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Art

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Artspace II

The Eye of the Artist features some of Detroit’s finest representational artists: Robert Wilbert, Nancy Mitchnick, Stephen Magsig, and Thomas Humes, Dec. 3-31.

Artspace II, 303 E. Maple, Birmingham; 248-258-1540;

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Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center

The 12th annual Shop & Champagne event will sparkle with unique treasures at the Holiday Shop, a retail boutique with artisan, one-of-a-kind gift items. Receive 10 percent off all purchases while enjoying a gourmet strolling supper from top restaurants. $70. Dec. 4. The holiday shop will be open Dec. 6-21.

1516 S. Cranbrook Rd., Birmingham; 248-644-0866;

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Center Galleries

Situations/S(h)ituations is an art installation by Nicola Kuperus and Adam Lee Miller, members of the internationally acclaimed electronic band, Adult, who call Detroit their hometown. The exhibition promises to address “private matters, performance issues, and the grotesque.” Through Dec. 14.

Center Galleries, Manoogian Visual Resource Center 301 Frederick Douglass, Detroit; 313-664-7800;

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Cranbrook Art Museum

• The Islands of Benoît Mandelbrot: Fractals, Chaos, and the Materiality of Thinking showcases the achievements of this 20th century mathematician, who made significant advancements in both fractal geometry and chaos theory. This exhibition, which includes his charts, graphs, notebooks, instrument readings, and more, explores the power of images to inform and shape new scientific thought. Through March 30.
• My Brain is in My Inkstand: Drawing as Thinking and Process is a companion piece to the Mandelbrot Exhibition and features original works by artists, scientists, and thinkers who use drawings as part of their creative processes. Through March 30.
• Waylande Gregory: Art Deco Ceramics and the Atomic Impulse celebrates the mastery of Gregory, whose ceramic pieces are definitive art deco treasures. Through March 23.

39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; 248-645-3320;

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Detroit Artists Market

Art for the Holidays will offer unique gifts and works of art in a wide range of media. Through Dec. 28. $10+.

4719 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-8540;

Detroit Institute of Arts

• Watch Me Move: The Animation Show will display more than 100 clips from animated films stretching back 150 years and boasting a variety of animation techniques. Ticket prices for the DIA exhibit will include a pass for a screening at the theatre. Through Jan. 5. $14+.
• Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy, a masterfully executed painting from the late 16th century, is on loan from the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Connecticut. Through Jan. 12.
• Balance of Power: A Throne for an African Prince showcases the wooden throne of Prince Ilori of Nigeria, carved by renowned 19th century artist Olowe of Ise. Through March 16.
• Foto Europa will feature more than 70 works by European photographers, with selections ranging from the early days of photography to contemporary examples of the form. Featured artists will include William Henry Fox Talbot, Julia Margaret Cameron, Man Ray, and more. Through April 27.

5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900;

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Flint Institute of Arts

• The exhibition Beatrice Wood: Mama of Dada (pictured on left) will highlight the work of this seminal New York artist, whose work was at the forefront of the dada art movement during the early 20th century. Take a look at her paintings and pottery, and go gaga for dada. Through Jan. 12.
• Explore the works of French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec at the exhibit Toulouse-Lautrec & His World. Approximately 150 of his pieces —�� which depict cabarets, theaters, and dance halls — will be featured in the gallery. Through Dec. 30.
• For three decades, artist Michael Dunbar has been making abstract, gear-like sculptures constructed from steel and bronze. Six of these works are on display in the exhibit, Michael Dunbar: Explorations in Space. Through May.

1120 E. Kearsley Rd., Flint; 810-234-1695;

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Janice Charach Gallery

Detroit Assemblage highlights the work of nearly 20 artists who live, work, or have roots in Detroit. The collection includes a diverse array of media, the quality of which has led gallery director Terri Stearn to call this exhibit “one of the most exciting we’ve ever hosted.” Through Dec. 22.

