Philadelphia is set to embrace a myriad of spectacular events this holiday season, all under the creative umbrella of Ensemble Arts Philly. From timeless classics like 'Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical' to the dazzling choreography of PHILADANCO!, this cultural lineup promises to captivate and inspire. Showcasing an array of performances from the whimsical 'Classic Nutcracker' to the vibrant rhythms of 'STOMP', there's something for everyone to enjoy. With a blend of music, dance, and theater, these events celebrate the diversity of artistic expression. Let's dive into this enchanting season of performances.

Philadelphia's Cultural Extravaganza: A Season of Spectacles at Ensemble Arts Philly

The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.

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STOMP

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

Joined by members of her talented musical family who have shared the influences of gospel, Motown, and jazz across the generations, Samara delivers a sparkling evening brimming with the most time-honored songs of the season. 

Samara Joy "A Joyful Holiday" Featuring the McLendon Family

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 120 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like "America," "Forever in Blue Jeans," and "Sweet Caroline," an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond's story was made to shine on Broadway-and head out on the road across America. 

A Beautiful Noise

Forrest Theatre

Usher in the spirit of the holiday season with a magical performance of My First Nutcracker for ages 2 and up. This sensory friendly 45-minute production brings Clara’s fairytale to life at the Miller Theater. Families will delight in the charm, beauty, and grandeur of this abridged version of the beloved classic featuring an international cast of award-winning artists from the world-renowned Rock School for Dance

My First Nutcracker

This season, several choreographers have been invited to re-visit their previous works, exploring its original movement, music, and stories through exciting and thought-provoking choreography that will speak to audiences of all ages. These featured women, including Jawole Willa Jo Zollar and Dawn Marie Bazemore, have a long-standing history with PHILADANCO!, their voices will feel familiar and for those who are just coming to the conversation their choices are welcomed. 

PHILADANCO! Our Voices, Our Choices...This Is US!

Usher in the spirit of the holiday season with Clara’s fairytale brought to life. Children of all ages delight in the charm, beauty, and grandeur of this beloved classic featuring an international cast of award-winning artists from the world-renowned Rock School for Dance.

Classic Nutcracker

Boasting a raw, vigorous sound, a raucous, unpredictable personality, and a membership ranging from elders to rising stars, the 2x GRAMMY-nominated Captain Black Big Band (CBBB) led by Philadelphia native Orrin Evans has retained the jazz world's rapt attention since their 2011 debut. In those 15 years, CBBB has become one of the most vital big bands on the modern jazz scene. That’s no surprise given the leadership,  irresistable personality, and ambassadorship of pianist/composer Orrin Evans, who imbues the ensemble with his distinctively bold, bracing sensibility. From its beginnings at Philly’s own Chris’ Jazz Cafe through its long-running Monday night residency at New York’s Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, the band has evolved into a tightrope-walking unit whose daring approach lends the music an exhilarating edge. To celebrate the 2024 release of Walk a Milk in My Shoe, CBBB are joined by Philly-based vocalist Joanna Pascale and vocalist Paul Jost, plus a very special surprise guest.

Orrin Evans and The Captain Black Big Band

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is the record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special.

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Django Reinhardt's unmistakable cool and jumping joie de vivre have made him an icon for a list of luminaries including guitar greats Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. Jimi Hendrick named his Band of Gypsys in tribue to Reinhardt and Willie Nelson adopted his influence in playing country swing. 

Legend Dorado Schmitt and Sons Samson & Amati

Saxophonist and composer Boney James celebrates a remarkable career that now spans more than three decades and includes a long list of accolades; four GRAMMY nominations, three NAACP Image Award nominations, a Soul Train Award for Best Jazz Album and four RIAA Gold Record certifications. In 2009, Billboard named James one of the Top 3 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the decade and in 2024 Boney became the first ever artist to score 20 number one singles on the Billboard Smooth jazz chart. 

Boney James: Slow Burn Tour

Pink Martini and lead singer China Forbes bring their captivating fusion of pop, jazz and classical music to the stage for a genre-defying evening of music that band leader Thomas Lauderdale calls “a rollicking around-the-world-musical adventure.”

Pink Martini featuring China Forbes

HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. HAMILTON features book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire. In addition to its 11 Tony Awards, it has won Grammy®, Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.  

HamiltonHamilton

Ensemble Arts Philly

Nothing beats a Rocky Horror screening where you can jump up and dance to the "Time Warp" and the 49th Anniversary Spectacular tour gives fans the chance to experience, in-person, this very special interactive sensation. It's a one of a kind "happening."  

The Rocky Horror Picture Show 49th Anniversary Spectacular

This legendary band and its leader Juan de Marcos have done more than perhaps any other artistic entity to both preserve and expand the music of Cuba, showcasing its most venerable players and newest stars. Now veterans of world tours, the band grew out of the now-classic Buena Vista Social Club, a landmark recording—and musical movement—dedicated to reintroducing the world to the irresistible music of Cuba, from the sexy son to the sinuous bolero and beyond.

