Comedy

The tree is lit up and the stockings are hung and Clara’s Christmas is perfect…except for her Uncle Drosselmeyer sitting up on that clock and the sudden rat infestation…sounds like panto time!Edward Speck and Joshua Shack return to direct another cracking holiday panto, this time seizing on Tchaikovsky’s classic holiday tale to do what panto does best: make a favorite old story new and particular to our place and time again. What does Clara’s magical journey have to teach us? How many nuts would a nutcracker crack if a nutcracker could crack nuts? Let’s find out! Come with us as panto and ballet collide in a delicious mix of sugar plums and pies-in-the-face, dance and comedy, fairies and snowballs, in A Nutcracker Panto!

Bah, humbug! Theater in the Open celebrates the holiday season with this Dickens classic, presented in true TITO style. So be prepared for anything to happen!

The Manchester Public Library invites kids to Enter the World of the Wise Fool, and take an inspiring journey to Medieval times and an uproarious performance. To allow for ample space, we will be at the Chapel next door (First Parish) but return to the library for hot cider and cookies following. This delightful holiday event is sponsored by the Friends of the Manchester Public Library during Manchester’s Christmas-by-the-Sea Weekend. Cider and cookies to follow, in the Library. Pick up a Free ticket in the Children's Room, the day of the event or you can call/email to register with Sara Collins!

Edward Speck and Joshua Shack bring back a favorite Theater in the Open holiday panto, Through the Wardrobe! Fauns and turkish delight and pies-in-the-face return to the Firehouse Center for the Arts! Why? Because it’s panto time silly! Will our heroes survive their adventures in the wardrobe? Will good triumph over evil? Will someone throw balled-up socks at you? Yes, yes, and DEFINITELY.  See you for another holiday panto this December!