6600 W. Maple Rd., West Bloomfield Township; 248-661-1000;

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Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit

The Past is Present series features 15 newly commissioned murals by artists from around the world. The exhibit hopes to pick up where Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry left off by portraying the history of Detroit from a contemporary artist’s point of view. Through Jan. 5.

4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-6622;

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Pewabic Pottery

•��Made by Hand: Detroit’s Ceramic Legacy is a retrospective celebrating Pewabic’s 110-year history and is hosted by the Detroit Historical Museum. Through Jan. 12.

10125 E. Jefferson, Detroit; 313-626-2000;

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Re:View Art Gallery

Re:Collect 2013 is an annual group show featuring one or two works from each artist represented by the gallery, as well as a few guest artists. The opening reception will include music and outdoor installations. Dec. 7-21.

444 W. Willis, Detroit; 313-833-9000;

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Robert Kidd Gallery

Recent Paintings: Gitche Gumme Series by Rick Vian is on display through Dec. 20.

107 Townsend St., Birmingham; 248-642-3909;

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U-M Museum of Art

• David Osler is the first of three Ann Arbor architects to be featured in the aptly named series Three Michigan Architects. Dec. 7-April 13.
• Fragments from the Past: Islamic Art from the Collection of the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology includes artifacts from the 8th to 19th centuries, and features architectural fragments, furniture, and a host of antique everyday objects from the Middle East.
• Performing Still Images: David Claerbout and Matthew Buckingham explores the artistic versatility of the single image. Clearbout’s display includes thousands of still images that depict an audience reacting to a musical performance, while Buckingham’s display features a single image that slowly fades to white.
• Adolf Gottlieb is recognized as a founding member of the abstract expressionists, but UMMA is highlighting the American icon’s 1-½-year foray into sculpting in an exhibit appropriately titled, Adolf Gottlieb: Sculptor. Through Jan. 5.

525 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-764-0395;

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Wayne State Art Galleries

Edmondson / Underwood features large-scale drawings and photographs, and will be open for viewing at WSU’s Elaine L. Jacob Gallery. Through Dec. 13.

480 W. Hancock St., Detroit, 48201; 313-993-7813;

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Classical

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Chamber Music Society of Detroit

• The Jeff Haas Jazz Quintet will be performing as part of the In Depth Series. Hass is a renowned jazz pianist and composer who has been praised by jazz greats like Ahmad Jamal and Dave Brubeck. The evening will include a tribute to Haas’s father, Karl Hass, who founded CMSD. Dec. 6.

Rivera Court, Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900;

• Jon Kimura Parker, Martin Beaver, and Clive Greensmith will perform as part of CMSD’s Signature Series. Dec. 7. $15.

Seligman Performing Arts Center, 22305 W. 13 Mile Rd., Beverly Hills; 248-855-6070

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Chamber Soloists of Detroit

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House presents violinist Daphna Raz, cellist Una O’Riordan, flutist Dennis Carter, and pianist Pauline Martin. Dec. 5. $30.

1100 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Shores; 313-884-4222;

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Cranbrook Music Guild

Andrew von Oeyen, a gifted concert pianist who has performed all over the world, is visiting for a solo performance. Dec. 4. $25.

Christ Church Cranbrook, #470 Church Rd., Bloomfield Hills; 248-645-0256;

