David Sedaris' Naughty Santaland Comes to Life, Alice in Wonderland Gets a Sassy Makeover & More Cross-Country News

The holiday season is in full swing, and there's no better way to celebrate than with a week of great theater! This week’s Countrywide Guide highlights the heavenly quartet The Plaids, the howdy-doody music at Christmas on the Ranch, a last chance to catch David Sedaris' The Santaland Diaries and more.


BOCA RATON, FL
David Sedaris’ Santaland Diaries Serves Up Wicked Holiday Fun
Tony winner Joe Mantello’s adaptation of The Santaland Diaries, essayist David Sedaris' mischievous account of his days as an elf at Macy's, is a spiked cup of eggnog that's absolutely for grown-ups. Timothy Olyphant originated the one-man, one-act play, which debuted in New York in 1996 and has become a seasonal staple. Playing The Studio at Mizner Park through December 23, the show cuts through the Christmas spirit to point out the insane things we humans do during the holidays.


PHILADELPHIA, PA
Plaid Looks Perfect for the Festive Season
Forever Plaid, everybody’s favorite '50s-era musical revue, brings Plaid Tidings just in time for the holidays! Written by Stuart Ross, the show centers on Sparky, Jinx, Smudge and Frankie, a singing group who’ve been sent down to earth by Rosemary Clooney to put a little harmony back in the world. Stuffed with jukebox holiday favorites like “Let It Snow” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” Plaid Tidings plays the Walnut Street Theatre through December 30.


ARLINGTON, VA
A Wintry Mix Is on Tap at Holiday Follies
Tired of watching A Christmas Carol and listening to “Nutcracker Suite”? Want Christmas music with a kick? Then get over to the Signature Theatre to enjoy Holiday Follies. Featuring vocalists Eleasha Gamble, Bobby Smith, James Gardiner and Rachel Zampelli, Holiday Follies has a cabaret set list built to change from night to night, including classic Christmas songs as well as less familiar holiday tunes. Playing through December 23, Holiday Follies is perfect treat for the whole family.


MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Giddyup for a One-of-a-Kind Cowboy Christmas
Howdy, pardner! Miss Monica and The Bunkhouse Boys invite you to discover that any ol' cowboy can carry a tune in Christmas on the Ranch: A Cowboy Musical. This yee-haw musical is playing the Plymouth Playhouse through January 13, 2013, so head over to Lazy Melody Ranch and discover some new tunes like "Two Step Round The Christmas Tree" and "Rootin' Tootin' Santa Claus." Gather 'round the stove and celebrate this festive time of year the cowboy way!   


CINCINNATI, OH
Alice in Wonderland Returns in a Magical Musical
Ensemble Theatre is bringing back one of its most cherished family-friendly musicals, Alice in Wonderland, for holiday fun. Featuring a book by Joseph McDonough and score by David Kisor, this dreamlike adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic story is the toe-tapping tale of a lost girl, a cool cat, a wild hare and the original “dancing queen.” The Queen of Hearts dishes up her special recipe for justice and all of Wonderland awaits Alice’s trial. Don't be late for this very important date! Alice in Wonderland plays through December 30.