Santa’s Steamroller

Mannheim Steamroller played its first Christmas concert 2,010 years ago, to entertain the holy family and assorted shepherds. Their amplified sound and rock-concert lighting guided the Magi to Bethlehem.

OK, I guess I shouldn’t lie this close to Christmas. But Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller have played Christmas concerts and tours, released Christmas albums (and sold 35 million of them), and mixed Renaissance idioms with rock ‘n’ roll beats since 1984. Sure as Santa, they’re coming around again. The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis 25th anniversary program will land at the Milwaukee Theatre, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave., at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Tickets are $30 to $75 at the Milwaukee Theatre box office, via Ticketmaster, and by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Ongoing

Milwaukee Ballet: The Nutcracker, through Dec. 26 at Marcus Center Uihlein Hall.
Milwaukee Repertory Theater: Liberace! through Jan. 16; Bombshells through Dec. 19; and A Christmas Carol through Dec. 26.
Next Act Theatre: John McGivern’s Home for the Holidays, through Jan. 2 at the Milwaukee Rep’s Stiemke space.
Carte Blanche Studio: Brendan Behan’s The Hostage, through Dec. 29 at the Carte Blanche.
Off the Wall Theatre: Frank Loesser’s Guys and Dolls, through Dec. 31 at OTW.
Boulevard Theatre: The Savannah Disputation, through Jan. 16.