TDF Stages

In-person theatre may be out of commission until 2021, but there are plenty of virtual performances to enjoy over the holidays. Behold, 12 days of Christmas picks, from Wednesday, December 23 to Sunday, January 3, including Christmas Carols, holiday spectacles, the viral sensation Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical, lavish operas and other shows to watch online from the comfort of your couch for free or at low cost.

Ongoing Throughout the Holidays

The National Theatre: Dick Whittington – a Pantomime for 2020 - watch for FREE until Sunday, December 27
Pantomimes—broad, musical takes on fairy tales filled with topical humor—are a staple of the holiday season at British theatres. This week, London's National Theatre presents one of the most popular pantos, Dick Whittington, which was filmed live on stage earlier this month. The rag-to-riches story of the title character who became mayor of London, this edition has been updated for 2020, so expect lots of campy jokes about plagues and politics. Watch for free until Sunday, December 27 on the National Theatre's YouTube channel though donations are encouraged.

PBS: All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 - watch for FREE until Thursday, December 31
A powerful work of docutheatre, All Is Calm commemorates the Christmas Truce of 1914, an unofficial ceasefire that brought troops from opposing sides of World War I together on December 24 for a night of caroling and companionship. Created by Minneapolis' Theater Latté Da, the show interweaves excerpts from letters and journals of soldiers who were there with trench songs and Christmas tunes performed a cappella. I saw this emotional piece at the Sheen Center two years ago and I get misty just thinking about it. It perfectly captures the spirit of the season: peace on earth and good will toward men. Watch for free until Thursday, December 31 on PBS' website.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater: Peter Pan - A Musical Adventure - watch for FREE until Friday, January 1, 2021
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents a recording of Peter Pan, its hit family-friendly musical from 2018. With songs by the team behind Broadway's Mary Poppins, this is a magical adaptation of J.M. Barrie's adventure about being forever young. Watch for free until Friday, January 1, 2021 on the theatre's website though donations are encouraged.

Taylor Mac's Holiday Sauce... Pandemic! - watch until Saturday, January 2, 2021
Marvel at Taylor Mac's virtual edition of their annual seasonal extravaganza Holiday Sauce. In the better-seen-than-described show, the MacArthur genius and Pulitzer finalist (A 24-Decade History of Popular Music) blends music, film, burlesque and indescribable fabulousness for a jaw-dropping, NC-17-rated holiday revue. Backed by a full band, Mac slays songs and welcomes special guests, including Thornetta Davis, Steffanie Christi'an, Tigger! Ferguson, Dusty Childers, Sister Rosemary Chicken, Glenn Marla and Timothy White Eagle. The costumes alone—designed by Mac's longtime collaborator Machine Dazzle—are worth tuning in for. Tickets are pay-what-you-can though a $10 minimum is suggested; the recording is viewable until Saturday, January 2, 2021.

New York City Center: An Evening with Audra McDonald - watch until Sunday, January 3, 2021
Six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald performs a benefit concert for New York City Center. Filmed on the venue's stage (McDonald's first time upon it, shockingly!), the 75-minute program showcases her jaw-dropping vocal range as she croons Broadway classics and lesser-known gems, such as Frank Loesser's tongue twister "Can't Stop Talking About Him" from the 1950 movie Let's Dance. Her longtime collaborator, Andy Einhorn, accompanies her on piano and Michael Urie serves as an affable host. I watched this last weekend and it's an incredibly moving evening. Her voice is thrilling as always, and her love for NYC and the theatre industry is palpable. Tickets are $35 and the recording is viewable until Sunday, January 3, 2021.

Classical Theatre of Harlem: A Christmas Carol in Harlem - watch for FREE until Sunday, January 3, 2021
While there's a cornucopia of Christmas Carols streaming this season, the Classical Theatre of Harlem's version offers a modern-day, gospel-infused spin on Charles Dickens' holiday redemption tale. Recorded at Aaron Davis Hall last year, the show cleverly examines the ramifications of gentrification, making the story feel more urgent and poignant than ever. Watch for free until Sunday, January 3, 2021 on the theatre's website though donations are encouraged.

Jefferson Mays in A Christmas Carol - watch until Sunday, January 3, 2021
Jefferson Mays is a master at playing multiple characters in the same show. He won a Tony Award for doing just that in I Am My Own Wife (40 different roles!), and earned a nomination for portraying eight members of the ill-fated D'Ysquith family in A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder. He's at it again in this solo adaptation of A Christmas Carol in which he plays everyone from Scrooge to Tiny Tim. Originally mounted at LA's Geffen Playhouse in 2018, the production was reimagined for digital consumption by director Michael Arden and costume and set designer Dane Laffrey, who restaged and recorded it during quarantine at the stunning United Palace theatre in Washington Heights. The result is a fresh and intimate take on Dickens' timeless tale featuring Mays in a tour-de-force performance—make that performances. Tickets are $50 and a portion of the proceeds goes to TDF! The recording is viewable until Sunday, January 3, 2021.