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Detroit Symphony Orchestra

• Wolfgang & Wonderland will perform Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 2 and David Del Tredici’s “Dum Dee Tweedle.” Dec. 1. $15+.
• The Vienna Boys Choir, whose angelic voices have captivated audiences for years, will sing a number of traditional Austrian and German compositions, holiday favorites, and other music from around the world. Dec. 2. $30.
• Slatkin Conducts Brahms features conductor Leonard Slatkin’s leading arrangements of Aaron Copland’s “Hear Ye! Hear Ye!,” Mason Bates’ “Concerto for Violin and Orchestra,” and Johannes Brahms’ “Symphony No. 4.” Dec. 6-7. $15.
• Mozart and Mendelssohn will include performances of Mozart’s overture to The Magic Flute, “Piano Concerto No. 17,” and Mendelssohn’s overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Symphony No. 4. Dec. 12-13. $15+.
• Handel’s Messiah, a holiday classic, will be performed at Orchestra Hall. Dec. 14. $15+.
• Michael W. Smith, a noted contemporary Christian artist and three-time Grammy Award winner, will help audiences celebrate the holiday season in Detroit. Dec. 15. $25.
• Rocky Mountain Christmas, a tribute to the late John Denver, features Jim Curry and the DSO performing many of Denver’s most famous songs. Dec. 18. $25.
• Home for the Holidays is a DSO tradition. Enjoy a host of holiday classics like “Ave Maria” and “Hallelujah”, and don’t be surprised if Santa Claus himself makes an appearance. Dec. 20-22. $19+.

Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-576-5111;

• Watch the Civic Jazz Orchestra perform in Civic Jazz Live!. Dec. 8. $15.

Music Box, Max M. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 248-855-6070;

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Detroit Opera House

Too Hot to Handel features the Rackham Symphony Choir performing a jazz-gospel rendition of Handel’s “Messiah.” Dec. 21. $20+.

Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway, Detroit; 313-237-7464,

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University Musical Society

The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and the UMS Choral Union will team up to perform a perennial favorite, Handel’s “Messiah.” Jerry Blackstone conducts. Dec. 7-8. $10+.

Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-764-2538;

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Music Hall Detroit

Last Tango in Berlin features the best of Ute Lemper and touches on all the different musical chapters of her main repertoire. Lemper was born in Germany in 1963, and she performs in a variety of languages to tell her story. Dec. 14. $55+.

In the Jazz Café at Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison St., Detroit; 313-887-8500;

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Comedy

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Comedy Castle

• Clinton Jackson has been featured on a multitude of television shows and commercials, has two full-length comedy albums, and performed a half-hour on Comedy Central. Dec. 5-7. $10.
• Joe DeVito earned a 9.5 out of 10 rating at the prestigious Just for Laughs festival in Canada, and has performed on the The Late Late Show, Live at Gotham, and Last Comic Standing. Dec. 13-14. $18.
• Michael Somerville has been featured on The Late Show with David Letterman, has two comedy CDs, and has hosted numerous television shows for networks such as Starz, Encore, and Nickelodeon. Dec. 20-21. $18.
• Phil Palisoul has done stand-up on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Last Comic Standing, and more. He’s also opened for legendary comics such as Jerry Seinfeld and Dennis Miller. Dec. 26-28. $10.
• Dave Dyer has worked with some of the biggest names in comedy during his 17-year career. He’s a contributing writer for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and has won the Grand Rapids Joke Off comedy competition. Dec. 31. $30.

Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak; 248-542-9900;

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Terry Fator

Comedian Terry Fator won season two of America’s Got Talent and now has his own show in Las Vegas. Fator also travels the country entertaining audiences with his unique blend of ventriloquism, singing, and comedy. Dec. 14-15. $65+.

Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200;

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Trailer Park Boys

The cast of Trailer Park Boys, a Canadian mockumentary sitcom about the residents of a trailer park, will be in town as part of their Dear Santa Claus tour. Dec. 10. $45+.

Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-668-8463;

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Dance

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Eisenhower Dance Ensemble

The annual spectacle December Dances��returns to the Seligman Performing Arts Center with new premieres by Stephanie Pizzo and Laurie Eisenhower. Dec. 6. $10+.

22305 W. 13 Mile Rd., Beverly Hills; 248-559-2095;

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Fox Theatre

The Moscow Ballet will perform the Great Russian Nutcracker. Athletic prowess and Russian flair make this an incredible performance of a Tchaikovsky classic. Dec. 22. $30+.

Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200;

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Detroit Opera House

• Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic The Nutcracker is back, as performed by BalletMet Columbus. Not just a show, the event features live reindeer, photos with Santa Claus and the nutcracker, a buffet, and holiday arts and crafts. Through Dec. 1. $25+.
• Too Hot to Handel is the jazz and gospel reinvention of Handel’s Messiah, and it’s sure to bring you to your feet. Dec. 21. $20+.

