Here's a rundown of this week's theater offerings, most of which are Christmas -related:
"Babes in Toyland," Friday through Dec. 24, Children's Theatre & School of the Arts, 237 S. State.
This story, adapted by Joanne Parker with the traditional music by Victor Herbert — features favorite songs "Toyland" and "Nevermind Bo-Peep." It stars Emily Trulson Parker, Jacob McCroy and Ben Christensen.
Shows are Monday, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., with many matinees available. Tickets are $12 (801-532-6000 or www.childrenstheatreandschool.org" TARGET="_blank">www.childrenstheatreandschool.org)
"Babes in Toyland," Friday through Dec. 22, The Empress Theatre, 9104 W. 2700 South, Magna.
This new version of the family classic is written by Eva Barnett with music and lyrics by Trent Oliphant. The roles are double-cast. It stars John Peckham, Joel Clark, Tara Peckham, Aubrey Vance, Sami Roe and Danny Eggers.
Shows are nightly, except Sunday, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8.50-$11 (801-347-7373 or www.empresstheatre.com)
"A Christmas Carol," Friday through Dec. 23, Hale Centre Theatre, 3333 S. Decker Lake Drive.
The HCT production, now in its 24th year, will use new levitating technology and circular stage movements. Roles are double cast. It stars Richard G. Wilkins, David Weeks, Tom Stam, David Stensrud, Brad Charon, Andrew Lake, Libby Willey, Brandon Cecala and Eric Armstrong.
Shows are nightly, except Sunday, at 5 and 8 p.m., with several matinees available. Tickets are $16-$27 (801-984-9000 or www.halecentretheatre.org)
"A Christmas Carol," Monday through Dec. 6, Chase Fine Arts Center, Utah State University, Logan.
This is an unpublished version of the Dickens' classic. Barbara Field adapted the script and the school has worked directly with her to secure the rights. It stars Luke Bybee, Jeff Dransfield and Lee Daily.
Shows are nightly, 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, $13 (435-797-8022 or www.boxoffice.usu.edu)
"Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings," Friday through Dec. 13, Midvale Arts Council, Midvale Performing Arts Center, 695 W. 7720 South, Midvale.
The Plaids are back for a Christmas show — filled with holiday favorites plus the three-minute version of the Ed Sullivan show; visits from the Vienna Boys Choir, the Chipmunks and the Rockettes. It stars Wade Walker, Freddy Lee, Steve Duke and Bruce Craven.
Shows are nightly, except Sunday, 7:30 p.m. (801-567-0087 or www.showtix4u.com)
"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," Friday through Dec. 22, The Phoenix Theatre Company/The Academy of Performing Arts, performed at Sorenson Unity Center, 1383 S. 900 West.
This is an adaptation by Collin Kreuzer. The cast has veteran actors as well as amateurs telling the story filled with magical and mythological creatures against a mystical backdrop. It stars Brighton Sloan, Michelle Masefield, Logan Hunter, Kayla Armstrong, Sarah Anderson, Sasha Sloan and Asher Smith.
Shows are Monday, Friday and Saturday evenings, 7:30 p.m., with Saturday matinees available. Tickets are $8 (801-486-2728 or www.academyofpa.org)
"Little Women," Friday through Dec. 22, Heritage Community Theatre, 2505 S. Hwy. 89, Perry.
The musical retelling of the beloved Louisa May Alcott novel about the adventures of the March sisters as they grow up in Civil War America. It stars Shaundra Secrist, Jessica Knowles, Meria Pace and Amanda Thornock.
Shows are Monday, Friday and Saturday nights, 7:30 p.m., with Saturday matinees available. Tickets are $8-$9 (435-723-8392 or www.heritagetheatreutah.com)
"Twelfth Night," Thursday through Dec. 12, Black Box Theater, Utah Valley University, Orem.
A Shakespeare classic, "Twelfth Night" was named for the last night of a 12-day Christmas celebrating with everything gets turned upside down. This mystical version includes '20s style dress with a a few "punk" elements thrown in.
Shows are nightly, except Sunday, 7:30 p.m., tickets are $6-$10 (801-863-8434 or www.uvu.edu/theatre.)
E-mail: ehansen@desnews.com