New York City Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker - watch until Sunday, January 3, 2021
New York City Ballet presents its Christmas classic The Nutcracker choreographed by George Balanchine. This legendary version of Tchaikovsky's fantastical ballet was recorded last year during its annual holiday engagement at Lincoln Center and stars NYCB principal dancers Maria Kowroski as the Sugarplum Fairy, Tyler Angle as her Cavalier and Megan Fairchild as Dewdrop. A lavish production with gorgeous sets and costumes, it's a must-see seasonal sight for NYC dance lovers. Now families across the country can enjoy. Tickets are $25; the recording is viewable until Sunday, January 3, 2021.

Estella Scrooge: A Christmas Carol with a Twist - watch until Sunday, January 3
A tuneful, modern-day take on the old Christmas chestnut, this new holiday musical comes from John Caird and Paul Gordon, the team behind Broadway's Jane Eyre, and incorporates popular characters and plot lines from multiple Charles Dickens' novels. Betsy Wolfe (Waitress) is the title character, a ruthless real estate mogul, who heads to her hometown for the holidays to foreclose on a hotel for the homeless run by her childhood sweetheart, Philip "Pip" Nickleby (Clifton Duncan). But soon three spirits arrive to scare her sweet. Broadway favorites Lauren Patten (Jagged Little Pill), Patrick Page (Hadestown), Carolee Carmello (Parade) and Danny Burstein (Moulin Rouge!) costar. Tickets start at $25; the recording is viewable until Sunday, January 3, 2021.

Wednesday, December 23

Irish Repertory Theatre: Meet Me in St. Louis
On Wednesday at 2 and 7 p.m. ET, for the holidays, the intrepid Irish Rep presents Meet Me in St. Louis. Last seen at the theatre in 2007, this old-fashioned musical is based on the cherished MGM movie of the same name about the growing pains of the tight-knit Smith family as they contemplate major changes in life and love at the turn of the 20th century. Charlotte Moore, who appeared in the 1989 Broadway mounting of the show, directs a cast headlined by Tony nominees Melissa Errico and Max Von Essen, and the classic score includes "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Reservations are required to receive the FREE viewing link but a $25 donation is suggested.

Merchant's House: A Christmas Carol
On Wednesday at 3 and 8 p.m. ET, the ultimate old-school version of Charles Dickens' holiday classic goes virtual this year, with John Kevin Jones performing his one-man Christmas Carol at the 19th-century Merchant's House Museum in the East Village. In this historic setting, Jones plays Dickens performing all of the characters, just like the Victorian author did back in the day. Register to receive the FREE viewing link; a $30 donation is suggested.

BalletCollective: The Nutcracker at Wethersfield
On Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET, earlier this month, BalletCollective presented an immersive in-person mounting of The Nutcracker at the secluded Wethersfield Estate in Amenia, NY. Now audiences around the globe can stream choreographer Troy Schumacher's critically acclaimed iteration of Tchaikovsky's Christmas classic, featuring a company of 23 dancers, most of whom are members of New York City Ballet. Watch for FREE until Saturday, December 26 online.

The Metropolitan Opera: The Magic Flute
On Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET, ever since the shutdown began, the Metropolitan Opera has been sharing productions from its Live in HD series nightly at 7:30 p.m. ET. But it also presents weekly student streams that debut on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. ET. These productions have been specially selected for families, and Zoom education sessions leading up to the screening teach school-age kids about opera. This week's offering is Tony winner Julie Taymor's eye-popping, puppet-filled mounting of Mozart's fantastical fable The Magic Flute. Condensed into one act and performed in English, this 2006 production stars Nathan Gunn, Ying Huang, Matthew Polenzani, Erika Miklosa and René Pape. Watch for FREE until Friday, December 25 at 5 p.m. ET on the Metropolitan Opera's website.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Revelations Through the Decades
On Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater wraps up its virtual season with Revelations Through the Decades, a compilation of rarely seen historic clips of the choreographer's seminal work, plus a post-performance class teaching the opening section "I've Been 'Buked." Watch for FREE until Thursday, December 31 on Ailey's website though donations are encouraged.

Ballet Hispánico: Club Havana
On Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. EST, Ballet Hispánico celebrates Club Havana, Cuban choreographer Pedro Ruiz's fusion of conga, rumba, mambo and cha cha that premiered 20 years ago. Current and alumni dancers will talk about performing the piece, and the evening ends with a screening of the troupe doing Club Havana at the 2019 Vail Dance Festival. Watch for FREE on the dance company's YouTube channel though donations are encouraged.

The Metropolitan Opera: Il Barbiere di Siviglia
On Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Metropolitan Opera presents Tony winner Bartlett Sher's sparkling mounting of Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Rossini's comic masterpiece about Figaro, a resourceful barber who helps a couple out of a hairy situation. Christopher Maltman plays the sassy stylist in this 2014 production alongside Isabel Leonard, Lawrence Brownlee, Maurizo Muraro and Paata Burchuladze. Watch for FREE for 23 hours after the start time on the Metropolitan Opera's website. You can still stream yesterday's opera, Cendrillon, until 6:30 p.m. ET today.

