THE CLASSIC VERSION Maybe you’ve seen this story about one miserly man’s transformation to discover the true meaning of Christmas.
But are you among the million-plus people who since 1989 have seen the award-winning version of “A Christmas Carol’’ at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly?
The original adaptation of the Charles Dickens novella was written by the theater’s former artistic director, Jon Kimbell. David Coffee returns for his 24th season starring as Ebenezer Scrooge.
As three spirits take Scrooge on a dreamlike journey, you’ll be swept away with the dazzling special effects, colorful costumes, and traditional and original songs.
The show runs from Friday, Dec. 8 through Saturday, Dec. 23. Tickets range from $62 to $77. Nightly performances are 7:30 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
The theater is at 62 Dunham Road. Call 978-232-7200 or visit nsmt.org.
LONELY HEARTS CLUB What do the films “The Shop Around the Corner’’ (1940), starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, “In the Good Old Summertime’’ (1949), starring Judy Garland and Van Johnson, and “You’ve Got Mail,’’ the Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan 1998 hit, have in common?
All were based on the 1936 Hungarian play “Parfumerie’’ by Miklos Laszio and share themes about two people who despise each other, yet fall in love without knowing it through anonymous lonely hearts letters.
“She Loves Me,’’ the adaptation that was staged in 1963 and recently revived on Broadway, is being presented in Stoneham through Dec. 23 by the Greater Boston Stage Company, 395 Main St.
“I say unabashedly that this is my favorite musical,’’ said director and choreographer Ilyse Robbins. “ ‘She Loves Me’ celebrates love, friendship, and caring. Add some beautiful music and a hilarious number about last-minute Christmas shopping and what could be better this time of year?’’
Tickets are $50 to $60 for adults, $45 to $55 for seniors, and $20 for students with valid ID. Visit greaterbostonstage.org.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE Ever wonder where artists create their art?
Sneak peeks into 17 locations — home studios, work spaces, galleries, and even a garage — from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Melrose on Sunday, Dec. 3, during the inaugural Melrose Open Studio Tour.
You will view a wide range of art created by over 30 Melrose artists, including painters, sculptors, printmakers, photographers, fiber artists, jewelers, and woodworkers.
The event is free.Art will be available to purchase. Grab a map at Follow Your Art, Hourglass Gift Gallery, and Miter Biter Frame Co., all in Melrose, or download a copy at melroseopenstudios.org.
LAUGH FOR A CAUSE You might know Scott Blakeman from his appearances as the warm-up act for the “Late Show with David Letterman’’ and “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher.’’
Get ready to laugh and meet him up close when Blakeman headlines “Comic Shmooze and Views,’’ the Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation fund-raiser in North Andoveron Sunday, Dec. 3.
In addition to supporting Jewish causes, the federation contributes to social service organizations, such as Project Home Again, a volunteer-run program that provides donated household items to people in need.
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at Osgood Landing, 1580 Osgood St. General admission is $18. Attend a nosh with Blakeman prior to the show by donating $500 or more. Tickets can be purchased at mvjf.org.
STARRY, STARRY NIGHT The music captures the magic of a winter’s night at the Newburyport Choral Society’s winter concert, “The Rose and the Night Star,’’ Dec. 9 and 10 at Belleville Congregational Church, 300 High St., Newburyport.
Under the baton of George Case, director of choral activities at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, over 180 singers, soloists, and professional orchestra members will perform “Christmas Oratario’’ by Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns, a famed French composer, conductor, and pianist of the Romantic era, along with seasonal favorites.
The Greater Newburyport Children’s Chorus also will perform a lighthearted selection of holiday songs.
The concert begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, and 2:30 p.m on Sunday, Dec. 10. Tickets are $22 adults; seniors/students $20; and $25 for all at the door. Visit newburyportchoralsociety.org.
Kathy Shiels Tully can be reached at kathy@kathyshielstully.com.
