Pittsburgh
The Nutcracker
When: Friday, Dec. 14 through Saturday, Dec. 29
Where: Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Ave.
Details: A holiday favorite, the classic Tchaikovsky ballet has been performed by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre since 2002.
Highmark Holiday Pops
When: Wednesday, Dec. 19 through Sunday, Dec. 23
Where: Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave.
Details: The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra plays Christmas music from around the world as well as some favorites. The orchestra will also premiere a Hanukkah song by Marvin Hamlisch.
A Musical Christmas Carol
When: Currently being performed through Sunday, Dec. 23
Where: Byham Theater, 101 6th St.
Details: The annual production of Charles Dickens' famous Christmas story is presented by the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera.
The Harlem Globetrotters
When: Wednesday, Dec. 26
Where: Mellon Arena, 66 Mario Lemieux Place
Details: The fancy-footed basketball troupe makes its annual stop in Pittsburgh. Maybe the New York Nationals will win this year.
First Night Pittsburgh
When: Begins at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31
Where: Throughout the Cultural District
Details: More than 40 events including a parade, a performance by The Clarks, a family tent with children's activities, a performance by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and fireworks at midnight.
Plaid Tidings
When: Currently being performed through Sunday, Jan. 13
Where: Theater Square Cabaret, 655 Penn Ave.
Details: The show offers its Christmas take on "Forever Plaid," a satirical revue of '60s groups like the Four Aces.
Philadelphia
The Pennsylvania Ballet presents The Nutcracker
When: Dec. 14 through Dec. 31
Where: The Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets
Details: This will be a world premiere production featuring the choreography of George Balanchine and music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
The Philadelphia Orchestra presents Salute to Vienna: World's Greatest New Year's Concert
When: 2:30 p.m. Dec. 30
Where: Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center 260 South Broad St. on the Avenue of the Arts
Details: Salute to Vienna features a cast of more than 70 musicians, international singers and dancers.
Peter Nero and the Philly Pops present Holiday POPS!
When: Dec. 12 through Dec. 23
Where: Verizon Hall, the Kimmel Center 260 South Broad St. on the Avenue of the Arts
Details: Now in its 27th season, The Philly Pops is a one-of-a kind orchestra that authentically performs a wide variety of musical genres.
Rent
When: 8 p.m. Jan. 4, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Jan. 5, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 6
Where: The Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets
Details: Rent is Broadway's smash-hit musical. Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about being young and learning to survive in New York City. It's about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. It is the winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize.
The Fantasticks
When: Jan. 10 through Jan. 24
Where: Innovation Studio, the Kimmel Center 260 South Broad St. on the Avenue of the Arts
Details: The Fantasticks is an allegorical story, loosely based on the play The Romancers (Les Romanesques) by Edmond Rostand, concerning two fathers who put up a wall between their houses to ensure that their children fall in love.
New York
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
When: Now through Jan. 6
Where: St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th St.
Details: The classic holiday story beloved by generation after generation, Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas is back on Broadway. This production set Broadway attendance records last holiday season.
The Little Mermaid
When: Opens Jan. 10
Where: Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 W. 46th St.
Details: Based on one of the most beloved Disney films of all time and the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, The Little Mermaid is the sparkling new Disney musical. Some of Disney's most popular songs are featured in the show, including "Part of Your World" and the Oscar-winning Best Original Song, "Under the Sea."
Young Frankenstein
When: Now open
Where: Hilton Theatre, 214 W. 42nd St.
Details: Based on Mel Brooks' hit 1974 film, Young Frankenstein unfolds in the forbidding Castle Frankenstein and the foggy moors of Transylvania Heights. The show's score includes "The Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend" and the unforgettable treatment of Irving Berlin's "Putting On the Ritz."
Spring Awakening
When: Now open
Where: Eugene ONeill Theatre, 230 W. 49th St.
Details: Based on Frank Wedekind's controversial 19th century play, which was banned for 71 years, Spring Awakening boldly depicts how young people navigate the thrilling, confusing and mysterious time of their sexual awakening.
Handel's Messiah
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 22
Where: The Stern Auditorium, Carnegie Hall 57th St. & 7th Ave.
Details: The Masterwork Chorus and Orchestra presents Handel's Messiah, his best-known piece. The composition is in three parts telling the story of Jesus Christ.