Stars in the House: All the Girls
On Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET, Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley spotlight All the Girls, a new album celebrating female friendships featuring Broadway vet Sally Wilfert and three-time Tony nominee Rebecca Luker, who just passed away. Wilfert will be joined by some of the songwriters who contributed to the score, and the evening is sure to include heartfelt tributes to the late Luker, a beloved stage star. Watch for FREE on YouTube though donations to The Actors Fund are encouraged.

New Works Virtual Festival: A Man with No Opinion
On Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET, the ambitious New Works Virtual Festival is showcasing 20 plays in 20 days, with a debut every evening at 8 p.m. ET through Christmas. Tonight is Kevin Wiczer's A Man with No Opinion, a '50s-set farce about a secretary whose dream man turns out to be a mama's boy. The cast includes Broadway vets Kathleen Turner, Christy Carlson Romano, Krystina Alabado and Alan H. Green. Watch for FREE on YouTube.

Thursday, December 24

The Old Vic: A Christmas Carol
On Thursday at 8 a.m. ET, it's your last chance to catch this magical mounting of Dickens' holiday redemption tale. Adapted by Tony-winning playwright Jack Thorne and staged by Tony-winning director Matthew Warchus, the show incorporates beautifully sung Christmas carols and insightful humor into the action. The production originated at London's Old Vic in 2017 and has been a holiday staple ever since—it even crossed the pond to play on Broadway last season. Walking Dead star Andrew Lincoln headlines this year's edition, which will be performed live on the Old Vic stage to an empty theatre and streamed to an at-home audience. Tickets start at £20, approximately $27. Closed captions and audio description are available.

Irish Repertory Theatre: Meet Me in St. Louis
On Thursday at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. ET, for the holidays, the intrepid Irish Rep presents Meet Me in St. Louis. Last seen at the theatre in 2007, this old-fashioned musical is based on the cherished MGM movie of the same name about the growing pains of the tight-knit Smith family as they contemplate major changes in life and love at the turn of the 20th century. Charlotte Moore, who appeared in the 1989 Broadway mounting of the show, directs a cast headlined by Tony nominees Melissa Errico and Max Von Essen, and the classic score includes "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Reservations are required to receive the FREE viewing link but a $25 donation is suggested.

Merchant's House: A Christmas Carol
On Thursday at 5 p.m. ET, it's your last chance to catch the ultimate old-school version of Charles Dickens' holiday classic, with John Kevin Jones performing his one-man Christmas Carol at the 19th-century Merchant's House Museum in the East Village for a virtual at-home audience. Jones plays Dickens performing all of the characters, just like the Victorian author did back in the day. Register to receive the FREE viewing link; a $30 donation is suggested.

The Metropolitan Opera: La Bohème
On Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Metropolitan Opera shares a gem from its vaults: Franco Zeffirelli's smashing staging of La Bohème, Puccini's romantic tragedy about love, bromance and art. Teresa Stratas, Renata Scotto, José Carreras, Richard Stilwell and James Morris star in this 1982 production. Watch for FREE for 23 hours after the start time on the Metropolitan Opera's website. You can still stream yesterday's opera, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, until 6:30 p.m. ET today.

Stars in the House: The Callaway Sisters
On Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley spend Christmas Eve with two supremely talented, Tony-nominated sisters: jazz singer Ann Hampton Callaway, who wrote and performed the beloved theme to The Nanny, and Broadway Baby Liz Callaway, who's voiced a number of cinematic princesses. Watch for FREE on YouTube though donations to The Actors Fund are encouraged.

New Works Virtual Festival: Frontiers
On Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, the ambitious New Works Virtual Festival is showcasing 20 plays in 20 days, with a debut every evening at 8 p.m. ET through Christmas. Tonight is Andrew Apollo's Frontiers, headlined by Broadway's beloved couple Andy Karl and Orfeh. Watch for FREE on YouTube.

Friday, December 25

Kris Kringle the Musical
On Friday at 9 a.m. ET, catch Kris Kringle the Musical , about an idealistic toy maker teaming up with Santa and Co. to battle a heartless CEO at Christmas. Broadway vets Kim Crosby, Robert Anthony Jones, Christopher Shyer, Mary Stout and Elizabeth Ward Land star. Watch for FREE online.

Save West Bank Cafe Virtual Telethon
On Friday at noon, since 1978, West Bank Cafe on 42nd Street has been a go-to pre- and post-show dinner spot for actors and audiences alike. It's also home to The Laurie Beechman Theatre, an intimate stage that plays host to drag, comedy, cabaret and burlesque shows. Due to the shutdown, the storied venue is in dire financial straits, but some of its famous friends are coming to the rescue with a Christmas Day online telethon. The lineup of luminaries lending their support includes Broadway favorites Chita Rivera, Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Kerry Butler, Betty Buckley, Julie Halston, Megan Hilty, Joe Iconis, Telly Leung, Debra Messing, Lois Smith and Alysha Umphress. Tune in for songs, stories and heartfelt pleas to save this institution. Watch for FREE on YouTube though donations are encouraged.

