'Lovesick Snowman' is charming, clever holiday tale

Reviewers Wendell Brock and Phil Kloer pick the weekend's best:

CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS

'Sam the Lovesick Snowman'

A

In his 50-minute one act about a snowman's unrequited love for a wood-burning stove, Jon Ludwig piles sweetness and charm as high as the shimmering banks of snow. Performed by Dolph Amick and Amy Rush, with original music by John Cerreta, this world premiere is a shoo-in for the most clever and original show of the holiday season. — W.B.

Through Jan 4. 1404 Spring St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-873-3391, puppet.org

DAD'S GARAGE

'Invasion: Christmas Carol'

B

For theater fans predisposed to the anarchy of improv, or the ongoing antics of this Inman Park comedy team, this riff on the Dickens classic is as much fun as a fruitcake tossed through a Currier & Ives picture window. — P.K.

Through Dec. 23. 280 Elizabeth St., Inman Park. 404-523-3141, dadsgarage.com

THEATRICAL OUTFIT

"It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play"

B

In Joe Landry's telling of the Capra classic, a group of golden-age radio players the story of George Bailey with spiffy sound effects and their own little narratives. — W.B.

Through Dec. 21. Balzer Theater at Herren's, 84 Luckie St., Atlanta. 678-528-1500, theatricaloutfit.org