The kids in the audience simultaneously breathe, "Ahhh."
These youngsters have been rehearsing the songs and delivering their lines for several hours each day, six days a week. They know the show backward and forward, inside and out.
But it makes no difference. They are no more immune to stage magic than the rest of us.
if you go
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! runs through Nov. 23 at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 5 p.m., 8 p.m. Fridays; 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $25-$70. Call 410-547-7328 or go to france-merrickpac.com.
other shows of the season
* Tap dancing Santa Clauses and singer Sandi Patty return to the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. for the annual Holiday Spectacular with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. This year, they're joined by the African Children's Choir. Performances start Dec. 13 and run through Dec. 23. Showtimes vary. Tickets are $25-$60. Call 410-783-8000 or go to bsomusic.org.
* You grew up with the bedtime story. Now, you can see it live. The Olney Theatre Center presents Peter Pan - The Musical, Wednesday through Jan. 4 at 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney. Showtimes and ticket prices vary. Call 301-924-3400 or go to olneytheatre.org.
* Consider it the CliffsNotes of Christmas tales. This winter, the Baltimore Shakespeare Festival hosts Every Christmas Story Ever Told. The title says it all: The high-octane performance brings together the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, the Nutcracker and many other holiday favorites in a mere 90 minutes. The show runs Dec. 5-21 at St. Mary's Outreach Center, 3900 Roland Ave. Admission is $25; $20 for seniors and students and free for children 6 and younger. Call 410-366-8596 or go to baltimoreshakespeare.org.
* The high-kicking Radio City Rockettes have been holiday favorites for more than 75 years. Dec. 2-7, they present their touring Christmas Spectacular at 1st Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. Tickets are $29-$79. Showtimes vary. Call 410-547-SEAT or go to ticketmaster.com.