The Shows Must Go On!: Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds
On Friday at 2 p.m. ET, the Shows Must Go On! streams Jeff Wayne's musical adaptation of The War of the Worlds. Originally a hit concept album in the '70s, Wayne's take on H.G. Wells' sci-fi classic about a Martian invasion spawned a high-tech touring iteration in the 21st century. This is a recording of the original stage production in 2006 and features a virtual Richard Burton, flesh-and-blood performances by Justin Hayward and Russell Watson, and eye-popping visual effects. Watch for free until Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 2 p.m. ET on YouTube though donations are encouraged.

Two By Two 50th Anniversary Virtual Concert
On Friday at 2 p.m. ET, MetropolitanZoom presents a concert mounting of Two by Two about Noah prepping for the Great Flood. Written by musical theatre greats Richard Rodgers, Martin Charnin and Peter Stone, the show debuted on Broadway in 1970, but is rarely revived. Christmas Day is your chance to see it directed by and starring original Broadway cast member Walter Willison alongside Tony winner Karen Ziemba. Watch for FREE until Monday, December 28 on MetropolitanZoom's Facebook page though donations to The Actors Fund are encouraged.

The Metropolitan Opera: Hansel and Gretel
On Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Metropolitan Opera presents its eye-popping, English-language production of Engelbert Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel featuring oversize cartoon chefs, singing trees and an unforgettable witch's kitchen. Alice Coote and Christine Schäfer star as the title siblings in this 2008 production. Watch for FREE for 23 hours after the start time on the Metropolitan Opera's website. You can still stream yesterday's opera, La Bohème, until 6:30 p.m. ET today.

Stars in the House: Charles Busch
On Friday at 8 p.m. ET, Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley spend Christmas Day with performer, playwright, wit and drag legend Charles Busch, which is sure to be a fabulous and festive time. Watch for FREE on YouTube though donations to The Actors Fund are encouraged. For the rest of the holiday season, Stars in the House will host celebrity game nights every evening at 8 p.m. ET save for Sundays, so tune in on YouTube if you're in a playful mood.

New Works Virtual Festival: On the Farce Day of Christmas
On Friday at 8 p.m. ET, the ambitious New Works Virtual Festival is showcasing 20 plays in 20 days, with a debut every evening at 8 p.m. ET through Christmas. The series ends tonight with Ken Levine's On the Farce Day of Christmas, about a divorcée who pays her ex to pretend they're still married for the holidays. George Wendt, Lynne Stewart, Kerry Butler and Max Crumm star. Watch for FREE on YouTube.

Saturday, December 26

Irish Repertory Theatre: Meet Me in St. Louis
On Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m. ET, for the holidays, the intrepid Irish Rep presents Meet Me in St. Louis. Last seen at the theatre in 2007, this old-fashioned musical is based on the cherished MGM movie of the same name about the growing pains of the tight-knit Smith family as they contemplate major changes in life and love at the turn of the 20th century. Charlotte Moore, who appeared in the 1989 Broadway mounting of the show, directs a cast headlined by Tony nominees Melissa Errico and Max Von Essen, and the classic score includes "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Reservations are required to receive the FREE viewing link but a $25 donation is suggested.

New Ohio Theatre: Journey Around My Bedroom
On Saturday at 7 p.m. ET, if you're looking for an engaging family show, consider going on a Journey Around My Bedroom. Presented by Off-Off Broadway's innovative New Ohio Theatre, the story revolves around a young girl with a huge imagination, bored in her bedroom until a mysterious stranger appears and asks for help fixing his fantastical flying machine. Inspired by the writings of French author Xavier de Maistre and performed live, the hour-long show fuses toy theatre elements, contemporary puppetry, original songs and audience participation. Tickets are pay-what-you-can though a $25 donation per family is suggested.

The Metropolitan Opera: The Merry Widow
On Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Metropolitan Opera presents Tony-winning director Susan Stroman's delightful staging of Franz Lehar's The Merry Widow, starring opera legend Renée Fleming as the title character, who's wooed by Nathan Gunn's Danilo, an old flame with ulterior motives. Tony Award winner Kelli O'Hara costars. Watch for FREE for 23 hours after the start time on the Metropolitan Opera's website. You can still stream yesterday's opera, Hansel and Gretel, until 6:30 p.m. ET today.

Penguin Rep: A Doll's House, Part 2
On Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, upstate New York's Penguin Rep presents A Doll's House, Part 2, Lucas Hnath's irreverent sequel to Ibsen's classic, which finds Nora reopening the door she slammed on her family decades prior. Appropriately, this is a family affair, with Emmy winner Ann Dowd (The Handmaid's Tale) starring opposite her real-life husband, Lawrence Arancio and their daughter, Emily Arancio. Off-Broadway stalwart Angelina Fiordellisi rounds out the cast as the hilariously surly nanny, and Joe Brancato directs. Tickets start at $10 and the recording is viewable until Tuesday, December 29.

