Looking for fun things to do, but tired of being bombasted with Christmas cheer? Here’s some great theater this weekend taking a new spin on merry.
1. Myth-Appropriation: The Bloody, Strange, and Wicked Origins of St. Nicholas
Six timeless tales. Six new plays. All created in just six days. Performing for ONE NIGHT ONLY! Saturday Dec 13, 2008 at 7pm, 9pm and 11pm (3 shows) at the Warehouse Theater on 7th street, NW.
http://www.rorschachtheatre.com/default.aspx?webpage=nextmagic
Rorschach Theatre wants to make the holiday season just a little bit wilder. Rorschach will track old Santa Claus back to his religious, pagan and supernatural roots. Looking back to the myths of the Vikings, early Christians and native peoples of Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, Rorschach turns its creative and artistic style on the jolly fat man in red and his larger than life cult of personality.
2. Santaland Diaries
by David Sedaris, adapted by Joe Mantello, performed by Joe Brack. All tickets only $15 – http://cityartisticpartnerships.org
This hilarious one-man show chronicles the wickedly funny adventures of a thirty-something slacker working as an elf in Macy’s SantaLand. Originally broadcast on NPR, this true account explores the American obsession with all things Christmas, from eccentric Santas and maniacal kids to unhinged parents and rampant commercial consumption. The perfect irreverent cure for your holiday blues!
3. The Last Days of Judas Iscariot at Forum Theatre
http://forumtheatredc.org/shows.shtml
Forum’s smash hit from season 4 returns to H Street for a three-week run with all its original cast members. In a courtroom in Hope, Purgatory, Judas—the ultimate betrayer—is on trial. But he’s catatonic with guilt, so the lawyers, judge, jury, and witnesses—everyone from Mother Teresa to Satan—take it upon themselves to debate free will, divine intervention, punishment, and redemption. A challenging, boisterous examination of faith and forgiveness.
4. The Butterfingers Angel, Mary & Joseph, Herod the Nut, & The Slaughter of 12 Hit Carols in a Pear Tree
http://www.repstage.org/Productions/Butterfingers/index.html
William Gibson (The Miracle Worker and Golda’s Balcony) brings forth the story of the Mary and and Joseph, told from a richly creative point of view. Combining traditional music, contemporary language, children, animals, a drum-playing Herod, and a cherry tree, “The Butterfingers Angels, Mary & Joseph, Herod the Nut, & The Slaughter of 12 Hit Carols in Pear Tree” is a wickedly entertaining way to celebrate the holiday season! Inthe newly renovated Smith Theatre at Rep Stage.
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