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2012 Baltimore Holiday Theater Preview

Remembering to stop and smell the roses during the busy holiday season can seem impossible when there is work to do and presents to buy and wrap. Yet the many talented theatrical acts coming soon to Baltimore offer you a chance to plan a romantic date night, entertain the kids or gather together with friends and family. Don't let the season pass by without attending one of the following shows.

Bill Engvall
Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
1212 Cathedral St.
Baltimore, Md. 21201
(410) 783-8000
www.billengvall.com

Price: $49.75 to $59.75
Dates: Nov. 9 – 7:30 p.m.

A king of the "Blue Collar Comedy Tour," and the author star of "The Bill Engvall Show" on TBS, Bill Engvall is best known as the man who coined the popular phrase, "Here's your sign." He visits the Meyerhoff on his only night in Baltimore. Known for his acting abilities as much as his common sense and family humor, Engvall delivers a relatable and hilarious show.

Related: Best Comedy Clubs

Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker"
The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center
12 N. Eutaw St.
Baltimore, Md. 21201
(410) 837-7400
www.nutcracker.com/

Price: $28 to $175
Dates: Dec. 14 and 15 – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

If you only see one performance of "The Nutcracker" in your life, make it the one by the Moscow Ballet. Truly dedicated dancers aim for perfection as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of touring the United States with an all-Russian team. Elaborate costumes with new choreography should make this year's performance memorable even if you've already seen the classic ballet many times. Be sure to grab your tickets early as the three performances are guaranteed to sell out.

"Billy Elliot"
The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center
12 N. Eutaw St.
Baltimore, Md. 21201
(410) 837-7400
http://www.france-merrickpac.com

Price: $25 to 75
Date: Dec. 18 to 30 –showtimes

In addition to Broadway masterpieces, "The Lion King" and "Aida," Elton John continues his musical genius in the score for "Billy Elliot," the musical based on the popular 2000 film. With lyrics by Lee Hall, who also wrote the film's screenplay, and a Tony Award-winning creative team, this production has garnered critical acclaim. The heartwarming performance follows the story of a boy who discovers his true passion lies not in the violent boxing ring but within a ballet class headed by a strict, though encouraging, teacher. As Elliot chooses to follow his heart, changes erupt within his family and community.

Patricia & Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric
(credit: lyricoperahouse.com)

"A Christmas Carol"
The Lyric Opera House
Modell Performing Arts Center
140 W. Mount Royal Ave.
Baltimore, Md. 21201
(410) 900-1150
www.lyricoperahouse.com

Price: $17 to $37
Dates: Dec. 16 – 6:30 p.m.

It wouldn't be the holidays without Charles Dickens' morality tale, originally written in 1843. This traditional holiday story comes to life as the wealthy yet grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge faces his ghosts, who warn him to change his ways. He learns to embrace joy, and to keep "goodwill to all" in mind. Don't miss this chance to see the Christmas classic.

Patricia & Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric
(credit: lyricoperahouse.com)

Baltimore School for the Arts' "The Nutcracker"

The Lyric Opera House
Modell Performing Arts Center
140 W. Mount Royal Ave.
Baltimore, Md. 21201
(410) 900-1150
www.lyricoperahouse.com

Price: $28 to $60
Dates: Dec. 21 and 22 – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

It's not winter without the ballet in which a young girl's imagination brings her Christmas toy to life. The Baltimore School for the Arts has performed this show for more than 25 years but these four performances mark the first time the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore School for the Arts, Maryland Institute College of Art and The Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric have collaborated. Critics are calling this a new era in Baltimore's performing art world. If you can't make these performances, you may also see the BSA's performances of the show at the Meyerhoff or Hippodrome.

Pam Smith graduated from Penn State with a B.A. in English and a passion for writing. Her adaptive nature led her to work in the scientific, energy supply, and business industries while writing on a multitude of topics for various online media. Pam currently resides in Baltimore County. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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