Feinstein's/54 Below: Sondheim Unplugged
On Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, for the past decade, cabaret impresario Phil Geoffrey Bond has hosted Sondheim Unplugged, a series of concerts starring NYC stage favorites crooning songs by the musical theatre legend to piano accompaniment. Tonight, he brings the show online with a performance filmed earlier this month at the swanky Feinstein's/54 Below. Go into the web with old friends Darius de Haas, Natalie Douglas, Telly Leung, T. Oliver Reid, Nicholas Rodriguez and Lucia Spina as they remind us why Sondheim is great company! Tickets are $25 and the recording is viewable until Saturday, January 9.

Sunday, December 27

New Ohio Theatre: Journey Around My Bedroom
On Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. ET, if you're looking for an engaging family show, consider going on a Journey Around My Bedroom. Presented by Off-Off Broadway's innovative New Ohio Theatre, the story revolves around a young girl with a huge imagination, bored in her bedroom until a mysterious stranger appears and asks for help fixing his fantastical flying machine. Inspired by the writings of French author Xavier de Maistre and performed live, the hour-long show fuses toy theatre elements, contemporary puppetry, original songs and audience participation. Tickets are pay-what-you-can though a $25 donation per family is suggested.

Irish Repertory Theatre: Meet Me in St. Louis
On Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m. ET, for the holidays, the intrepid Irish Rep presents Meet Me in St. Louis. Last seen at the theatre in 2007, this old-fashioned musical is based on the cherished MGM movie of the same name about the growing pains of the tight-knit Smith family as they contemplate major changes in life and love at the turn of the 20th century. Charlotte Moore, who appeared in the 1989 Broadway mounting of the show, directs a cast headlined by Tony nominees Melissa Errico and Max Von Essen, and the classic score includes "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Reservations are required to receive the FREE viewing link but a $25 donation is suggested.

Mischief Movie Night In!
On Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, Mischief Theatre, the uproarious British troupe behind NYC's long-running comedy The Play That Goes Wrong, presents a live improvised movie night, with the audience tasked with suggesting the title, genre and setting. Beyond lots of laughs, no one has any idea of what to expect—not even the performers. There are two ticket tiers, one just to watch, the other to participate with guffaws and cheers. Tickets start at £10, approximately $13.50.

New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players: Cox and Box
On Sunday at 7 p.m. ET, the celebrated New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players present Cox and Box, Sullivan and Burnand's farcical one-act operetta about a pair of lodgers with opposite work schedules who don't realize they're renting the same room. Recorded during quarantine, the virtual production stars stalwart company members Daniel Greenwood, David Macaluso and Matthew Wages. Tickets are $25.

The Metropolitan Opera: Falstaff
On Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Metropolitan Opera presents Verdi's Falstaff, featuring a libretto by Arrigo Boito inspired by Shakespeare's comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor as well as scenes from Henry IV. Ambrogio Maestri is the lascivious and louche title character, who's outwitted by the clever ladies around him, played by Angela Meade, Stephanie Blythe and Jennifer Johnson Cano in this 2013 production. Watch for FREE for 23 hours after the start time on the Metropolitan Opera's website. You can still stream yesterday's opera, The Merry Widow, until 6:30 p.m. ET today.

The Seth Concert Series: Kerry Butler
On Sunday at 8 p.m. ET, apparently, hosting a daily online talk show and a Sirius XM Satellite Radio series isn't enough for the multitalented Seth Rudetsky. Well-known for his skills as a pianist, music director and interviewer, he's hosted a series of intimate live concerts with Broadway stars for the past decade. This year he brings the show online, and tonight's headliner is Kerry Butler. A blonde beauty blessed with powerhouse pipes and crack comic timing, the Tony nominee has stolen the show on Broadway (as the original Penny Pingleton in Hairspray and a perky muse in Xanadu) and off (as a love-crazy teen in Bat Boy: The Musical). Expect numbers from her career, which includes turns in Mean Girls, Beetlejuice and the campy jukebox Disaster!, which Rudetsky co-wrote. Tickets are $25.

Monday, December 28

New Ohio Theatre: Journey Around My Bedroom
On Monday at 2 p.m. ET, if you're looking for an engaging family show, consider going on a Journey Around My Bedroom. Presented by Off-Off Broadway's innovative New Ohio Theatre, the story revolves around a young girl with a huge imagination, bored in her bedroom until a mysterious stranger appears and asks for help fixing his fantastical flying machine. Inspired by the writings of French author Xavier de Maistre and performed live, the hour-long show fuses toy theatre elements, contemporary puppetry, original songs and audience participation. Tickets are pay-what-you-can though a $25 donation per family is suggested.

