“Annie, the Musical,” Crooker Theater, Brunswick High School
Dec. 13-16, Thursday-Sunday, 7pm/Thurs.-Sat, 2pm/Sat. and Sun, “Anne, the Musical,” Take one scruffy dog, a cast of over 50 adorable children, and many adults with a heaping dose of talent and well-known songs with messages of hope and love and what do you get? You get Midcoast Youth Theater’s newest production, Annie the Musical! Set in the 1930s Depression in New York City, you will meet Annie who is a fiery, young orphan girl who dreams of finding her parents one day. The orphanage is run by the tyrannical Miss Hannigan. Annie runs away and rescues a friendly stray dog, but is caught and taken back to the orphanage. Her hopeless situation changes when she is selected to spend the holiday at the residence of a wealthy industrialist, Oliver Warbucks, $5-$15, Crooker Theater at Brunswick High School, 116 Maquoit Road, Brunswick. FMI: 207-558-5827, www.midcoastyouththeater.org.
Dec. 14-15, Friday-Saturday, 7pm/Fri, 2pm and 5pm/Sat, “Sing We Noel,” as the holiday season kicks into full swing, Oratorio Chorale, directed by Emily Isaacson, will offer its holiday concert, “Sing We Noël,” now a six-year tradition, this year offered in both Brunswick and Falmouth. Works performed by the Chorale will include excerpts from Britten’s Ceremony of Carols and other seasonal music. There will be numerous opportunities for the audience to join in the cheer, as all will be invited to sing traditional Christmas carols. A reception follows each performance, with refreshments including hot cocoa and homemade cookies, as well as coloring projects for children, $20/adults, $5/under 18, advance tickets recommended, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 27 Pleasant Street, Brunswick. FMI: 207-577-3931, stpaulsmaine.org.
Dec. 14, Friday, 8pm, “9th Annual ‘Bahaha Humbug’ Holiday Comedy Show,” need some laughter to get you through the holiday season? We have just what you need! Our 9th Annual “Bahaha Humbug” Holiday Comedy Show! Join some of Maine and New England’s best standup comedians as they bring you joy & laughter. Make it a date night or a special night out with friends. Come for dinner! Stay for laughs! Make your reservations early – this show always sells out ‘cause it’s a hoot, $0-$15, Frontier Theater, 14 Maine Street, Mill 3, Fort Andross, Brunswick. FMI: 207-725-5222, www.explorefrontier.com.
Dec. 15-16, Saturday-Sunday, 7pm/Sat. and Sun, 2pm/Sun, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” presented by Open Door Theater, a staged production of the holiday classic, $6-$15, Freeport Grange, 13 Elm Street, Freeport. FMI: 207-233-8422, opendoor.brownpapertickets.com.
Dec. 15-16, Saturday, 7:30pm/Sat, 4pmc/Sun, “Tapestry Singers present ‘Woven in Song’,” the audience will be treated to a panoply of songs—some familiar and some new—with harp, marimba, guitar, and piano accompaniment. Music Director Beth Preston continues her Tapestry tradition of finding unusual arrangements of well-known and lesser known holiday music. The first half of the concert consists of a collection of eleven Spanish and Catalán carols and lullabies arranged by composer Conrad Susa. The carols and lullabies are arranged for marimba, harp, and guitar accompaniment, contributing to the lively Latin flavor of the music. Many favorite songs of the season follow in the second half of the program, including Howard Blake’s “Walking in the Air” from the film The Snowman, and the much-loved “White Christmas.” Choral music fans will especially enjoy Eric Whitacre’s composition, “Glow.” $15, free/students, St. Patrick Church, 380 Academy Hill Road, Newscastle. FMI: 207-882-9628, www.allsaintsmaine.com/churches/st-patrick.
Dec. 16, Sunday, 3pm, “Wescustago Youth Chorale’s 21st Annual Winter Concert,” seventy coed singers from 3rd-12th grades from over twelve area towns will be performing seasonal pieces as well as other selections. Conducted by Amanda Mahaffey, Jen Runge and Renovia Day. Reception to follow so that you can greet the singers. A beautiful way to spend an hour of the holiday season, $5-$10, Freeport Performing Arts Center, 30 Holbrook Street, Freeport. FMI: 207-846-0705, wescustago.wordpress.com.
Dec. 17, Monday, 6:30pm, “A Merry Little Christmas,” by the Coastal Winds, greater Freeport’s 45-member community concert band. The concert will feature classics such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Sleigh Ride” as well as traditional carols. Suggested admission is a non-perishable food item for the Freeport Community Services Food Pantry or a cash donation for Freeport’s Fuel Assistance Program, free, suggested charitable donation, Harraseeket Inn, 162 Main Street, Freeport. FMI: 207-865-4747, www.facebook.com/Coastal-Winds-Freeport-575928999223375.