Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
A CHRISTMAS STORY: It just isn’t Christmas without a lamp shaped like a fishnet-clad woman’s leg or a wet tongue stuck to a frosty lamppost. So roll over to AJ Fletcher Theater for Philip Grecian’s adaptation of the quintessential Christmas story. Somehow the suspense of whether Ralphie will get that Red Ryder BB gun and shoot his eye out just never fades. When: Dec. 7-24, times vary. $26-$36. Buy tickets
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AND HOLIDAY FESTIVAL: It may not have all the swagger of the star-studded lighting at Rockefeller Plaza – but at least Raleigh won’t get outed for “live” artists who lip-synch. Nice Boyz II Men. And awkward. So if you’re feelin’ festive and a little ceremonious, cop a squat on the Capitol grounds for some unrecorded carols in concert before the governor and first gentleman light the state Christmas tree. And if you want to see how those government-glitterati glitz up the holidays, hang around and take in some stately holiday décor at the post-lighting Capitol Open House. When: Dec. 9, 5-7:30pm. Free. More info
CINDERELLA MUSICAL: Don’t let Cinderella’s obsession with that prince confuse you about her penchant for Christmas. Or sugarplums. Celebrate the season and 75 years of Raleigh Little Theatre as a couple of “royal” romantics make a little holiday magic in the 27th-annual not-so-classic beloved retelling of little Cinderelly—told via English pantomime elements—including fantastical costumes and men cast as women. Somehow ugly male stepsisters don’t sound as sinister. But they do sound uglier. And more amusing. If nothing else, at least go for those crafty little mice. When: Dec, 10-19, times vary. $25. More info
THE NEW MEL BROOKS MUSICAL YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN: Raise up a monster of a good time and a little “Transylvania Mania” in the comic genius’ fiendish first production since “The Producers” with his wicked re-imaging of Dr. “Fronkensteen.” If you’re going to try to awake the dead with some mad science, clearly you need a little singing and dancing—and apparently the largest tuxedo ever made. What else would you expect from Mel Brooks? Show is at the DPAC. When: Dec. 7-12, times vary. $20-$60. Buy tickets
A TRAILER PARK CHRISTMAS: Motor over to the Common Ground Theatre trailer park and tint your Christmas with a little more “red” as the Dodson/Hussy family whirl through crazy neighbors, ghosts, fruitcakes and a festive tornado in local filmmaker Jeffrey Moore’s doublewide interactive holiday production. When: Dec. 9-11, 15-18 at 7:30p; Dec. 12 & 19 at 2p. $15-$17. Buy tickets
