Masquerade Theatre's gift to local audiences is the Houston premiere of the Alan Menken/Lynn Ahrens musical version of A Christmas Carol. It's the same story you already know and love - Scrooge is a bit of a grump and a cheapskate to boot. Ignoring the loving family around him, he doesn't see any reason to celebrate the holidays. But after the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future pay him a midnight visit and show him the error of his ways, even Scrooge's cold, hard heart can't help but melt. Featuring music that's been described as "breathtaking" and "spectacular," the show gives audiences a new reason to embrace the holiday classic. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Through November 29. The Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. For information, call 713-315-2525 or visit www.masqueradetheatre.com. $30 to $60.
Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Starts: Nov. 20. Continues through Nov. 29, 2009