THE KENNEDY CENTER
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: DECEMBER 2017
All events subject to change without notice.
Free performances are held each evening at 6 p.m. on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017
11:30 a.m. Concert Hall
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Gianandrea Noseda, conductor Yuja Wang, piano
BRITTEN Matinees musicales after Rossini PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto No. 5 RACHMANINOFF Symphonic Dances
Schedule: Thurs., Nov. 30 at 7 p.m., Sat., Dec 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $15-$94
8 p.m. Concert Hall
In Conversation With Samantha Bee … A Moderated Q&A The late-night host of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee brings her trademark satirical commentary to her Kennedy Center debut performance
Tickets: $49-$89
8 p.m. Eisenhower Theater
Camille A. Brown & Dancers: BLACK GIRL: Linguistic Play Prolific and highly acclaimed choreographer Camille A. Brown makes her Kennedy Center debut with two full-evening works performed on separate nights: BLACK GIRL: Linguistic Play and ink. Both performed to original live music, these two fascinating productions celebrate diversity, community, history, and finding oneself through daring dance.
Tickets: $19- $59
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2017
11:00 a.m.,* 1:30 & 5:00 p.m. Family Theater
Me … Jane: The Dreams & Adventures of Young Jane Goodall In this brand new musical adaption, join a young Dr. Jane Goodall and her special toy chimpanzee Jubilee as they learn about the world around them and the importance of protecting all living species. Ages 6+
*sensory-friendly performance
Schedule: Sat., Dec. 2 at 11:00 a.m. (SF), 1:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 10 at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Tickets: $20
2:00 p.m. Terrace Theater
Washington Performing Arts presents: Nathan Lee, piano Fifteen-year-old pianist Nathan Lee’s young age belies a musical insight well beyond his years and a remarkable talent for nailing the stylistic nuances of varying composters. Having won First Prize in the 2016 Young Concert Artists International Auditions where he also picked up 14 performances prizes- Lee has shared the stage with the like of Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Lang Lang.
Tickets: Sold out
8 p.m. Eisenhower Theater
Camille A. Brown & Dancers: ink
Prolific and highly acclaimed choreographer Camille A. Brown makes her Kennedy Center debut with two full-evening works performed on separate nights: BLACK GIRL: Linguistic Play and ink. Both performed to original live music, these two fascinating productions celebrate diversity, community, history, and finding oneself through daring dance.
Tickets: $19-$59
8 p.m. Concert Hall
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
(See December 1)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017
7:30 p.m. Terrace Theater
Washington Performing Arts presents Master Class: Denyce Graves
World-renowned soprano Denyce Graves is no stranger to her hometown audiences, having recently performed as part of Washington National Opera’s Champion in Spring 2017. This winter, the 2017 recipient of Washington Performing Arts’ 2017 Ambassador of the Arts Award shares her gifts with her next generation of vocal proteges in a public master class.
Tickets: $40
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2017
7:30 p.m. Terrace Theater
Vocal Arts DC presents: Andrei Bondarenko, baritone, with Gary Matthewman, piano
Vocal Arts DC presents young Ukrainian baritone Andrei Bondarenko in his Washington solo recital debut in collaboration with pianist Gary Matthewman.
Tickets: $50
8 p.m. Concert Hall
Alfred Street Baptist Church presents: How Great Our Joy: A Christmas Celebration
The Music and Worship Arts Ministry of Alfred Street Baptist Church returns to the Concert Hall with How Great Our Joy, a dynamic presentation of the Christmas story told through music, dance, and drama.
Tickets: $20-$55
8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
Experience Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Caro/ like never before with this holiday favorite from The Second City! The legendary comedy troupe brings its infamous improvisational skills and sketch comedy mastery to the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. Schedule: Tues., Dec. 5- Sun., Dec. 31 at 8p.m. (unless otherwise indicated)
Tickets: $49-$75
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2017
7:30 p.m. Terrace Theater
Fortas Chamber Music Concerts: Cantus
This “intellectually, emotionally, and musically rich” (Minneapolis Star Tribune) eight-member men’s vocal ensemble is known worldwide for its trademark warmth and engaging performances. Join the group for an exciting Christmas program.
