Stages: September means it’s time to plan for holiday entertainment

It’s already mid-September or will be in a matter of days. And while it’s still technically summer for 10 days or so, the tickets are already on sale for holiday shows and people are making plans and buying their seats.

We don’t want you to be disappointed, so here’s some shows for you to consider. And don’t forget to check out your favorite venue’s box office calendar to see what’s coming up there for holiday  entertainment.

Tickets went on sale Tuesday for Holiday Pops, the annual Boston Pops musical extravaganza that is a tradition for many families. This year’s outing goes Dec. 5-29, with a new twist – three post-Christmas screenings of the holiday movie “Home Alone” in concert.

As always, Holiday Pops programs include the annual presentation of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” David Chase’s perennially popular arrangement of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” a new arrangement of “Jingle Bells” by composer Mason Bynes, a festive sing-along — and, of course, a visit by Santa Claus.

The Holiday Pops afternoon and evening concerts feature the Tanglewood Festival Chorus led by James Burton in holiday favorites, alongside new and exciting arrangements of seasonal classics. The Metropolitan Chorale, directed by Lisa Graham, is the featured chorus for the Dec. 18 and 22 Holiday Pops performances at Symphony Hall. The Kids’ Matinees and the Sensory-Friendly Concert feature the Holiday Pops Singers, an eight-member vocal ensemble made up of professional singers from choirs throughout the greater Boston area. Tickets for Symphony Hall shows may be purchased through www.bso.org, by calling 888-266-1200, or by visiting the Symphony Hall Box Office.

Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra share the joy of Holiday Pops when they take the show on the road to the Hanover Theater in Worcester on Dec. 6 at 8 p. m. and Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell on Dec. 15 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets to performances are available through the presenting venues and are on sale now.

Performances start on Dec. 11 for “A Christmas Carol” at Lowell’s Merrimack Repertory Theatre. Visit www.mrt.org for information and tickets.

Ogunquit Playhouse at the Music Hall in Portsmouth, N.H., presents Disney’s “Frozen” Nov. 27-Dec. 22. The kid-friendly musical, based on the huge film hit, travels to Arendelle where sisters Anna and Elsa live.

The website encourages you to experience the pure wonder of Broadway with “Frozen,”  the Tony-nominated Best Musical. From the renowned producer of “The Lion King” and “Aladdin,” this production promises an unforgettable theatrical journey. Prepare to be captivated by a thrilling and genuinely moving performance that The New Yorker describes as “simply magical.” With sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances, “Frozen” delivers a truly sensational and awe-inspiring experience. Tickets are available at https://www.themusichall.org/events/frozen/.

In the wings

COME TO THE CABARET: On Sunday, Sept. 21 the Friends of the CCA proudly sponsor: Lura Smith and Guest Artists! A Musical Cruise: Jazz, Gospel, Standards and Blues. It starts at 2 p.m. in the Chelmsford Center for the Arts auditorium, 1A North Rd, Chelmsford. Tickets are $35.00 and benefit the CCA. Visit https://checkout.square.site/buy/RAWADPHXXJ6GTOA2YDSYI7ZI for tickets.

Nancye Tuttle’s email is nancyedt@verizon.net