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Events in December 2022
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December 25, 2022
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December 18, 2022
“A Christmas Story: The Musical”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., Nov. 25–Dec. 18. Dan Cooney directs this local professional theater company in the 2007 musical version of the 1983 movie comedy about a boy living in 1940s Indiana who longs for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Music and lyrics by the songwriting team of U-M alumni Pasek and Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land). Book by Joseph Robinette. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore Maas Mainstage, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $54 (seniors & youth under 18, $52) in advance at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. $20 student rush tickets (if available) an hour before showtime. 268–6200.
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“A Christmas Story: The Musical”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., Nov. 25–Dec. 18. Dan Cooney directs this local professional theater company in the 2007 musical version of the 1983 movie comedy about a boy living in 1940s Indiana who longs for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Music and lyrics by U-M alumni songwriting team Pasek and Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land). Book by Joseph Robinette. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore Maas Mainstage, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $54 (seniors & youth under 18, $52) in advance at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. $20 student rush tickets (if available) an hour before showtime. 268–6200.
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“Anansi the Spider: Re-Spun”: University Musical Society Digital Presentation.
Dec. 5–23 (all day, online). Three members of the Unicorn Theatre (London)—Afia Abusham, Sapphire Joy, and Juliet Okotie—present classic West African and Caribbean tales using story, song, and dance. A long, long time ago, the cleverest of all the animals in the kingdom was Anansi—trickster, mischief maker, and master spinner of yarns. Recommended for kids from 3 to 9. Streaming available with registration at ums.org/performance/anansi-the-spider. Free. umsyouth@umich.edu, 647–4010.
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“It’s a Wonderful Life”: Fathom Events.
Fathom Events. 973–8424 (Ann Arbor 20), 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $11.50–$12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomevents.com/events and at the door. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter), & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), different times.
Dec. 18 & 21. (Frank Capra, 1946). Sentimental classic about a man who gets a second chance at life on Christmas Eve. James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore. 3:30 & 7 p.m.
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“Pickleball”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
Every Wed.–Sun., Sept. 30–Dec. 23. Rhiannon Ragland directs the world premiere of actor-playwright (and Purple Rose founder) Jeff Daniels’ comedy about America’s fastest growing sport. Four below-average players try to overcome their own limitations to achieve greatness in a game that has nothing to do with pickles. Cast: Ryan Carlson, Kate Thomsen, Lynch Travis, Jonathan West, and Caitlin Cavannaugh. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $34–$52 in advance at PurpleRoseTheatre.org and by phone, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available for students, seniors, teachers, military personnel, and groups. 433–7673.
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Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet: North Star Lounge.
Local bassist Sharp leads this world music–based jazz ensemble that explores the traditions from Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, India, Bulgaria and Greece. With guitarist Al Ayoub, violinist Henrik Karapetyan, and percussionist Mike List. 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., North Star Lounge, 301 N. Fifth Ave. $35 includes brunch. Reservations recommended. Nstarlounge.com.
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Santa: Briarwood Mall.
Daily Nov. 23–Dec. 24 (Mon.–Sat. noon–8 p.m. & Sun. noon–6 p.m.). All kids invited to sit with Santa; photos available for purchase. Dec. 11 is “Pet Photo Night” (6–8 p.m.) for 4-legged, leashed, friendly pets that weigh less than 60 lbs. A session for kids with special needs is held before the mall opens on Dec. 4, 9–10:30 a.m. Note: Santa takes breaks 3–4 p.m. Briarwood Von Maur court. Appointments encouraged at simon.com/santa. 769–9610.
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U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Daily, except Dec. 5, 12, 19, 23–26, 31, Jan. 1. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Sea Monsters (11:30 a.m.) follows a curious dolichorhynchops (an extinct species of marine reptile) as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history, meeting long-necked plesiosaurs, giant turtles and fish, sharks, and the most dangerous sea monster of all, the mosasaur. The Sky Tonight (12:30 & 2:30 p.m.) is an exploration of the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own. Mars: One Thousand One (1:30 p.m.) tells the story of what humans might face with the first manned journey to Mars. Various times, MNH, 1105 North University. $8. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
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Jazz Brunch: Dave Sharp Worlds Trio: North Star Lounge
Enjoy an incredible plate of vegan brunch with the entrancing stylings of Dave Sharp and his Worlds Trio. Price includes brunch plate, coffee & juice, and a concert.
301 N. 5th Ave ,Ann Arbor. https://www.nstarlounge.com/tickets/p/jazzbrunch3 $35. nstarlounge.comAdd this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Ypsilanti Artisans Holiday Market.
