When the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic began, Lehigh University’s Zoellner Center for the Arts, as with many arts and entertainment venues, closed.

The facility, which remains closed, left the Lehigh University Department of Theatre without a stage for its productions.

The department decided to embark on its first-ever virtual season which it dubbed “Reboot the Future.”

The fall season concluded with a one-time streamed performance earlier this month. But now Lehigh has made available for public viewing two fully-produced performances, “A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play” and “Seen & Heard,” on the department’s YouTube channel through the New Year.

The adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale of redemption is presented as a radio play. Directed by Matt Faragasso and Phil Ingle, the production includes the voice talents of students. It is staged as if it was a play presented on radio in the 1940s, complete with sound effects.

Ari Pineiro is Ebenezer Scrooge, Anna Fink is the narrator, Emma Eggleston is Christmas Past and Carver Glomb is Christmas Present.

Performing in multiple roles are Gus Ripa, McKenna Webb, Zoe Miller, Abrielle Miller, Elizabeth Miller, Michelle Seagull, Mercy Mirembe, Trevor Flocco and John Giarrusso.

“Seen & Heard” is directed by Lehigh University Department of Theatre Chair Kashi Johnson.

The production is a collage of stories, songs, dance, rhymes, poems, quotes and art showcasing the creative voices of black women from all walks of life.

The performance celebrates the stories of college students, actresses, educators, leaders, administrators, elementary school students, retirees, dancers, community organizers, activists and professors who talk about what it means to be a black woman in the 21st century.

The creative team includes Trevor Flocco, Mellie Katakalos, Mark McKenna and Bailey Sheehan.

Lehigh plans to continue its virtual season for the spring 2021 semester.

“We re-envisioned a new and exciting virtual season focused on creative technology, social justice, art and culture to make new connections that hopefully expand our understanding of the world around us,” says Johnson.

“A Christmas Carol”: youtube/QLvaEJ8iuM4; “Seen & Heard”: youtube/4z2fV7R-9LoS; Information: theatre.cas.lehigh.edu/

Bucks Christmas concert:

Bucks County Playhouse is streaming “Merry Little Christmas Concert,” a family-friendly Christmas show, as a video-on-demand through Jan. 1.

Filmed live on the Playhouse stage, “The Playhouse Merry Little Christmas Concert” can be streamed through the cultural arts platform Stellar.

The hour-long concert features Broadway and Playhouse veterans, singing and dancing, accompanied by an on-stage band.

Songs include “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Let It Snow” and “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,” the latter featuring tap-dancers.

The cast includes Danny Gardner (“Dames at Sea”), Emily Larger (National Tour of “Elf The Musical”), Ryan Halsaver (Bucks County Playhouse’s “Once” and “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story”) and Mary McNulty (National Tour of “Camelot”).

The concert is staged by Lorin Latarro, who starred in Broadway’s “Waitress” and Bucks County Playhouse’s “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.”

The music direction is by Drew Wutke, lighting design is by Travis McHale and sound design is by Matthew Given.

Tickets: StellarTickets.com, 215-862-2121