Marvin Hamlisch Makes Magic, the Rockettes Kick It & Big Fish Swims Away in Our Christmas Week Datebook

Broadway elves (uh, the Matildas?) have been hard at work to make sure Christmas week in NYC offers a full stocking of theatrical treats, including a new Marvin Hamlisch documentary, a final chance to see Big Fish and, of course, those holiday vixens, the Radio City Rockettes. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, we have your list of Broadway’s hottest events and releases in this week’s Datebook.


MONDAY, DECEMBER 23
SWING INTO CHRISTMAS WEEK
What, you don’t think Santa likes to get down to some jazz? The uber talented cast of After Midnight, featuring Fantasia Barrino and Dule Hill, bring some tap dancing, jazz funk and holiday favorites to 54 Below in After Midnight Swings the Holidays. We can promise this will be a wailing good time to get you pumped for Christmas--we hope they taught Rudolph how to do some time-steps!

ALSO: Broadway alum Ben Stiller stops by Chelsea Lately to gab about his holiday release of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.


TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24
ALL WE WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS OUR TWO FRONT SEATS
It’s Christmas Eve, and before you head home to set out the cookies and milk, take in a Broadway matinee! The show must go on, even on Christmas Eve! Bring your family to a 2PM showing of The Lion King, Newsies, Spider-man or A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. You’ll wow the kids with some quality family time, and even your great aunt stay grumpy on the Great White Way!

ALSO: Can’t make it to the off-Broadway production of A Christmas Story? No worries, TBS’ annual 24-hour marathon of the movie version begins at 8PM.


WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25
THREE TIMES THE KICK
Santa was workin’ overtime last night, but these ladies are working with exact precision and perfect technique all throughout the holiday season! The Radio City Spectacular, starring the Rockettes, has three (yes, three) performances today. After savoring the live Nativity on stage, don’t forget to hop across the street to the see the giant tree at Rockefeller Center!

ALSO: Future Hedwig and the Angry Inch star Neil Patrick Harris hosts Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade on ABC with guests like Demi Lovato, Broadway vet Jordin Sparks and Il Volo.


THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26
IT’S THE HOLLIDAY SEASON
Don’t get the "shredded wrapping paper and empty boxes" blues just yet. One holiday is over, but another Holliday is just beginning! Tony-winning original Dreamgirl Jennifer Holliday begins her four-night run at 54 Below, and we are telling you, you’re gonna love it!

ALSO: If you missed it the first time, check out the cast of A Night with Janis Joplin on Wendy Williams; Motown: The Musical releases a book of piano and vocal selctions; funny girl Sandra Bernhard opens a six-night run in Sandyland at Joe’s Pub.


FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27
THE WAY HE WAS
He was one of only two PEGOT winners (ya know, Pulitzer Prize, Emmy, Golden Globe, Oscar and Tony), and one singular sensation. The Marvin Hamlisch documentary What He Did for Love charts the brilliant career of the musical genius behind A Chorus Line,They're Playing Our Song, The Way We Were and more. Featuring Barbra Streisand, Carly Simon, Sir Tim Rice, Joe Torre, Woody Allen, John Lithgow, Lucie Arnaz, Ann-Margret, Kelli O’Hara, Brian d’Arcy James and Idina Menzel, this is a must see.

ALSO: Shea Prince of Christmas closes at St. Luke’s; Annie’s Faith Prince plays 54 Below.


SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28
MAKING WAVES
We’re not lying! This weekend is your last chance to catch the heartwarming movie to stage musical Big Fish on Broadway before it closes December 29. You can’t miss the fantasy and reality that follows Norbert Leo Butz and Kate Baldwin in this family friendly spectacle. Head to the Neil Simon before the show swims away!

ALSO: Violin-piano duo Opus Two celebrate George Gershwin at the New York Public Library.


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29
SHALOM!
It’s been off-Broadway in two houses and extended twice at the Laura Pels where it currently plays, but the time has sadly come for Bad Jews to close. A story about religious tension, tradition and being holier than thou and thou and thou, this comic contemporary Jewish tale will keep you chuckling, even if you’re a shiksa like Molly Ranson’s hilarious character. Mazel Tov!