Nov. 26 & 27, Dec. 4, 11, 17, & 18. Sale of works in various media and styles by over 40 Ypsilanti-based artisans. Featuring jewelry, ceramics, prints, fiber art, wood crafts, and more. Food from Casablanca Moroccan Restaurant available for purchase. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl., Ypsilanti. Free admission & parking.
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Ypsilanti Artisans Holiday Market.
Nov. 26 & 27, Dec. 4, 11, 17, & 18. Sale of works in various media and styles by over 40 Ypsilanti-based artisans. Featuring jewelry, ceramics, prints, fiber art, wood crafts, and more. Food available for purchase. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl., Ypsilanti. Free admission & parking.
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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
Every Tues.–Sun., (except Dec. 3) through Dec. 23. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s Nature Lab and Micro Worlds Lab to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. Schedule subject to change. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.
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Sunday Artisan Market.
Every Sun., except Dec. 25. Juried market of local handmade arts and crafts, now in its 31st year. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free admission. 913–9622.
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“Critter House Open Hours”: Leslie Science & Nature Center.
Every Sunday, except Dec. 25. A chance to view LSNC birds of prey and its Critter House animals, which include frogs, turtles, snakes, and other species native to Michigan. Noon–3 p.m., LSNC, 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation ($20/family). lesliesnc.org, 997–1553.
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Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History.
Every Sat. & Sun. through Dec. 18, except Dec. 3. 30-minute tour of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, including Evolution: Life Through Time and the Unseen Worlds installation by artist Jim Cogsell. Also, an introduction to some current U-M Biological Sciences research projects. Noon & 2 p.m., MNH, 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. 764–0478.
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“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
Every Sat. & Sun. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to Eurasia, including a reindeer, a wolf hybrid, and a shire horse. Also, a zookeeper talk with a Burmese python (3 p.m.) and a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals, including sloths, muntjacs, and more. 1–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $13 (kids ages 2–12, $11; under age 2, free) at the door; $1 discount for advance purchase at thecreatureconservancy.org. 929–9324.
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“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
Every Sat. & Sun. through Dec. 18. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to Eurasia, including a reindeer, a wolf hybrid, and a shire horse (2 & 4 p.m.). Also, a zookeeper talk with a Burmese python (3 p.m.) and a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 1–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $13 (kids ages 2–12, $11; under age 2, free) at the door; $1 discount for advance purchase at thecreatureconservancy.org. 929–9324.
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“Dancing Babies”: AADL Downtown.
Dec. 3 (10:30–11:15 a.m.) & 18 (1–1:45 p.m.). Infants ages 5 & under (accompanied by an adult) invited to a program of music and movement.
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Meet The Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who: Fine Print Bookshop
Come meet The Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who from Dr. Seuss' classic How The Grinch Stole Christmas, including story time and pictures!
109 E. Michigan Ave ,Saline. Free!. shop@fineprintbookshop.com fineprintbookshop.com 7344706525.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Holiday Exhibition: Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club.
Performances to holiday music by the club’s synchronized skating team The Hockettes, freestyle & ice dance competitors, and other club skaters. 1:05–4:05 p.m., Ann Arbor Ice Cube, 2121 Oak Valley Dr. Free, but donations and non-perishable food items for Ann Arbor Food Gatherers appreciated. 213–6768.
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“The Muppet Christmas Carol”: Michigan Theater.
Michigan Theater. Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. Mask required. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; MTF members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org. Different times.
Dec. 18. (Brian Henson, 1992). The Muppets tackle Dickens’ Christmas classic in this spirited live-action musical. Features a song, “When Love is Gone”, cut from the original release. Michael Caine. FREE. 1:30 p.m.
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“All About the Trio: Holiday Vibes”: Kerrytown Concert House.
U-M jazz piano professor Ellen Rowe continues her series of programs that cover different aspects of jazz trios with a holiday concert. Guest vibraphonist Cary Kocher sits in with the other members of her trio—bassist Paul Keller and drummer Sean Dobbins—to tackle holiday chestnuts in the style of Cal Tjader, Milt Jackson, and other vibraphone legends. 2 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Livestream also available. Tickets $29–$50 (students, $19) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com and (if available) at the door. Reservations recommended. 769–2999.
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“Artemis: Humanity’s Return to the Moon”: Ann Arbor District Library.
NASA/JPL solar system ambassador Jennifer German discusses the upcoming Artemis lunar missions and answers questions. For adults and kids ages 6 & up. 2–3 p.m., AADL Downtown 4th fl. Free. 327–4200.
