Holiday break is near, and you have only this one measly shopping weekend left. Meanwhile, I’m putting together a playlist of approximately 84 different versions of “Last Christmas.” That’s a reason to be jolly if I’ve ever heard one.
Friday
Tonight, the Texas Ballet Theater pokes a little fun at their own expense with The Nutty Nutcracker, a spoof on the original that the company puts together and performs one night only as part of the traditional ballet’s overall run, at the Bass Hall in Fort Worth. The show changes every year to accommodate the past twelve months in pop culture phenomenon. When you think about it, though, that show is already kind of trippy. Anthropomorphic nutcrackers and life-size mice? Normally, I’d find that terrifying. During the holidays, it’s delightful. You should try Bird Cafe, restaurateur Shannon Wynne’s latest concept, for food and drink. It just opened Wednesday, and might make for an excellent alternative to Mi Cocina in Sundance Square. Wynne is the guy behind Meddlesome Moth and Lark on the Park.
Also this evening, dance company Epiphany DanceArts has its own performance at the Eisemann Center in Richardson called Christmas Memories. There are probably a few Christmases you’d rather forget, but this is perhaps more of a chance to reflect on the season’s magical potential with traditional songs such as “Carol of the Bells,” “Ave Maria,” and “O Holy Night.”
Saturday
Jay Z is the biggest name in town on Saturday, obviously, and he’ll be joined by Timbaland for the concert at the American Airlines Center. You can still buy tickets to this, even the cheapest seats, which kind of amazes me. It’s an Xmas miracle. Meanwhile, I’d like to thank his wife for the gift of that new album.
The Polyphonic Spree, featuring Tim DeLaughter and his many elves, puts on their beloved, all-ages Christmas show at the Lakewood Theater. They’ll play two sets, one for seasonal tunes and the other for the band’s original rock, but the Poly Spree isn’t the evening’s only entertainment. There’s the Dallas Zoo Animal Adventures, musical friends The O’s, and the Syncopated Ladies, a group of tap-dancing pros from the Denton Senior Center. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph are special guests. Just don’t forget to bring a toy to donate to Toys For Tots and a canned food item for the North Texas Food Bank, or Santa will immediately put you on his naughty list.
Over at the Texas Theater, there’s A Spune Christmas. The yearly musical showcase is a Spune Productions tradition that dates back to 2004. Shining North Texas stars Midlake, Air Review, Bethan, and Datahowler entertain while you enjoy the food and cocktails.
Sunday
So excited for this ramen brunch at Tei-An. Teiichi Sakurai is opening Ten, his own ramen restaurant at Sylvan | Thirty, in the new year. This should be an appetite-whetter for all his noodle fans. The ramen sampler is first-come, first served, and there will be tsukemen-style noodles with three different dipping soups. Limited quantities available, so show up early. I know at least one person who will be super sad if the ramen runs out before he gets there.
Sunday evening, comedian Paul Varghese takes the Kessler Theater stage for his rescheduled stand up show. The last date got iced out.
For more to do this weekend, go here.
