On the Boards is presented by the Irish Classical Theatre Company. To be considered for On the Boards, submissions must be received by 5pm on Wednesday one week prior to publication. Send notice VIA e-mail to: ontheboards@artvoice.com.

OPENING:

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, adapted and directed by Neal Radice, starring John Smeathers, Syndi Starr, Katy Clancy, Todd Warfield, Christopher S. Parada, David C. Mitchell, Josh Fitzgerald, Alexandra Lillis, Christopher Lillis, Julianna Lillis, Joyce Stilson Dec 11-21, Thu & Fri at 7:30, Sat at 5 & 8, Sun at 2. Alleyway Theatre, One Curtain Up Alley (852-2600).

THE CHRISTMAS TRIP, original play by Kathleen Weber and Connie Oswald Stofko presented by Towne Players, directed by Pam Snyder. Dec 12-14, Fri & Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2. Sheridan-Parkside Community Center, 169 Sheridan-Parkside Dr., Town of Tonawanda (693-9641).

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, presented by Alden Christian Theater Society. Dec 12-21, Fri & Sat 7:30, Sun at 2:30. Lancaster Opera House, 21 Central Ave., Lancaster (683-1776).

MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS, musical by Jennifer Kirkeby and Shirley Mier, presented by TOY, directed by Meg Quinn, starring Megan Callahan, Tim Newell, Mary Kate O’Connell, Justine B. Rodriguez, Ashley Andrews, Lindsay Andrews, Annabel Bacon, Alexis Boehnlein, Janee Brown, Libby Cannon, Jillian Farrell, Regan Flemming, Morgan Parnitzke, Violet Perry, Samantha Rohloff. Dec 12-21, Fri at 7, Sat at 2 & 5:30, Sun at 2. Allendale Theatre, 203 Allen St. (884.4400).

ONGOING:

AWAKE AND SING!, drama by Clifford Odets presented by Jewish Repertory Theatre, directed by Greg Natale, starring Saul Elkin, Ellen Horst, David Butler, Patrick Cameron, Susan Drozd, Don Gervasi, Peter Jaskowiak, Lawrence Rowswell, Tom Zindle. Through Dec 28, Thu at 7:30, Sat at 4 & 8, Sun at 2. Andrews Theatre, 625 Main St. (688-4114 x391).

FENCES, drama by August Wilson presented by the Western Door Playhouse, directed by Linda Silvestri, starring Tab Booze, Samika Sullivan, Marvin Afkew, Jada Booze, Corey Frank, Joseph Lower. Through Dec 21, Fri & Sat at 8, Sun at 2:30. Woodbox Theatre, Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, 1201 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls (297-5910).

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, based on the classic Frank Capra film, presented by Starry Night Theatre, directed by L. Don Swartz, starring Trey Wydysh, Vanessa Stipkovits, Tim Stuff , Carl Tamburlin. Through Dec 20, Fri & Sat at 8, plus Dec 21 at 2. Ghostlight Theatre, 170 Schenck St., North Tonawanda (743-1614).

THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER, comedy by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart presented by American Repertory Theater of WNY, directed by Jeanne Cairns, starring Chris Standart, Lisa Ludwig Kramer, Kelly Ferguson Moore, Doug Crane, Jeffry Coyle Alaina Miller, Darleen Pickering Hummert, Jennifer Fitzery, Dan Greer, Kathleen Bestko Yale, Jim Maloy Timothy Voit. Through Dec 21, Wed-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, plus Dec 14 at 7 (no performance Dec 17). TheaterLoft, 545 Elmwood Ave. (884-4858).

CLOSING:

DROP HAMMER, drama by Emanuel Fried presented by The Subversive Theatre Collective, directed by Kurt Schneiderman, starring Victor Morales, Tim Eimiller, Dave Hoffman. Through Dec 14, Thu-Sat at 8, Sun at 6. Manny Fried Playhouse, Great Arrow Building at 255 Great Arrow Ave., third floor. (408-0499).

THE NEW CENTURY, four one-act comedies by Paul Rudnick presented by Buffalo United Arttists, directed by Javier Bustillos, starring Caitlin Coleman, Jimmy Janowski, Kelli Bocock Natale, Mike Seitz, Arianna Boykins. Through Dec 13, Fri & Sat at 8. Main Street Cabaret, 672 Main St. (886-9239).

THE SEAFARER, drama by Conor McPherson directed by Robert Waterhouse and Joe Natale, starring Steve Copps, Christian Brandjes, Richard Lambert, Tom Makar, Dan Walker. Through Dec 13, Thu-Sat at 8. New Phoenix Theatre on the Park, 95 Johnson Park (853-1334).

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY, adapted by Joe Landry, with original music by Kevin Connors, directed by Doug Zschiegner, starring Ian Lithgow, Eileen Dugan, Phil Knoerzer, Gerry Maher, Debbie Pappas. Dec 10-14, Wed & Fri at 7:30; Thu, Sat & Sun at 3 & 7:30. The Kavinoky Theatre, 320 Porter Ave. (829-7668).

UPCOMING:

ANNIE, touring production of the Broadway musical by Charnin, Meehan and Strouse, presented by Shea’s and Albert Nocciolino. Dec 19-21, Fri at 8, Sat at 1 & 6:30, Sun at 1:30. Shea’s Performing Arts Center, 646 Main St. (852-5000).

CHARLES DICKENS PRESENTS: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, solo performance conceived, written, directed by and starring Mike Randall. Dec 19-21, Fri at 8, Sat at 4 & 8, Sun at 2. MusicalFare Theatre, 4380 Main St., Amherst (839-8540)