Mischief Movie Night In!
On Monday at 3 p.m. ET, Mischief Theatre, the uproarious British troupe behind NYC's long-running comedy The Play That Goes Wrong, presents a live improvised movie night, with the audience tasked with suggesting the title, genre and setting. Beyond lots of laughs, no one has any idea of what to expect—not even the performers. There are two ticket tiers, one just to watch, the other to participate with guffaws and cheers. Tickets start at £10, approximately $13.50.

The Seth Concert Series: Kerry Butler
On Monday at 3 p.m. ET, apparently, hosting a daily online talk show and a Sirius XM Satellite Radio series isn't enough for the multitalented Seth Rudetsky. Well-known for his skills as a pianist, music director and interviewer, he's hosted a series of intimate live concerts with Broadway stars for the past decade. This year he brings the show online. Last night's headliner was Kerry Butler and you can watch a recording today. A blonde beauty blessed with powerhouse pipes and crack comic timing, the Tony nominee has stolen the show on Broadway (as the original Penny Pingleton in Hairspray and a perky muse in Xanadu) and off (as a love-crazy teen in Bat Boy: The Musical). Expect numbers from her career, which includes turns in Mean Girls, Beetlejuice and the campy jukebox Disaster!, which Rudetsky co-wrote. Tickets are $25.

The Metropolitan Opera: La Bohème
On Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Metropolitan Opera shares another iconic mounting of La Bohème, starring Luciano Pavarotti and Renata Scotto as the young lovers at the center of Puccini's romantic tragedy. Maralin Niska, Ingvar Wixell and Paul Plishka costar in Fabrizio Melano's 1977 production. Watch for FREE for 23 hours after the start time on the Metropolitan Opera's website. You can still stream yesterday's opera, Falstaff, until 6:30 p.m. ET today.

Jim Caruso's Pajama Cast Party
On Monday at 8 p.m. ET, cabaret maven Jim Caruso welcomes renowned singers and up-and-comers at Pajama Cast Party, a live-streamed version of his popular weekly Cast Party gatherings that have taken place at Birdland for years. Tonight's lineup includes Broadway vet Clifton Davis, the hilarious Marissa Rosen and trombonist player Christopher Bill. Watch for free on YouTube though tips via the Venmo app are appreciated.

Tuesday, December 29

Mischief Movie Night In!
On Tuesday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. ET, Mischief Theatre, the uproarious British troupe behind NYC's long-running comedy The Play That Goes Wrong, presents a live improvised movie night, with the audience tasked with suggesting the title, genre and setting. Beyond lots of laughs, no one has any idea of what to expect—not even the performers. There are two ticket tiers, one just to watch, the other to participate with guffaws and cheers. Tickets start at £10, approximately $13.50.

Irish Repertory Theatre: Meet Me in St. Louis
On Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET, for the holidays, the intrepid Irish Rep presents Meet Me in St. Louis. Last seen at the theatre in 2007, this old-fashioned musical is based on the cherished MGM movie of the same name about the growing pains of the tight-knit Smith family as they contemplate major changes in life and love at the turn of the 20th century. Charlotte Moore, who appeared in the 1989 Broadway mounting of the show, directs a cast headlined by Tony nominees Melissa Errico and Max Von Essen, and the classic score includes "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Reservations are required to receive the FREE viewing link but a $25 donation is suggested.

The Metropolitan Opera: Tosca
On Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Metropolitan Opera shares a gem from its vaults: its 1978 mounting of Puccini's Tosca, starring Shirley Verrett as the title diva, Luciano Pavarotti as her artist lover and Cornell MacNeil as the man who stands in the way of their happiness. Watch for FREE for 23 hours after the start time on the Metropolitan Opera's website. You can still stream yesterday's opera, La Bohème, until 6:30 p.m. ET today.

Wednesday, December 30

Irish Repertory Theatre: Meet Me in St. Louis
On Wednesday at 2 and 7 p.m. ET, for the holidays, the intrepid Irish Rep presents Meet Me in St. Louis. Last seen at the theatre in 2007, this old-fashioned musical is based on the cherished MGM movie of the same name about the growing pains of the tight-knit Smith family as they contemplate major changes in life and love at the turn of the 20th century. Charlotte Moore, who appeared in the 1989 Broadway mounting of the show, directs a cast headlined by Tony nominees Melissa Errico and Max Von Essen, and the classic score includes "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Reservations are required to receive the FREE viewing link but a $25 donation is suggested.

New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players: Cox and Box
On Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. ET, the celebrated New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players present Cox and Box, Sullivan and Burnand's farcical one-act operetta about a pair of lodgers with opposite work schedules who don't realize they're renting the same room. Recorded during quarantine, the virtual production stars stalwart company members Daniel Greenwood, David Macaluso and Matthew Wages. Tickets are $25 but if you're a TDF member, log in to your account to purchase them at a discount.

Mischief Movie Night In!
On Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, Mischief Theatre, the uproarious British troupe behind NYC's long-running comedy The Play That Goes Wrong, presents a live improvised movie night, with the audience tasked with suggesting the title, genre and setting. Beyond lots of laughs, no one has any idea of what to expect—not even the performers. There are two ticket tiers, one just to watch, the other to participate with guffaws and cheers. Tickets start at £10, approximately $13.50.

