When I first got to the Mockingbird on Main on Friday, I immediately noticed that the theatre itself smelled wonderful … and Christmas-y. My sentiment was shared by a fellow patron, whom I overheard sharing her comment to associate director and producer Douglas Kutzli. I also overheard Kutzli say that most of his job working on the production involved saying “No, Tristan, that’s not funny” to the show's director Tristan Tapscott. But here’s the thing: I wish Kutzli had said that so much more. Because while there was nothing about this A Christmas Carol that was bad, gosh darn it, despute valiant efforts, it just wasn’t all that funny.

If you’re looking for a joyful way to feel a little extra Christmas-y this holiday season, might I suggest Santa Claus: The Musical at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse? This one-hour children’s-theatre offering packs a solid punch of yuletide warmth, and no matter how old you are, I wager you will appreciate this charming little tale.

Haus of Ruckus – the theatrical team headed by artistic directors T Green and Calvin Vo – is making some welcome noise onstage again.

The story is seemingly simple: Twelve jurors gather in a room and discuss an open-and-shut murder case. One juror, however, votes “not guilty,” placing reasonable doubt in the minds of others as emotions run high. But while the Playcrafters Barn Theatre's Saturday performance of 12 Angry Jurors – Sherman L. Sergel's stage adaptation of Reginald Rose's classic drama 12 Angry Men – was simple in style, it was also polished, professional, and engaging.