1526 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-237-7464;

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Events

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Birmingham Winter Markt

Enjoy traditional holiday art, decorations, crafts, German food and drink (hence the Teutonic spelling of “market”) on the Community House Patio. Enjoy live music and entertainment, ice sculptures, horse-drawn carriage rides, live reindeer, and more. Dec. 6-8.

Shain Park, Birmingham; 248-530-1200;

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Detroit Zoo Wild Lights

See the zoo in a whole new light with this holiday light display. More than 2 million LED lights will illuminate buildings, animal sculptures and trees throughout the zoo. The event will also feature live entertainment, a musical light show, ice carving demonstrations, and a Lego city and train display.�� Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-23, 26-30, and Jan. 2-5.�� $8+.

Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; 248-541-5717;

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Holiday Craft Extravaganza

Head to the Suburban Collection Showplace where hundreds of diverse, handmade gift items will be available. Dec. 7-8. $5.

46100 Grand River, Novi. Suburban Collection Showplace. Hall B; 248-348-5600;

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Meadow Brook Hall Holiday Walk

The 42nd annual Holiday Walk showcases the 110-room Tudor Revival mansion bedecked in holiday finery. Eat breakfast with Santa, and enjoy live music and a variety of activities during December. Through Dec. 23. $5 for OU students and children, $20 for adults.

2200 N. Squirrel Rd., Rochester;

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Mythbusters

For one night only, the co-hosts of the Emmy-nominated series “Mythbusters” will present on-stage experiments and an intriguing approach to science. Audience participation and behind-the-scenes stories will provide a fun-filled night. Dec. 8. $35+.

2211 Woodward Ave. Detroit,

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Noel Night

Immerse yourself in Detroit history and the arts at the annual Noel Night, where more than 75 Midtown venues open their doors to the public, free of charge. Includes horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, musical performances, and dancing. Dec. 7.

3939 Woodward Ave., Suite 100, Detroit. 313-420-6000;

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Greenfield Village

• Holiday Nights allow a holiday-style glimpse into the past. Live entertainment, Model T rides, live reindeer, fireworks, and more. $20. Dec. 6-28.
• A dinner package is also available with admission to Holiday Nights. Dinner is served in the traditional style by costumed servers in the Eagle Tavern, an 1850s stagecoach stop. Reservations required. $75.
• Supper with Santa includes admission to Holiday Nights and features a turkey dinner and a personal visit by Santa Claus to every table. $45. Parking is $5 for all events.

20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; 313-982-6001;

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Wayne County Lightfest

The 20th annual Wayne County Lightfest will again light up Hines Drive. 7-10 p.m. Through Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 25). $5.

Enter Merriman Road, between Ann Arbor Trail and Warren Avenue in Westland;

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Film

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Detroit Film Theatre

Many of this month’s films complement the museum’s Watch Me Move: Pioneers of Animation exhibit. All exhibit visitors receive one complimentary ticket; additional tickets are $5 each, unless otherwise noted.

• Animation evolved into a sizeable business by the 1920s, and pioneers such as Max and Dave Fleisher were creating characters like Betty Boop and Popeye the Sailor. Watch Early East Coast Studios to learn more. Dec. 6, 26.
• Watch Me Move: Post-War European Animation discusses how animation artists found powerful ways of expressing fear after World War II. Dec. 8, 28.
• Watch Me Move: Computer Animation tells the history of animated film, and how Pixar’s short film Luxo Jr.��sparked the evolution in filmmaking. Dec. 13, 27, 30.
• Watch Me Move: Golden Age of Hollywood Animation shows how animators from the West Coast like Walt Disney found their biggest stars not by auditions — they were drawn from scratch. Dec. 21.
• It could easily be said that no other Hollywood studio matched the imaginative cartoon output of Warner Bros, the studio behind Looney Tunes. Watch Warner Bros. Animation to get the inside scoop. Dec. 1, 21.
• Avant-Garde Animation tells how artists such as Oskar Fischinger, Fernand Leger, and Lotte Reiniger experiment with the abstract, non-narrative possibilities of the movie screen. Dec. 5, 22.
• American Promise is a 12-year time lapse and true story of two African-American students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and tells stories of stereotypes, learning differences, and identity struggles. Dec. 1, $7.
• Waltz With Bashir is a powerful documentary that uses animation to reconstruct the fractured and suppressed memories of the invasion of Lebanon in 1982. Dec. 20-21, $7.
• The Trials of Muhammad Ali is an in-depth account of the life of the champion both in and out of the ring — from his conversion to Islam to his refusal to serve in Vietnam. Dec. 22, $7.