Tickets: $45
8 p.m. Eisenhower Theater
Private Confessions, part of the Bergman 100 Celebration
U.S. premiere! Ingmar Bergman’s wife and muse, celebrated director Liv Ullmann, expands Bergman’s 1996 film into a stage adaption of poignant, non–linear series of “confessions” which delve into the realms of infidelity, family relationships, loneliness, and the weighty results of keeping secrets deep within. Schedule: Wed. , Dec. 6-Sat., Dec. 9 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $19-$49
8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
-
p.m. Concert Hall
Notes of Honor: NSO Salutes the Military:
A Holiday Pops! Featuring Megan Hilty
The National Symphony Orchestra, in collaboration with the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore , is proud to present a free concert in honor of all service members and their families to celebrate the holiday season.
Tickets: FREE, with valid military ID
7:30 p.m. Opera House
The Suzanne Farrell Ballet: Forever Balanchine: Farewell Performances
This season we celebrate the culmination of our own ballet company, led by the beloved muse of choreographer George Balanchine. Throughout her career as a dancer, Suzanne Farrell created and redefined many of the great roles of the Balanchine canon. The farewell program is a pageant of favorites, all handpicked for their special meaning to Ms. Farrell.
Schedule: Thur., Dec. 7-Sat., Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $29-$89
-
p.m. Eisenhower Theater
Private Confessions, part of the Bergman 100 Celebration
(See December 6)
8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017
-
p.m. Atrium
In the Beginning Dance Party: Holiday Jam and Silent Disco Join the Kennedy Center for this holiday jam and silent disco edition featuring iconic DJs.
Tickets: FREE
7:30 p.m. Opera House
The Suzanne Farrell Ballet: Forever Balanchine: Farewell Performances
(See December 7)
7:30 p.m. Terrace Theater
Mason Bates’s KC Jukebox: Ear I Eye
The intersection of music and imagery will be explored in this multimedia performance, from the beautiful textures of Timo Andres ‘s response to pen-and –ink abstractions to Anna Clyne‘s industrial response to a film about the creation of the Brooklyn Bridge. A featured work by Marcos Balter pairs startling musical sonorities with Italian design imagery of the 1970s, and the evening also includes Jacob Cooper’s moody Ripple the Sky, a piece inspired by the mental illness of Robert Schumann.
Tickets: $25
-
p.m. Eisenhower Theater
Private Confessions, part of the Bergman 100 Celebration
(See December 6)
8 p.m. Concert Hall
NSO Pops: A Holiday Pops! Featuring Megan Hilty
Dash through the snow to our merrily adorned Concert Hall and warm your spirit with fresh takes on comforting classics an sing along carols in this annual NSO tradition, joined this year by Tony nominated stage and screen star Megan Hilty.
Schedule: Fri., Dec. 8 at 8 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets: $24-$99
8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2017
9:30 & 11:30 a.m. Grand Foyer
Sound Health: Second Saturdays, Step Afrika!
Join the talented members of Step Afrika! as they bring the energy and excitement of stepping to the Kennedy Center! Through a 35- minute program combining reading, exercise and creative movement, Step Afrika! Reads encourages young children of all cultural and economic backgrounds to be active and emphasizes the importance of parents reading to their children on a daily basis. Most enjoyed by ages 4 through 8.
Tickets: FREE
10:15 a.m. Grand Foyer
Sound Health: Community Yoga
Join us Saturday mornings for a FREE all-levels vinyasa yoga class in the Grand Foyer-part of the Kennedy Center‘s Sound Health program connecting the performing arts to mind-body wellness. An instructor from a different local yoga studio will lead each session.
Tickets: FREE
11 a.m., 1:30 & 5:00 p.m. Family Theater
Me … Jane: The Dreams & Adventures of Young Jane Goodall
(See December 2)
1:30 & 7:30 p.m. Opera House
The Suzanne Farrell Ballet: Forever Balanchine: Farewell Performances
(See December 7)
-
& 8 p.m. Concert Hall
NSO Pops: A Holiday Pops! Featuring Megan Hilty
(see December 8)
-
& 8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
4:00 p.m. Terrace Gallery
Ballet 360: The Choreographer and the Muse: The Extraordinary Relationship of George Balanchine and Suzanne Farrell
Dance critic Alexandra Tomalonis uses discussion and video to explore various topics in the art form. In this session, explore the deep connection between legendary choreographer George Balanchine and Suzanne Farrell, one of the greatest ballerinas of the twentieth century.
