The holidays are here and with so much shopping to do and parties to attend, you might find yourself a little cranky. Don't be a Scrooge. Get into the spirit of things with one of these eight adults-only holiday shows and leave your inner Ebenezer out in the cold.
The Santaland Diaries | Nov. 18-Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; 8:30 p.m. Sat.; 6 p.m. Sun.
$25-$40.
Horizon Theatre Co., 1083 Austin Ave. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30307
404-584-7450
www.horizontheatre.com
Written by and based on NPR funny man David Sedaris' experiences as a department store elf, this 90-minute off-the-wall comedic performance tells the tale of Crumpet, an out-of-work writer who takes a job as a Macy's elf during the Christmas season. The play is an irreverent look into one of Christmas' most beloved childhood traditions and what really goes on behind the scenes with Santa and his merry band of elves.
Courtenay's Cabaret: Home for the Holidays | Dec. 2-24, 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Thurs.; 8 p.m. Fri.; 2:30, 8 p.m. Sat.; 2:30 p.m. Sun.
$20-$57
Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, Ga. 30309
404-733-5000
www.alliancetheatre.org
Atlanta favorite Courtenay Collins presents her popular holiday cabaret show on the Hertz Stage. You can expect music, drinks, stories, laughter, and possibly home-baked cookies. Accompanied by a live band, Courtenay sings holiday classics and new favorites.
Hip Hop Nutcracker | 6:30 p.m. Nov. 27
$22-$72
The Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30308
404-881-2100
www.foxtheatre.org
An electrified adaptation on a holiday classic, The Hip Hop Nutcracker celebrates love and the magic of New Year's Eve in this DJ-infused musical production. The magical powers of Drosselmeyer transport Maria Clara and her handsome prince, Myron, back to Brooklyn and the moment her parents meet for the first time in a 1980s nightclub.
Invasion: Christmas Carol | 8 p.m. Nov. 25 – Dec. 30 (select nights)
$15-$25
Dad's Garage Theater, 569 Ezzard St., Atlanta, Ga. 30312
404-523-3141
www.dadsgarage.com
Do you love improv comedy and Christmas? Then this holiday show is for you. Dad’s improve team creates a whole new holiday story. You'll see Scrooge's past, present, and future unfold differently each night, with special surprise guests at every performance. Leave it to Dad's Garage to get you in the holiday spirit.
Libby's at the Express: Ho, Ho Home for the Holidays and A Connie Sue Day Christmas | 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10-11, 16-18
$43.20
Actor's Express Theatre, 887 W. Marietta St. NW, Suite J-107, Atlanta, Ga. 30318
www.actors-express.com
Join Libby Whittemore, back again for another smash season at the Express, and Connie Sue Day, the 31st Lady of Country Music, for this hilarious variety show.
Jeffrey Bützer and T.T. Mahony perform Vince Guaraldi's "A Charlie Brown Christmas" | 9 p.m. Dec. 16-17
$15.
The Earl, 488 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta, Ga. 30316
404-522-3950
www.badearl.com
Nothing beats a show at The Earl in East Atlanta. Join musician and composer Jeffrey Bützer as he and T.T. Mahony perform music from the beloved animated classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas" by jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi. While the duo keeps mostly to the 1965 score, with the original soundtrack only 39 minutes long, expect supplemental tunes such as Run-DMC's "Christmas Song" and even a few from John Denver.
Krampus Xmas | 8 p.m. Dec. 8-17
$22.50
7 Stages, 1105 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30307
404-523-7647
www.7stages.org
Rock out with a comedy-horror opera about a demonic yuletide visitor from hell. There will be music, burlesque dancers, stilt walkers, aerialists and beer flowing in this two-hour show of debauchery and madness. Merry Krampus, y'all.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Very Merry Holiday Pops | 8 p.m. Dec. 17; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 19
$20-$65
Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30309
404-733-5000
www.atlantasymphony.org
Debauchery, comedy and hokey variety shows not your speed? Then sit back, relax and get classy with the ASO as it performs holiday classics such as "White Christmas," "Jingle Bells" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Relive your childhood and maybe sing along.
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