The Metropolitan Opera: Rigoletto
On Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Metropolitan Opera shares a gem from its vaults: its thrilling 1981 production of Verdi's Rigoletto, with Louis Quilico as the title character, a court jester who tries to protect his innocent daughter (Christiane Eda-Pierre) from Luciano Pavarotti's lascivious Duke. Watch for FREE for 23 hours after the start time on the Metropolitan Opera's website. You can still stream yesterday's opera, Tosca, until 6:30 p.m. ET today.

Thursday, December 31

Irish Repertory Theatre: Meet Me in St. Louis
On Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, for the holidays, the intrepid Irish Rep presents Meet Me in St. Louis. Last seen at the theatre in 2007, this old-fashioned musical is based on the cherished MGM movie of the same name about the growing pains of the tight-knit Smith family as they contemplate major changes in life and love at the turn of the 20th century. Charlotte Moore, who appeared in the 1989 Broadway mounting of the show, directs a cast headlined by Tony nominees Melissa Errico and Max Von Essen, and the classic score includes "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Reservations are required to receive the FREE viewing link but a $25 donation is suggested.

Mischief Movie Night In!
On Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, Mischief Theatre, the uproarious British troupe behind NYC's long-running comedy The Play That Goes Wrong, presents a live improvised movie night, with the audience tasked with suggesting the title, genre and setting. Beyond lots of laughs, no one has any idea of what to expect—not even the performers. There are two ticket tiers, one just to watch, the other to participate with guffaws and cheers. Tickets start at £10, approximately $13.50.

The Metropolitan Opera's New Year's Eve Gala
On Thursday at 4 p.m. ET, since the shutdown began almost 10 months ago, The Metropolitan Opera has been screening productions every night for free. Now it's time to give back. To raise much-needed funds, the Met is hosting a New Year's Eve benefit, with sopranos Angel Blue and Pretty Yende, and tenors Javier Camarena and Matthew Polenzani performing live from Germany's stunning Parktheater im Kurhaus Göggingen. You can find the complete set list online, but if you prefer to be surprised, rest assured that Verdi, Puccini and Rossini are well-represented. Tickets are $20; a recording will be viewable until Thursday, January 14.

The Metropolitan Opera: Ernani
On Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Metropolitan Opera shares a gem from its vaults: Pier Luigi Samaritani's 1983 mounting of Verdi's Ernani, starring Luciano Pavarotti in the title role of the wronged nobleman turned bandit, and Leona Mitchell as his lady love. Watch for FREE for 23 hours after the start time on the Metropolitan Opera's website. You can still stream yesterday's opera, Rigoletto, until 6:30 p.m. ET today.

New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players: Cox and Box
On Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, the celebrated New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players present Cox and Box, Sullivan and Burnand's farcical one-act operetta about a pair of lodgers with opposite work schedules who don't realize they're renting the same room. Recorded during quarantine, the virtual production stars stalwart company members Daniel Greenwood, David Macaluso and Matthew Wages. Tickets are $25.

PBS: United in Song: Celebrating the Resilience of America
On Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, ring in 2021 with this uplifting concert on PBS. The lineup includes opera and musical diva Renée Fleming, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, groundbreaking author, activist and actor Anna Deavere Smith, violinist Joshua Bell, and Broadway legends Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Watch for FREE on TV on PBS Thirteen or on the channel's website.

Friday, January 1

Irish Repertory Theatre: Meet Me in St. Louis
On Friday at 5 p.m. ET, for the holidays, the intrepid Irish Rep presents Meet Me in St. Louis. Last seen at the theatre in 2007, this old-fashioned musical is based on the cherished MGM movie of the same name about the growing pains of the tight-knit Smith family as they contemplate major changes in life and love at the turn of the 20th century. Charlotte Moore, who appeared in the 1989 Broadway mounting of the show, directs a cast headlined by Tony nominees Melissa Errico and Max Von Essen, and the classic score includes "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Reservations are required to receive the FREE viewing link but a $25 donation is suggested.

Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical
On Friday at 7 p.m. ET, a lot of unexpected things happened in 2020, but one of the most delightful surprises was the Disney movie Ratatouille being turned into a collaborative viral musical on TikTok. Don't worry if you have no idea what half those words mean. All you need to know is that Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical is premiering on New Year's Day and the cast is jaw-dropping, including Broadway favorites Andrew Barth Feldman, Tituss Burgess, Wayne Brady, Kevin Chamberlin, André De Shields, Priscilla Lopez, Ashley Park and Mary Testa. Lucy Moss directs. Tickets start at $5 and the recording will be viewable until Monday, January 4.

New Ohio Theatre: Journey Around My Bedroom
On Friday at 7 p.m. ET, if you're looking for an engaging family show, consider going on a Journey Around My Bedroom. Presented by Off-Off Broadway's innovative New Ohio Theatre, the story revolves around a young girl with a huge imagination, bored in her bedroom until a mysterious stranger appears and asks for help fixing his fantastical flying machine. Inspired by the writings of French author Xavier de Maistre and performed live, the hour-long show fuses toy theatre elements, contemporary puppetry, original songs and audience participation. Tickets are pay-what-you-can though a $25 donation per family is suggested.

