Plan now for holiday entertainment

WHEN THE HOLIDAY SEASON arrives, the entertainment scene in Milwaukee shifts into overdrive.

Charles Dickens is the main focus of two theater productions in the city.

Milwaukee Chamber Theater presents an intimate production of Dickens In America. In late 1867, Charles Dickens, renowned as a highly theatrical performer of his own work, toured America for the second time. After fatigue and illness set in, his tour was cut short, never making it to the Midwest as planned. Playwright James DeVita’s play rectifies hat unfortunate turn of events. The Broadway Theatre Center’s Studio Theatre will be done up for a Victorian holiday, and “Mr. Dickens” will appear. The theater is located in the Historic Third Ward at 158 N. Broadway. Nov. 22-Dec. 17. 291-7800.

At the beautiful Pabst Theater, Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents A Christmas Carol. This play, adapted from the timeless holiday classic by Charles Dickens, has been a tradition in Milwaukee for 30 years. Staged in an opulent setting perfectly suited to the costumes and characters of Victorian England, this is a great play for the family. The theater is in the heart of Milwaukee at 144 E. Wells St. 224-9490.

If it’s the holiday season, it must be The Nutcracker. The Milwaukee Ballet Company presents their annual treat for all ages Dec. 15-29. This story of a magical journey brings the joy of the holidays to the Uihlein Hall stage at the Bradley Center, 929 N. Water St. 902-2103.

Who doesn’t love the story of “Ralphie” and his quest for a Red Ryder Air Rifle? First Stage Children’s Theater brings A Christmas Story, drawing on the popular 1983 film, to the Todd Wehr Theater at the Marcus Center. 273-7206.

Of course, some of the season’s offerings are “naughty but nice.” Mercy of a Storm is Next Act Theatre’s presentation of Jeffrey Hatcher’s tale of an couple at odds who meet to work out the details of their divorce themselves. But mix in a snowstorm, champagne and New Year’s Eve, and more than negotiations are in the air. Presented in the Off-Broadway Theatre, 432 N. Water St., Nov. 16-Dec. 17. 278-0765.

A large dose of local culture is part of A Cudahy Caroler Christmas by local playwright  Anthony Wood.  This musical comedy’s hero, Stasch Zelinski, rounds up the beloved carolers for one final triumphant concert on cable access television. Loaded with local humor, this audience hit moves this year to larger quarters at Vogel Hall, part of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts but accessed around the corner at 123 E. State St. Nov. 24-Dec. 31. 273-7206.

Laughter also is guaranteed when Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents an American classic, Born Yesterday. A businessman and his girlfriend visit Washington, D.C. to do some business in the halls of power. But when Harry hires a jaded but conscientious journalist to give his gal “some educating,” she blooms into a force of nature that threatens to bring down Harry and his cronies. Presented in the Rep’s Milwaukee Theater Center’s Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, 108 E. Wells St. Nov. 29-Dec. 31. 224-9490.