
Photograph by Carol Rosegg, courtesy of the Fox Theatre
Laura Michelle Kelly in "Finding Neverland"
December 6–18 | Finding Neverland at The Fox
Based on the 2004 film starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, this musical adaptation tells the story of J.M. Barrie and his relationship with a young window and her five little boys, who become the inspiration for Barrie's greatest work, Peter Pan: The Boy Who Never Grew Up. Entertainment Weekly proclaimed it "pixie-dusted perfection." $25–$80. See website for performance times. The Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand, fabulousfox.com.
December 8 | 4 Hands 4 Bands Chili Cookoff at The Firebird
Despite La Niña's warming influence, it's getting a little more wintery outside—with lows in the 20s, there's at least enough chill in the air to justify a chili cookoff. And this one offers a lot more than just the chili; 4 Hands Brewery will bring a plethora of brews for tasting, while four local bands—Dibiase, Brother Lee & the Leather Jackals, The Ol' One, Two, Hope And Therapy—perform throughout the night. $4. Tastings at 7 p.m., music kicks off at 8 p.m. The Firebird, 2706 Olive, firebirdstl.com.
December 10 | Foxing at Delmar Hall
This St. Louis band has had some great luck (a national listernership, regular coverage in outlets like Pitchfork) and some bad luck (a terrible accident while on tour in California totaled their van, but very happily left them all OK). They're returning from that white-kuckle trip to play a date here at home before heading back onto the road; joining them are some of STL's most legendary underground rock bands, including So Many Dynamos, Say Panther, Berlin Whale, and Why Not. $15. 7 p.m. All ages show. Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar, delmarhall.com.
December 10 | Christmas at the Cathedral
It's easy to forget that Christmas music is actually a pretty ancient genre that predates Bing Crosby by centuries. For the 12th year running, the Cathedral Basilica hosts a concert of this traditional and liturgical music for the holiday season, performed by the Archdiocesan Adult Choirs, Orchestra, Children’s Choir, and Handbell Choir. They'll perform a two-part concert that includes John Rutter’s Gloria; Hodie Christus natus est, Ave Maria; and the 18th-century German carol, "O come little children." $24–$49. 8 p.m. Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, cathedralconcerts.org.
December 11 | A Masterworks Christmas with Christine Brewer
We're so spoiled—New Yorkers have to pay upwards of $100 to see the unnaturally talented Christine Brewer sing at the Metropolitan Opera, while we hear her powerful voice on a regular basis, and in intimate settings like Saint Claire Church (and for really reasonable ticket prices, too). For this program, Brewer will sing a number of holiday-themed pieces, backed by Southwestern Illinois' Masterworks Chorale, as well as their orchestra and Children's Choir.
$20, $15 seniors, $10 students. 7:30 p.m. Saint Clare Catholic Church, 1411 Cross, O’Fallon, Illinois, singmasterworks.org.
And don't miss these other great events going on around the St. Louis area this weekend:
Top 5 Family Events This Weekend
World's Largest Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
St. Louis Symphony: A Gospel Christmas
Spirit Animal at The Duck Room
Manheim Steamroller Christmas Symphony
One Pulse: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
Ambassadors of Harmony: Sounds of the Season
Arch Rival Roller Girls v. St. Louis Gatekeepers