Holiday Theater Performances Capture the Spirit of the Season in Tampa Bay

'It's a Wonderful Life'

Frank Capra's beloved 1946 film about the exploits of George Bailey can catch it on screen at the Tampa Theatre on Dec. 19-20 and Dec. 22-23. Additionally, three Tampa Bay theaters will offer stage adaptations of the film:

• "Wonderful Life" at American Stage, Dec. 5-22; American Stage, 163 Third St., St. Petersburg; Tickets: $38
• "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," Dec. 14-15; Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa; Tickets: $15-$20
• "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," Dec. 5-23; Tampa Rep at the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Shimberg Playhouse, Tampa; Tickets: $13-$61

Scrooge Spectacular

Charles Dickens' holiday classic includes several showings around the area:

• St. Petersburg City Theatre; Sundays in December (except Dec. 28) at 2 p.m.; St. Petersburg City Theatre, 4025 31st St. South, St. Petersburg; Tickets: $10
• freeFall Theatre, "A Christmas Carol in Concert"; Dec. 20-22 & Dec. 24; freeFall Theater, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg; Tickets: $20-$35
• Ruth Eckerd Hall; Monday, Dec. 23, 7 p.m.; Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater; Tickets: $29-$75

'The Nutcracker'

Witness the majesty of this holiday classic with live performances at the following venues:

• St. Petersburg Ballet; Dec. 6-8; Hough Hall at Palladium Theater, 235 Fifth Ave. North, St. Petersburg; Tickets: $30
• Tampa City Ballet; Dec. 1 tree lighting on the Riverwalk; USF (Dec. 7-8, $30+ and Dec. 10, $18); New Tampa Performing Arts Center (Dec. 13-15, $30-$40)
• Next Generation Ballet; Dec. 20-23; Carol Morsani Hall at the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa; $21.25-$145.25

Wrapping up the month, "A Drag Queen Christmas 10th Anniversary Tour" will take place Dec. 28 at 8 p.m. at the Carol Morsani Hall at the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $53.38-$326.43.