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“First Snow”: Penny Seats Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun. (except Dec. 10 & 17), Dec. 2–18. Amanda Buchalter directs the premiere of veteran local playwright Joseph Zettelmaier’s comic play about a man who returns to his hometown for a Christmas party after having disappeared for 10 years. Amidst spiked eggnog, snowstorms, and power outages, his old high school friends demand answers. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.). Stone Chalet Inn, 1917 Washtenaw Ave. $15 (seniors 60+ $12). pennyseats.org, 926–5346.
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“Sugar Plum Panto”: Theatre Nova.
Every Fri.–Sun., Dec. 9–Jan. 1, except Dec. 25. Carla Milarch directs this seasonal holiday Panto comedy that she co-wrote with R. MacKenzie Lewis. Panto is a British pantomime that blends familiar children’s stories with a bit of vaudeville to create a raucous family entertainment. This popular show, an annual tradition, usually sells out. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Mask & proof of vaccination required. Tickets $25 ($10 for kids under 17) in advance at theatre-nova.ticketleap.com and (if available) at the door. 635–8450.
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Paper Lantern Jellyfish: Ann Arbor District Library.
A chance to make a beautiful hanging decoration out of a repurposed paper lantern and other craft supplies. 2–3 p.m., AADL Traverwood, 3333 Traverwood. Free. 327–4200.
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“Decorate a Wooden Doll”: Ann Arbor District Library.
Adults and kids ages 5 & up invited to hand-paint a one-of-a-kind wooden doll, gnome, or nutcracker. 3–4:30 p.m., AADL Westgate, 2503 Jackson. Free. 327–4200.
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“The Nutcracker with a Twist”: Randazzo Dance Company.
Dec. 16–18. 53rd annual production of Tchaikovsky’s Christmas ballet by this local company of nearly 100 local dancers of all ages. Directed and choreographed by Sara Randazzo, Roya Panahi, and Christine Sampier. 7:30 p.m. (Fri.) & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. Tickets $15–$25 in advance at the Michigan Union Ticket Office (muto.umich.edu) & at the door. 477–9350.
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“Christmas Lessons and Carols”: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
St. Andrew’s music director Deborah Friauff directs the church adult choir, 2 children’s choirs, and 2 handbell choirs in this traditional English service, in which 9 scripture readings alternate with seasonal anthems and carols, some sung by the congregation. 4 p.m., St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 306 N. Division. Free. 663–0518.
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Vodka and Latkes - A Hanukkah Celebration: Congregation Zera Avraham
Congregation Zera Avraham, a Messianic Jewish congregation, is hosting its annual Hanukkah party this year in Milan, Michigan. This event is open to Jews and non-Jews, religious and secular, to anyone interested in Hanukkah, in Judaism, in God's promised Messiah. This will be an all-ages event with games and fun for kids and adults. Bring your menorah to light the first night's candle or join in with the rest of us and celebrate God's miracles then and now. The festivities begin at 4 pm with candle lighting around 5:45 pm. Kosher-dairy potluck with latkes (potato pancakes) and beverages provided.
101 W Main St ,Milan. Free. kfranklin2@gmail.com https://www.czaa2.org 2483026950.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Community Holiday Sing: Ann Arbor Civic Chorus.
All invited to bring a chair and join this 40+ member chorus in a program TBA. Music and lyrics provided. Karen TenBrink directs. 5 p.m., Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St. Free. a2civicchorus.weebly.com.
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Ann Arbor Go Club.
Every Sun., except Dec. 25. Players of all skill levels invited to play this challenging strategy board game in person. Game materials provided. 5:30 p.m. until whenever, Conor O’Neill’s, 318 Main St. Free. For more info, email Drew at dwright8182@hotmail.com or check bit.ly/annarborgo.
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Ann Arbor Morris.
Every Sun., except Dec. 25. All invited to try this boisterous, jingly English ceremonial dance thought to be descended from the 15th-century Spanish moresca. Wear athletic shoes. 6–8 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Dr. Free. Email a2morris@umich.edu or call 717–1569 in advance to confirm location.
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Ballroom Dance Club at the U-M.
Dec. 4 & 18. Ballroom dancing to recorded music, including fox-trots, waltzes, cha-chas, rumbas, tangos, swing, and more. No partner necessary. Preceded at 5 p.m. by a beginner and at 6 by an intermediate/advanced lesson. 7–9 p.m., Michigan Union ballroom. Mask encouraged. $5. ballroomdance.club/schedule.
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“The UnClub”: The Theater Shop.
Every Sun. (except Dec. 25). Performances by aspiring and experienced comics from former Tonight Show staff writer Chili Challis’s comedy dojo. Emcee is Mark Sweetman. 7:30 p.m. The Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl St., #100, Ypsilanti. Mask and vaccination encouraged. Free. facebook.com/thetheatershop.
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