Tickets: $15
-
& 9 p.m. Terrace Theater
NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas
Join the Kennedy Center and NPR for A Jazz Piano Christmas, the annual holiday tradition highlighting performances by jazz pianists of their favorite seasonal music.
Tickets: $55-$75
-
p.m. Eisenhower Theater
Private Confessions, part of the Bergman 100 Celebration
(See December 6)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
1:30 & 4 p.m. Family Theater
Me … Jane: The Dreams & Adventures of Young Jane Goodall
(See December 2)
-
& 5 p.m. Concert Hall
The Washington Chorus presents: A Candlelight Christmas
It‘s not Christmas without The Washington Chorus! Featuring brass, sing-alongs, and the magnificent Candlelight Processional, A Candlelight Christmas includes your favorite songs such as The Dream Isaiah Saw and Hallelujah Chorus.
Schedule: Sun., Dec. 10-Fri., Dec. 22 Tickets: $18-$72
-
& 8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
7:30 p.m. Opera House
An American in Paris
Inspired by the Academy Award ®– winning film and featuring the music of George and Ira Gershwin, An American in Paris has captivated both audiences and critics, winning four 2015 Tony® Awards including Best Choreography. Its stunning combination of classic music, timeless story, breathtaking dance, and state-of the-art design results in a spectacular production the New York Times declares “outshines anything else currently on Broadway.”
Schedule: Thurs., Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.– Sun., Jan. 7 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $69-$175
8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017
7:30 p.m. Opera House An American in Paris (See Dec. 12)
8 p.m. Eisenhower Theater
Getty Music Presents: SING! An Irish Christmas
Keith and Kristyn Getty bring their touring Irish Christmas show back to the Kennedy Center in a program built around their Christmas church music catalog and their love for historic carols. Tickets: $70-$175
8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017
7:00 p.m. Concert Hall
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Jeannette Sorrell, conductor Sophie Daneman, soprano Ann McMahon Quintero, alto Karim Sulayman, tenor Christian lmmler, baritone
University of Maryland Concert Choir Edward Maclary, director
HANDEL Messiah
Schedule: Thur., Dec. 14-Sun., Dec 17 Tickets: $15-$89
7:30 p.m. Opera House An American in Paris (See Dec. 12)
7:30 p.m. Terrace Theater
Washington National Opera: The Little Prince, a Holiday Family Opera
All the joy of and wonder of the classic illustrated storybook comes back to WNO! On his tiny home planet, a young boy begins a quest across the cosmos to find new companionship. Featuring a tuneful score by Oscar® winner Rachel Portman, the opera also showcases the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists and WNO Children’s Chorus.
Schedule: Thu, Dec. 14-Sat. Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 16 and Sun., Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. (Sat., 2 p.m. is a sensory-friendly performance)
Tickets: $45-$65
8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017
7:30 p.m.* Opera House An American in Paris (See Dec. 12)
*captioned
7:30 p.m. Terrace Theater
Washington National Opera: The Little Prince, a Holiday Family Opera
(See December 14)
8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
8 p.m. Concert Hall
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Handel’s Messiah
(See December 14)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2017
10:15 a.m. Grand Foyer
Sound Health: Community Yoga
(See December 9)
1 p.m. Concert Hall
The Choral Arts Society of Washington presents: A Family Christmas
The young and the young at heart will revel in the joy of the season as holiday favorites ring throughout the Concert Hall. Tickets: $20-$45
1:30 & 7:30 p.m. Opera House
An American in Paris
(See December 12)
2* & 7:30 p.m. Terrace Theater
Washington National Opera: The Little Prince, a Holiday Family Opera
(See December 14)
*sensory-friendly performance
-
& 8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
-
p.m. Concert Hall
The Washington Chorus presents: A Candlelight Christmas
(See December 10)
-
& 9 p.m. Terrace Gallery
KC Jazz Club: Harriet Tubman
Inspired by abolitionist and activist Harriet Tubman, the trio makes its Kennedy Center debut showcasing music from its 2017 album, Araminta.
Tickets: $26-$30
-
p.m. Concert Hall
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Handel’s Messiah
(See December 14)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2017
-
p.m. Concert Hall
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Handel’s Messiah
(See December 14)
1:30 & 7:30 p.m. Opera House
An American in Paris
(See December 12)
-
p.m. Terrace Theater
Washington National Opera: The Little Prince, a Holiday Family Opera
(See December 14)
-
& 8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
5 p.m. Concert Hall
The Choral Arts Society of Washington presents:
Christmas with Choral Arts
Choral Arts celebrates the joys of the season in delightful program of popular holiday standards and seasonal Christmas classics.
