Theater
Rehashing the classics
What happens when three thespians rebel against having to do a straight production of "A Christmas Carol" for the umpteenth time? They start extemporizing, throwing in references to other holiday classics, plus a lot of carols in no particular order, plus a hodgepodge of yuletide traditions from around the world. Yes, Virginia, "Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)" is a comedy. It's running at Cyrano's at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 22. Theresa Pond directs. Tickets are available at centertix.net.
Music
Inupiaq opera
The UAA Opera Ensemble and Anchorage Opera present "Hansel und Gretel" -- or as the wayward siblings are called in this production, "Aklaq and Nayak." It's an Inupiaq adaptation of the popular children's opera as prepared by Mari Hahn and Willa Towarak. Grimm Brothers' characters become Alaskanized as Raven, Snowy Owl and a mysterious Goblin Woman. Check out the new light effects at the UAA Arts Building Recital Hall, having their debut with this show. Two performances daily at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 11-13. Tickets are available at centertix.net.
Art
Photo fest
Two photography shows are up at Alaska Pacific University this month. The Carr-Gottstein Building hosts the Alaska Photographic Center Members' Exhibition, featuring new, unique and edgy work by many of the best photographers in the state. In the adjacent Grant Hall gallery space you'll find the Juror's Choice award winners from the Rarefied Light statewide competition, as selected by well-known art photographer Susan Burnstine. APU galleries remain open through the winter break, except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Art
Views of city history
The main attraction at the International Gallery of Contemporary Art this month is "Anchorage Narratives," a collection of interactive print works of short historical fiction relating to the Anchorage centennial as created by four local authors using different illustration styles. "Reclaimed Textile Works" by Jeanie Smith and Elise Rose is on display in the North Gallery and mixed-media assemblages by Michele Suchland are on exhibit in the South Gallery. The work will remain on display through Jan. 2.