The Metropolitan Opera: Il Trovatore
On Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Metropolitan Opera shares a gem from its vaults: its 1988 mounting of Verdi's Il Trovatore featuring Luciano Pavarotti as Manrico, the emotional troubadour. Éva Marton, Dolora Zajick and Sherrill Milnes costar. Watch for FREE for 23 hours after the start time on the Metropolitan Opera's website. You can still stream yesterday's opera, Ernani, until 6:30 p.m. ET today.

Saturday, January 2

New Ohio Theatre: Journey Around My Bedroom
On Saturday at 2 p.m. ET, if you're looking for an engaging family show, consider going on a Journey Around My Bedroom. Presented by Off-Off Broadway's innovative New Ohio Theatre, the story revolves around a young girl with a huge imagination, bored in her bedroom until a mysterious stranger appears and asks for help fixing his fantastical flying machine. Inspired by the writings of French author Xavier de Maistre and performed live, the hour-long show fuses toy theatre elements, contemporary puppetry, original songs and audience participation. Tickets are pay-what-you-can though a $25 donation per family is suggested.

New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players: Cox and Box
On Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET, the celebrated New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players present Cox and Box, Sullivan and Burnand's farcical one-act operetta about a pair of lodgers with opposite work schedules who don't realize they're renting the same room. Recorded during quarantine, the virtual production stars stalwart company members Daniel Greenwood, David Macaluso and Matthew Wages. Tickets are $25 but if you're a TDF member, log in to your account to purchase them at a discount.

Irish Repertory Theatre: Meet Me in St. Louis
On Saturday at 8 a.m., noon, 4 and 8 p.m. ET, it's your last day to catch Irish Rep's Meet Me in St. Louis. Last seen at the theatre in 2007, this old-fashioned musical is based on the cherished MGM movie of the same name about the growing pains of the tight-knit Smith family as they contemplate major changes in life and love at the turn of the 20th century. Charlotte Moore, who appeared in the 1989 Broadway mounting of the show, directs a cast headlined by Tony nominees Melissa Errico and Max Von Essen, and the classic score includes "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Reservations are required to receive the FREE viewing link but a $25 donation is suggested.

The Metropolitan Opera: Un Ballo in Maschera
On Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Metropolitan Opera shares a gem from its vaults: Piero Faggioni's 1991 mounting of Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera , with Luciano Pavarotti as a ruler in love with his best friend's wife. Aprile Millo, Leo Nucci and Florence Quivar costar. Watch for FREE for 23 hours after the start time on the Metropolitan Opera's website. You can still stream yesterday's opera, Il Trovatore, until 6:30 p.m. ET today.

Sunday, January 3

New Ohio Theatre: Journey Around My Bedroom
On Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. ET, if you're looking for an engaging family show, consider going on a Journey Around My Bedroom. Presented by Off-Off Broadway's innovative New Ohio Theatre, the story revolves around a young girl with a huge imagination, bored in her bedroom until a mysterious stranger appears and asks for help fixing his fantastical flying machine. Inspired by the writings of French author Xavier de Maistre and performed live, the hour-long show fuses toy theatre elements, contemporary puppetry, original songs and audience participation. Tickets are pay-what-you-can though a $25 donation per family is suggested.

The Metropolitan Opera: L'Elisir d'Amore
On Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Metropolitan Opera shares a gem from its vaults: L'Elisir d'Amore, Donizetti's charming rom-com about a spirited landowner, a lovesick peasant and a purported love potion that may lead to romance. Kathleen Battle, Luciano Pavarotti, Juan Pons and Enzo Darawith star in this 1991 mounting. Watch for FREE for 23 hours after the start time on the Metropolitan Opera's website. You can still stream yesterday's opera, Un Ballo in Maschera, until 6:30 p.m. ET today.

The Seth Concert Series: Alex Brightman
On Sunday at 8 p.m. ET, apparently, hosting a daily online talk show and a Sirius XM Satellite Radio series isn't enough for the multitalented Seth Rudetsky. Well-known for his skills as a pianist, music director and interviewer, he's hosted a series of intimate live concerts with Broadway stars for the past decade. This year he brings the show online, and tonight's headliner is Alex Brightman. A Broadway vet who's earned Tony nominations for his theatrical reinventions of iconic movie characters from School of Rock and Beetlejuice, Brightman boasts a killer voice and a fierce funny bone, making him a favorite on stage and on TikTok. Expect songs from his career and lots of viral moments. Tickets are $25.

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Raven Snook is the Editor of TDF Stages. Follow her at @RavenSnook. Follow TDF at @TDFNYC.

Top image: Tony winner Jefferson Mays in A Christmas Carol, which is streaming throughout the holidays. Photo courtesy of the production.