Christmas concerts and other holiday extravaganzas grace Island stages

by Jessica Jones Gorman

LEGENDARY CHEER
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Brian Wilson will bring holiday highs to the St. George Theatre when he presents “The Christmas Album, Live” with special guests Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin on Friday, December 7. For the first time ever, Wilson will be performing The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album in its entirety (the seventh studio album by the band, released in 1964), along with cuts from his own holiday album and other fan favorites. Expect to hear Beach Boy classics “Little Saint Nick” and “The Man with all The Toys,” as well as a selection of Wilson’s favorite Yuletide songs, including “Blue Christmas” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.”

The set list for the 76 year old rocker’s performance will include a few tracks from his album What I Really Want for Christmas (named for its Bernie Taupin penned title track), including “Christmasey,” with lyrics by his friend, Jimmy Webb. Tickets for the show, which starts at 8 p.m., are priced between $59 and $149. A special VIP package can be purchased for $499, which includes a reserved seat in the first five rows, a meet and greet with Wilson and Jardine (including a photo), sound check access, and a signed “The Christmas Album Live” tour poster. 35 Hyatt Street, stgeorgetheatre.com

A Magic Tradition
Now in its 15th year, the St. George Theatre’s annual Christmas Show will return on December 14, 15, and 16. The two hour, high energy production features an all volunteer cast of over 100 performers and will include songs from local favorites like Vinnie Medugno, Marcus Simeone, Bill Newstad, Jenny Kelly, and Enid Stein, an excerpt from The Nutcracker, and the fabulous Richmondettes, which is comprised of superstars from various dance companies across Staten Island.

The show revolves around a grandmother reading a Christmas tale to her grandchildren about the various things that make the holiday season special. Set in grandma’s house, the story takes the audience on a journey through numerous scenes, from the North Pole to Times Square, Clove Lakes Park to The Rainbow Room, and culminates in the locally famed Living Nativity.

Proceeds from ticket sales (priced between $15 and $45; group rates are available through the box office at 718.442.2900, extension 503) go toward the St. George Theatre Restoration. 35 Hyatt Street, stgeorgetheatre.com

BUON NATALE!
A four course dinner and wine pairing will accompany the An Italian Christmas cabaret show at Lorenzo’s in The Hilton Garden Inn on December 8 at 7 p.m. Allison Hellow and the Paris New York Orchestra will perform classic Christmas carols and nostalgic Italian holiday songs; the show “a heartwarming way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends.”

Tickets for dinner and the performance are $94.95. 1100 South Avenue at Lois Lane, partyeatstay.com