5200 Woodward, Detroit; 313-883-4005;

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Michigan Theatre

• Love Actually weaves together 10 different stories about people and their love lives in the weeks preceding Christmas. The film boasts a large ensemble cast, including famed British actors Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson. Dec. 2. $10.
• The Great Kilapy, a humorous take on the last decade of Portuguese rule in Angola, will be presented by U-M’s Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Dec. 5. Free.
• Warren Miller’s documentary Ticket To Ride shows skiers traversing frozen landscapes all over the world. It’s Miller 64th feature. Dec. 7. $10.
• Royal Shakespeare Company Live in HD: Richard II is the first time the RSC has broadcast one of its performances. David Tennant stars in the title role. Dec. 8, 11. $10.
• Billy Bob Thornton plays a foul-mouthed department store Santa Claus in the subversive comedy Bad Santa. Dec. 9. $10.

603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-668-8397;

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Redford Theatre

• In Home Alone, spunky Kevin McCallister has to defend his home from two robbers after his family forgets to bring him on vacation. Dec. 6-7. $5.
• White Christmas, starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney, tells the story of two song-and-dance duos who team up to raise money to save the business of a respected former World War II general. Dec. 20-21. $5.

Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit; 313-537-2560;

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Museums

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Arab American National Museum

• John Halaka: Landscapes of Desire will be at the Main Floor Gallery through Jan. 5. The exhibition of the Palestinian-American artist’s work features 23 landscape drawings inspired by Palestinian homes and villages ruined since 1948, and is embedded with one-word mantras like “remember” and “forgive.”
• Arts of the Middle East Uprisings will be on display through Feb. 9 at the Main Floor Gallery. The exhibit examines the role of expressive media in such uprisings. $4+.

13624 Michigan Ave, Dearborn; 313-582-2266;

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Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Bandits & Heroes, Poets & Saints features nearly 500 works by 50 artists that examine relations between Africans, Europeans, and indigenous populations for a period of more than 500 years. Through Jan. 5.

315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit; 313-494-5800;

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Detroit Historical Museum

• Riding the Rails: How Rail Transportation Helped Build Detroit is a look back in time at the huge impact railroads had on the development of the city and how they permeated every aspect of Detroiters’ daily lives. Through Jan. 5.
• Made by Hand: Detroit’s Ceramic Legacy is a 110-year retrospective of Pewabic Pottery, a pinnacle of art and craftsmanship in Detroit.

5401 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-1805,

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Dossin Great Lakes Museum

The Great Lakes Gallery’s exhibit A River’s Roar looks back on the history of hydroplane racing in Detroit. Learn about the racers and their boats that have torn up Detroit’s waterways for more than 100 years. Through April.

100 Strand Dr., Belle Isle, Detroit; 313-833-5538;

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Henry Ford Museum

James Cameron’s AVATAR: The Exhibition dives into the making of Cameron’s Golden Globe winning film. Learn about the technology that brought the film to life by directing your own scene with a virtual camera, and viewing a large collection of concept art. Through Jan. 26, 2014.

A half-century has officially passed since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. In remembrance, the museum will host two nights of panel discussions devoted to that historic day and its political impact. Guest speakers will include Dan Rather and Secret Service Agent Clint Hill. Those attending will get to view the limousine that transported Kennedy on that landmark day 50 years ago. On Nov. 22, museum admission will be free to the public — an event sponsored by Target. Nov. 18-22. $50+.

