Fox TV is even airing a live, prime-time version of the musical on Dec. 17. However, if you want to watch a live version of the classic tale, you’re in luck — because Victoria Theatre Association is presenting “A Christmas Story” at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, Tuesday through Sunday, Dec. 12-17.
Show times are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with 2 p.m. shows Saturday and Sunday. Cost: $30-$60. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
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2) DPO’S SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra is getting into the spirit of the season with a pair of concerts at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9. The SuperPops program, "A Swingin' Holiday Celebration," features holiday classics such as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "The Christmas Song" along with Duke Ellington's arrangement of "The Nutcracker Suite." The DPO and conductor Patrick Reynolds will be joined by Broadway actors Caroline Bowman and Destan Owens. Cost: $13-$79. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
3) ST. ANNE’S HILL TOUR
Some of the residents of St. Anne's Hill Historic District are opening up their homes this weekend for "A Dickens of a Christmas." The biennial holiday tours of the neighborhood's Victorian homes are held through Friday through Sunday, Dec. 8 and 10. Meet at High Street Gallery, 48 High St., Dayton, for a guided walk that concludes with holiday dessert in the Bossler Mansion. A Dickens of a Christmas runs from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $22 in advance, $30 at the event. RSVP recommended. Proceeds from the event are used to preserve the historic neighborhood. Call 937-368-TOUR or visit www.stanneshill.org.
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4) CHANUKAH CELEBRATION
The Jewish Community Center and the PJ Library are joining together with Beth Abraham, Beth Jacob, Hillel Academy, Temple Beth Or and Temple Israel to celebrate the festival of lights with a Community Chanukah Celebration. The holiday event, at the Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Drive, Centerville, from 5:30 through 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, features food and entertainment from award-winning performer Joanie Leeds. Cost: $14 adults, $9 children at the door. Free for children 3 and younger. Visit www.jewishdayton.org.
5) NOAH BERRY
Noah Berry, a graduate of Oakwood High School, is only 24 years old but he is building a diverse career as a performer and voice teacher. He is currently on holiday break from the national touring company for "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story," where he portrays the Crickets' drummer Jerry Allison. Berry will be joining his friends in the vocal group No Promises for a Christmas concert at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 250 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. The program features a jazz-infused take on seasonal favorites and contemporary songs by Joni Mitchell, Harry Connick Jr. and Alicia Keys. Cost: Free, but a freewill donation will be accepted. Call 937-426-6491 or visit www.standrewumchurch.net.
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6) HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE
More than 150 exhibitors will be selling their wares when the Mistletoe Magic Holiday Marketplace returns to the Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9 and 10. The third annual event features purveyors of home décor, jewelry, folk art and more along with food options, demonstrations, live music and a visit from Santa Claus. Marketplace hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $6 adults, free children under 12. Visit www.daytonconventioncenter.com.
7) DREW LYNCH
A severe stutter would keep many people from pursuing a career in comedy. Not Drew Lynch, who has made his speech impediment work for him. The 26-year-old comedian, who was born in Indiana and raised in Las Vegas, finished second on season 10 of "America's Got Talent." Since then, the Los Angeles-based comedian has appeared on television on the game show "Idiotest," the comedy series, "Maron," and the late-night program "Conan." Lynch is performing at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek, through Sunday, Dec. 10. Show times are 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $45-$47 Friday and Saturday, $15-$17 Sunday. Call 937-429-LAFF (5233) or visit www.daytonfunnybone.com.
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8) TWANG AND ROUND
There was a time when country and rap rarely mixed, but that was before county artists like Jason Aldean, Chase Rice and Brantley Gilbert embraced elements of hip-hop. This has opened the door for acts like Twang and Round, a Kentucky duo that blends southern rock with rap, classic rock and other styles. The group's latest single, "La Di Da Di," and corresponding video were released in mid-November. Twang and Round, Vernon "Kuntry Twang" Roach and Brad "Lil Round" Davis, performs at Oddbody's Music Room, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cost: $10-$15. Organic Bandits will open the show. Call 937-813-4272 or visit www.oddbodys.com.
9) CHARLIE BROWN
Grade-school crushes, friendship and other childhood rites of passage are explored in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Those themes and characters created by cartoonist Charles Schulz still resonate with audiences 50 years after this animated special first aired on television. Playhouse South presents the stage musical version of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" at Clark Haines Theatre, 3750 Far Hills Ave., Kettering, Friday through Sunday, Dec. 8 through 10. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $15 adults, $13 students, seniors and military. Call 888-262-3792 or visit www.playhousesouth.org.
Credit: Picasa 2.6
Credit: Picasa 2.6
10) CHRISTKINDLMARKT
There's no shortage of holiday sales this time of year, but none have the German flare of Christkindlmarkt. Dayton German Club presents its annual Christmas bazaar Dayton Liederkranz Turner, 1400 E. Fifth St., Dayton, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9 and 10. Christkindlmarkt features handmade ornaments, German collectibles, jewelry, beer steins and more. The bazaar is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Free. Visit www.daytongermanclub.org.
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Contact contributing arts and music writer Don Thrasher at donaldthrasher8@aol.com.
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