker. // Photograph courtesy of the Moscow Ballet.

Detroit Opera House: The Aladdin musical is a melodic version of the Disney love story. Tues.-Sun. Starting Dec. 12 through Jan. 13. $35+. 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-961-3500; michiganopera.org

Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle: One of TBS’ 2017 Comics to Watch, Kellen Erskine has had a distinguished career performing at some of comedy’s most prestigious festivals. He was even a finalist at both the San Francisco International Comedy Competition as well as the Great American Comedy Festival. Dec. 20-22. $10+. 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak; 248-542-9900; comedycastle.com

Fox Theatre: A Christmas Story, The Musical brings the classic 1983 film to the stage. The story of Ralphie Parker and his schemes to get a Red Ryder Air Rifle is enjoyable for the whole family. Dec. 20-22. $36+. 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 800-745-3000; 313presents.com

It’s a Wonderful Life: Experience the life and flashbacks of iconic character, George Bailey, in the 1946 must-watch Christmas film. Dec. 21-23. $5. Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit; 313-537-2560; redfordtheatre.com

Home for the Holidays: Lawrence Loh leads this year’s holiday musical production. He will be joined by Meredith Lustig singing soprano and the Bloomfield Hills High School Chorale, Lake Orion High School Choir, and The Jills singing chorus. Dec. 21-23. $24+. Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-576-5111; dso.org

A Christmas Carol: Charles Dickens’ classic story is brought to life at the Meadow Brook Theatre. Returning for its 37th year, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three spirits, hoping to help him rediscover the meaning of Christmas before it’s too late. Dec. 21-23. $38+. Meadow Brook Theatre, 378 Meadow Brook Rd., Rochester; 248-377-3300; mbtheatre.com

Bronner Family Sing Along: Sing along to the well-known Christmas carols in Michigan’s own Christmas Wonderland. Dec. 22 and 23. No cost. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, 25 Christmas Ln., Frankenmuth; 989-652-9931; bronners.com

Michigan Theater: The world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet Co. will also make an appearance on Dec. 23 — albeit not in the flesh. The Michigan Theater will screen a recently recorded, 1966 Yuri Grigorovich version of the ballet, acclaimed for its condensed plot and stunning choreography. Dec. 23. $22+. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-764-2538; ums.org

Great Russian Nutcracker: The Moscow Ballet will perform the Great Russian Nutcracker featuring dancers trained in Russia. It’s a version that takes a few creative liberties, like introducing the Dove of Peace, a two-person role unique to the Moscow Ballet. The duo, clad in feathered wings, ushers the heroine, along with her new doll, into the Land of Peace and Harmony. Dec. 23. $32+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 800-745-3000; 313presents.com

Detroit Institute of Arts: The 10th Annual Community Group Art Exhibition will showcase works by participants of the DIA’s Community Group Program. Social service agencies taking part in the program have the chance to display art by their organization or team members. Through Jan. 6. At no cost with museum admission. 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org


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