Afro-Cuban All Stars

Experience the magic of the National Ballet of Ukraine, one of the world’s top ballet companies and the country’s official ballet company, on their premiere tour of the United States, first time in over 30 years since the dissolution of the USSR. Straight from the historic Kyiv National Opera House, these world-class dancers will captivate you with a stunning program featuring timeless classics, including "The Dying Swan," "Don Quixote," and "Giselle." The program tells stories of love, loss, and triumph, leaving you mesmerized by the company’s unparalleled grace and strength. Prepare to be swept away as the dancers defy gravity, their bodies soaring high above the stage with dance movements filled with intensity, emotion and perfect harmony.

Nadiya Ukraine (Hope of Ukraine)

The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it "Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal." It’s THE BOOK OF MORMON, the nine-time Tony Award® winning Best Musical.  

The Book of Mormon

The show captures the performance and sound of one of the biggest international stars of our time--with concert style staging and lighting--from his early hits with Wham! and his illustrious solo career. The show will have fans on their feet dancing and singing along to blockbuster hits including “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go,” “Freedom,” “Faith,” “Careless Whisper,” “Father Figure,” and many more.  

The Life & Music of George Michael

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Philadelphia as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Philadelphia premiere at the Academy of Music in January 2025.  

MJ the Musical

This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. 

Come From Away

Beloved by generations of audiences and revered by critics around the world, this legendary dance company lifts audiences to their feet with performances of classics by their founder, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Alvin Ailey, along with some of the most exciting contemporary choreographers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Nearly 300 years ago, a tiny ship called the Eagle Wing set sail for America, bearing the first of many thousands of Irish people to travel the treacherous seas in search of freedom and opportunity. Now, the story of that journey of hope and promise is told…in the new musical WHERE EAGLES FLY. 

Where Eagles Fly

Created by the Emmy®-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. 

& Juliet

Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerising choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation. 

Riverdance

This spring PHILADANCO! showcases new and classic works from their cutting-edge choreographers, Christopher Huggins, Tommie-Waheed Evans, Ray Mercer, and Milton Myers. The performance series emphasized the unity and diversity within the PHILADANCO! family, highlighting the choreographers' unique backgrounds and distinct styles. 

PHILADANCO! Relentless Resident Visions

Vocalist-composer and actor Somi Kakoma is the daughter of immigrants from Uganda and Rwanda.  Known in the jazz world simply as ‘Somi’, her 2021 Grammy® nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album made her the first African woman ever nominated in any of the Grammy® jazz categories.  Hailed for her story-based songwriting and deeply emotive live performances, Somi is a recipient of the 2023 Doris Duke Artist Award, two NAACP Image Awards for Best Vocal Jazz Album, the inaugural Jazz Music Award for Best Vocal Performance and the United States Artist Award.  Fresh off the heels of her Tony-nominated Broadway debut, Somi’s set will be full of fan favorites and a preview of songs from her forthcoming album.

Somi

Winner of 4 Tony Awards®, including Best Choreography and Best Costumes, and the Grammy Award® for Best Musical Theater Album.

Set in Chicago when Prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement, SOME LIKE IT HOT is the “glorious, big, high-kicking” (Associated Press) story of two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they catch a cross-country train for the life-chasing, life-changing trip of a lifetime. 

Some Like it Hot

THE WIZ returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new Broadway tour, the first one in 40 years.   

This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. 

The Wiz

Founded in 1988, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis tours the world performing a vast repertoire of music, from beloved standards to historic and rare compositions to commissioned works. A veritable treasure trove of jazz then, jazz now, and jazz to be, the group’s compositions and arrangements include works by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, and Charles Mingus, as well as new music from the group’s unrivalled collection of world-renowned composers and arrangers.  

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

Winner of three Tony Awards® and the Olivier Award for Best Play. Based on the novel that sold more than 15 million copies and became a worldwide phenomenon, LIFE OF PI is an epic story of perseverance and hope that speaks to every generation and “gives new life to Broadway” (The Today Show). 

Life of Pi

Long before Bridgerton broke the Netflix algorithm, Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) had helped establish classical crossover as a genuine force in contemporary music. Fresh off high-profile placements in Seasons 1 and 2 of the aforementioned streaming smash, VSQ has "reached a mainstream, global audience" (Variety) and "charmed the world with their classical covers" (Nylon). New York Observer wrote, "VSQ's atmospheric hits have made classical versions of pop music cool.”

Ensemble Arts Philly

8 - 19 Jan, 2025

MJ the Musical

4 - 9 Feb, 2025

Come From Away

Feb 28 - Mar 2, 2025

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

20 - 30 Mar, 2025

Where Eagles Fly

Mar 25 - Apr 6, 2025

& Juliet

26 - 29 Dec, 2024

STOMP

Dec 23, 2024

Samara Joy "A Joyful Holiday" Featuring the McLendon Family

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