Schedule: Sun., Dec. 17 at 5 p.m.; Mon., Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 24 at 1 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$69
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017
-
p.m. Concert Hall
The Choral Arts Society of Washington presents:
Christmas with Choral Arts
(See December 17)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2017
7:30 p.m.* Opera House An American in Paris (See December 12)
*sign-interpreted
-
p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2017
3 & 8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
7:30 p.m. Opera House An American in Paris (See December 12)
8 p.m. Concert Hall
NSO Pops: Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration is a 25th anniversary celebration of the acclaimed album that reinterpreted Handel’s oratorio Messiah.
Tickets: $29-$79
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017
-
p.m. Concert Hall
The Washington Chorus presents: A Candlelight Christmas
(See December 10)
7:30 p.m. Opera House An American in Paris (See December 12)
-
p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017
1:30 & 4 p.m. Family Theater
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Meet some feathery friends out of their element in this fresh and funny musical adaptation of Richard and Florence Atwater’s popular book. Ages 3+
Schedule: Fri., Dec. 22- Sun., Dec. 31 Tickets: $20
1:30 & 7:30 p.m.* Opera House
An American in Paris
(See December 12)
*sign-interpreted
3 & 8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
7 p.m. Concert Hall
The Washington Chorus presents: A Candlelight Christmas
(See December 10)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2017
11 a.m., 1:30 & 5 p.m. Family Theater
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
(See December 22)
1:30 & 7:30 p.m. Opera House
An American in Paris
(See December 12)
3 & 8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
6 p .m. Concert Hall
Messiah Sing-Along
The Kennedy Center‘s free Messiah Sing-Along, a family and community tradition since 1971, returns to the Concert Hall on Saturday evening, December 23, at 6 p.m.
Tickets: FREE, distribution begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Hall of Nations
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017
1 p.m. Concert Hall
The Choral Arts Society of Washington presents: Christmas with Choral Arts
(See December 17)
1:30 p.m. Opera House An American in Paris (See December 12)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2017
7:30 p.m. Opera House An American in Paris (See December 12)
8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017
1:30 & 4 p.m. Family Theater Mr. Popper’s Penguins (See December 22)
7:30 p.m. Opera House An American in Paris (See December 12)
8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
8 p.m. Eisenhower Theater
The Illusionists
Direct from Broadway, the world’s best-selling magic show returns to the Kennedy Center after sell-out shows in 2015! This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible Illusionists on earth.
Schedule: Wed. , Dec. 27- Sun., Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. Tues., Jan. 2-Sat., Jan. 6 at 8 p.m.
Dec. 28, Dec. 30, Dec. 31, Jan. 4, Jan. 6, Jan. 7 shows at 3 p.m. Tickets: $59-$175
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017
1:30 & 4 p.m. Family Theater Mr. Popper’s Penguins (See December 22)
3 & 8 p.m. Eisenhower Theater
The Illusionists
(See December 27)
7:30 p.m. Opera House An American in Paris (See December 12)
8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017
1:30 & 4 p.m. Family Theater Mr. Popper’s Penguins (See December 22)
7:30 p.m. Opera House An American in Paris (See December 12)
8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
8 p.m. Eisenhower Theater
The Illusionists
(See December 27)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2017
11 a.m.*, 1:30 & 5 p.m. Family Theater
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
(See December 22)
*sensory-friendly performance
1:30* & 7:30 p.m. Opera House
An American in Paris
(See December 12)
*audio described
3 & 8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
3 & 8 p.m. Eisenhower Theater
The Illusionists
(See December 27)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017
1:30 & 4 p.m. Family Theater Mr. Popper’s Penguins (See December 22)
1:30 & 7:30 p.m. Opera House
An American in Paris
(See December 12)
*this performance is captioned
3 & 8 p.m. Theater Lab
The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
(See December 5)
3 & 8 p.m. Eisenhower Theater
The Illusionists
(See December 27)
7 & 9 p.m. Terrace Theater
A Jazz New Year’s Eve: Dee Dee Bridgewater’s Memphis
Ring in the New Year in style with a lively jazz performance by NEA Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater as she presents her album Memphis.
Tickets: $79-$89
