[Weekender] Awaken in wintry wonderlands

"The Nutcracker" by the Korea National Ballet Company

By Lee Hyo-won, Han Sang-hee and Ines Min

The holidays are edging ever nearer, with festive lights adorning the city. Those looking to spend the holidays surrounded by friends, family and a little cultural entertainment can look to these productions to beguile the long wintry hours. So set forth into the warmth of the theater to enjoy everything from puppet shows to ballet.

The Snowman

With the first snow of winter falling in Seoul earlier this week, the mood is just right for the classic tale of "The Snowman" to come to town. Local production company Credia has earned the first overseas license from the official U.K. holder, the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, bringing the tale to life with a Korean cast and even some traditional costumes. Raymond Briggs' 1978 tale sees domestic adaptations (such as the inclusion of the anthemic "Arirang," as rearranged by Howard Blake), while original choreographers Julian Moss and Anita Griffin worked with the new cast to maintain authenticity. While the production first debuted last year, this year's

Yuhki Kuramoto

edition of "The Snowman" puches out all the steps — join for a night of wondrous adventure, wintry surprises and soothing nostalgia. The 110-minute show runs through Dec. 31 at the Hoam Art Hall, central Seoul. Tickets start from 35,000 won. For more information, call 1577-5266.

Everyday Christmas

The holidays aren't just for receiving gifts, but also for giving. This year, the Bukchon Art Hall brings the public a multi-genre production on that most important lesson of all: what the true value of life and living is. Inspired by Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," "Everyday Christmas" follows the tale of old, miser Godoo-swe. The money-grubbing grandmother chooses her gold savings

over friends and family, but one day an angel appears before her — taking her on a ride to the past, present and future in order to show Godoo-swe what love is all about. Part puppet show, part play, part shadow play, the production combines the best of each to provide entertainment fit for all ages. The show starts today and runs through Jan. 15, 2011, at the Bukchon Art Hall. Tickets are 25,000 won, for reservations call (02) 988-2258.

‘The Nutcracker' galore

"The Nutcracker," the children's ballet by Tchaikovsky that brings to life a young girl's dreams on Christmas Eve, has long become a seasonal treat for families, and three of Korea's leading ballet companies will each stage the piece in various venues around the country.

The Universal Ballet Company (UBC) gave the Korean premiere of the piece in 1986 and has been regularly offering "The Nutcracker" for a quarter-century. In 2006 the UBC became the first local troupe to stage the ballet in the United States, and last year it had a 20-day run in Greece. The dance company will kick off its national tour Friday through Sunday at the Daejeon Culture & Arts Center; Dec. 17 and 18 at the Gunpo Culture & Art Center; and finally from Dec. 22 to 31 at the Universal Arts Center, Seoul. The New Year's Eve performance will begin at 10 p.m. and the audience can welcome in 2011 together with the ballet stars. Tickets for the Seoul performance cost from 10,000 to 80,000 won (200,000 won for special couple seats). Call (070) 7124-1740.

The Korean National Ballet Company (KNBC) will offer "The Nutcracker" at Seoul Arts Center from Dec. 17 to 25, followed by Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex, Gyeonggi Province from Dec. 25 to 27. The troupe will offer Russian master choreographer Yuri Grigorovich's version of the piece, which is noted for its technically devilish steps complete with dynamic movements and intricate details. Tickets cost from 5,000 to 100,000 won. Call (02) 580-1300.

The Seoul Ballet Theater will stage the piece Friday and Saturday at the Icheon Art Hall; Dec. 17 and 18 at the Andong Culture & Art Center on Dec. 24 and 25; and at the Bupyeong Arts Center; and from Dec. 31 to Jan. 2, 2011 at the Seoul Open Theater in Chang-dong. The troupe will offer something more unique by featuring original choreography by its resident choreographer James Jeon. According to Jeon it will be a more child-friendly performance and will even feature traditional Korean dancers in the second act. Fans can look forward to seeing an atypical Drosselmeyer, without the signature white beard or magic cane. Tickets cost from 10,000 to 55,000 won. Call (02) 3442-2637.

Yuhki Kuramoto

Japanese pianist Yuhki Kuramoto is a favorite among local music lovers, and he is preparing a special Christmas concert for fans. The 2010 Christmas Concert Yuhki Kuramoto and Friends will bring not only the 59-year-old pianist and his signature melodic piano tunes, but also fellow artists including CCM singer So-hyang, popera singer Kai and clarinetist Kim Han. The event will delight both eyes and ears with famous numbers such as classics by Mozart, an array of original soundtracks of Christmas movies such as "The Polar Express" and "Love Actually," and personal favorites. The concert will be held at Seoul Arts Center, Dec. 25 at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, visit www.clubbalcony.com.

JYP Nation

Artists under entertainment agency JYP are getting ready for the holiday season as a single group called JYP Nation. Park Jin-young, or JYP, is gathering his fellow artists and pop groups for a concert called "Teamplay." Park, the Wonder Girls, 2PM, miss A, Joo and San E will celebrate Christmas with fans and offer their own songs, along with special collaborations. The concert will be held at the Gymnastics Stadium in Seoul, Dec. 24. Tickets cost from 55,000 to 99,000 won.

While the rest of the JYP crew is busy preparing for the "Teamplay" concert, 2AM is planning to wow fans with their first concert of their "Saint o'clock" tour. The four-member group may have shown off their individual talents and charms since their debut in 2008, but they are expecting to change from that comical image to serious young men who know how to sing. The tour starts in Seoul at the Korea University on Dec. 24 and will continue to Gwangju, Daegu, Changwon and Busan. Tickets cost from 77,000 to 110,000 won.

Dinner shows

Dinner shows are a popular holiday gift to parents and older friends, and this year, veteran singers Patty Kim, Insooni, Lee Mi-ja and jazz singer Woongsan as well as folk singers Kim Se-hwan, Song Chang-sik and Yun Hyeong-ju will give performances. For a more romantic evening, check out shows by balladeers Lee Seung-chul (Dec. 23-26 at the main stadium of Jamsil Sports Complex), Shin Seung-hun (Dec. 23-25 at Coex) and Lee Seung-hwan (Dec. 24-26 at the Grand Stadium, Ewha Womans University). For more information about the concerts, visit ww.ticket.interpark.com.