20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; 313-982-6001;

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Michigan Science Center

The Science of Rock ‘n’ Roll explores the inseparability of music and science. After learning about the building blocks of music, instruments, rock ‘n’ roll history, sound, and music business careers, guests can create their own rockin’ recordings. Through Dec. 31.

5020 John R. Street, Detroit; 313-577-8400;

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U-M Museum of Natural History

• Fun Friday Night at the Museum‘s extended hours include a hands-on demonstration, dinosaur tour, and planetarium story time. No registration required, but space is limited. Dec. 6. $3.
• Comet Discovery Day includes a planetarium show every half-hour and activities focusing on telescopes, the electromagnetic spectrum, and more.�� Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1109 Geddes, Ann Arbor; 734-764-0478,

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Music

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Animal Collective

The band has been a force in the indie electronic scene for more than a decade. Their most recent album, Centipede Hz��received strong reviews and was noted for its experimental risk-taking. Dec. 4. $25.

Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. 4th St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980;

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Drake

The multiplatinum and Grammy-winning artist will make an appearance in support of his new album, Nothing Was The Same, featuring tracks like “Too Much” and “Hold On, We’re Going Home.” Miguel opens. Dec. 16. $50+.

The Palace of Auburn Hills, 6 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100;

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Trans-Siberian Orchestra

After 15 years of touring, the Trans-Siberian is celebrating by playing their multiplatinum rock opera, The Lost Christmas Eve. Their unique fusion of storytelling and rock music has propelled them to be one of the world’s biggest arena acts, having played 1,500 shows for more than 10 million fans over the last 15 years. Dec. 27. $33+.

The Palace of Auburn Hills, 6 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100;

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Straight No Chaser

The critically acclaimed a capella act will stop in Detroit in support of their album Under the Influence, which they put their unique spin on classic songs such as “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5. Dec. 1. $30+.

The Fox Theatre; 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200;

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Karen Newman

The native Detroiter will treat audiences to her yearly concert Christmas Eve on Woodward, a holiday tribute to her hometown. Sometimes called the voice of the Red Wings, Newman has been singing the national anthem at their games for nearly two decades. Dec. 18. $30+.

Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200;

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Young Jeezy

The multiplatinum rapper returns to Detroit after previous sold-out shows. Nominated for several BET Awards, Jeezy found success on Def Jam Records in 2005, and has maintained a steady following since. Dec. 28. $70+.

Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200;

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Rick Springfield

The Grammy-winning Australian rock star’s Stripped Down tour comes to SoundBoard at Motor City Casino. Best known for hits like “Jessie’s Girl” and “I Get Excited,” this is his first solo tour. Dec. 5. $44+.

MotorCity Casino, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-309-4614;

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Tom Paxton

The classic folk singer is a recent recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award and lists influences such as Woody Guthrie, Mississippi John Hurt, and Pete Seeger. Dec. 1. $25+.

The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; (734) 761-1451;

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Zac Brown Band

The multiplatinum and three-time Grammy award-winning group will ring in the new year once again at Joe Louis Arena. Last year’s concert was sold out, so buy in advance. Dec. 31. $40+.

19 Steve Yzerman Dr., Detroit; 313-396-7444;

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Theater

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City Theatre

• Sister’s Christmas Catechism is a hilarious holiday production also known as “CSI: Bethlehem,” and part of the Fifth Third Bank Holiday Series. Through Dec. 8. $38.
• World-renowned surfer-rock guitarist Gary Hoey will perform his Ho Ho Hoey’s Rockin’ Holiday Show. Dec. 13. $35+.

2301 Woodward Ave. Detroit; 313-965-9500;

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Detroit Opera House

Elf, based on the 2003 film of the same name, is the humorous tale of an elf working in Santa’s workshop who learns he is actually human. He soon heads to New York City to find his birth father, who isn’t quite what he expected. Through Dec. 15. $55+.

Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-237-7464;

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Farmington Players

Annie is the story of a young girl who is temporarily removed from an abusive orphanage by billionaire Oliver Warbucks, who believes hosting an orphan at Christmas time will give him some good press. This uplifting tale has been a seasonal favorite since the 1930s. Dec. 13-29. $18.

32332 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills; 248-553-2955;

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Fisher Theatre

War Horse chronicles the relationship of a teenager named Albert and his horse, Joey, as they face World War I. The Tony award-winning play boasts life-size puppets. Dec. 17-Jan. 5. $40+.

3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313- 872-1000;

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Fox Theatre

• Cirque Dreams Holidaze features 30 international artists performing musical numbers, dances, and acrobatics on a stage decked out with an array of holiday ornaments. Dec. 3-7. $19+.
• A Very Awesome Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! Holiday Show promises plenty of dancing, holiday cheer, and singalong opportunities — just like the live-action, kid-oriented TV show it’s based on. Dec. $35+.

2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200;

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Hilberry Theatre

• Big Love by Charles L. Mee is a modern interpretation of Aeschylus’ The Suppliants. In this darkly funny tale — performed by Wayne State University’s graduate students — 50 women escape to a villa in Italy to avoid marrying their cousins. Be prepared for plenty of laughs as well as sharp, social commentary. Through Dec. 7. $30.
• The Doctor in Spite of Himself, a Moliere classic, follows a woodcutter named Sganarelle as he impersonates a doctor to make some quick cash. Through Feb. 8. $30.

4743 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-577-2972;

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JET (Jewish Ensemble Theatre)

• Celebrating its world premiere, The Scullery Maid, by playwright Joseph Zettelmaier, depicts the adventures of a Jewish scullery maid and cook named Mariam, who works in King Edward III’s castle. The production promises to address issues of religion, family, and freedom. $40+. Dec. 18-Jan. 12
• Mr. Benny, by Mark Humphrey, pays homage to comedian Jack Benny, whose comic persona delighted audiences for years. Tim Newell will be portraying the late performer. $40+. Dec. 31.

6600 W. Maple Rd., West Bloomfield; 248-788-2900;

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Meadow Brook Theatre

A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’ timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the real meaning of Christmas. Through Dec. 23. $25+.

207 Wilson Hall, Oakland University, Rochester; 248-377-3300;

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Purple Rose

The Vast Difference by Jeff Daniels is a classic comedy featuring a male flight attendant and his impending vasectomy. The play explores the relationship between fathers and sons, the Detroit Tigers, and what it’s like “to be a man.” Through Dec. 14. $27+.

137 Park St., Chelsea; 734-433-7673;

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Tipping Point Theatre

Local playwright Joseph Zettlemaier’s Ebenezer takes place 15 years after the events of the classic A Christmas Carol. Scrooge is a changed man, but is near death on Christmas Eve. This reimagined “Carol” follows the last breaths of Ebenezer Scrooge and looks back on a life of hope and transformation. Through Dec. 31. $30+

361 E. Cady St., Northville; 248-347-0003;

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The Ringwald Theatre

• In The Submission, a young writer named Danny finds that his play about an African-American family in “the projects” has received a coveted spot at a play festival. The festival, however, is under the impression that Danny, who is a young white playwright, is actually African-American. Danny attempts to keep up his ruse in what becomes a comic misadventure. $10+. Through Dec. 9.
• The SantaLand Diaries and Season’s Greetings, two works that helped make David Sedaris a star, have been adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello. Dec. 19-23.

22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-545-5545;

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Two Muses Theatre

• ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, based on the eponymous Christmas poem, is a family-friendly way to celebrate the holidays. $10+. Dec. 6-22.
• Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) by Michael Carleton, Jim FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez puts twists on classic holiday stories, and is appropriate for adult audiences. $10+. Dec. 6-22.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers Theatre Space, 6800 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield; 248-850-9919;

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