SFR Picks—Week of Dec. 11

Sing-Alongs and Cookies, Take Seven

Teatro Paraguas throws yet another Christmas bash

If there's ever a season for traditions, this would be it. And the fun isn't limited to families; local community groups pull out all the stops right around now to get -everyone in the Christmas spirit.

And yes, we said Christmas, not -"holiday"—because we're talking specifically about Teatro Paraguas' A Musical Piñata for Christmas, the seventh -annual December extravaganza that features skits, music, flamenco, crafts and snacks. When we say it's great for the whole family, we really mean it: Older folks take joy in traditional New Mexican Christmas -carols, adults and teens stay engaged with a stage full of people and a -constantly evolving program, and kids (even toddlers) love the flashy costumes and an actual piñata onstage at the end.

Half the show is a play custom-crafted by company member Alix Hudson. Regalito (sung to the tune of "Despacito" … there also may be appearances of biscochito, posolito, farolito and other conveniently syllabled words) features a young woman whose birthday is on Christmas, who fears her quinceañera will be overshadowed by the holiday. Hudson says that she wrote the play for an anticipated 30 cast members of all ages, so there's plenty of action and lessons to be learned about New Mexico and the magic of the season.

The production often sees a good-size crowd, which means intermission in the small lobby can get crowded. Conveniently, the Second Space located right next door to the theater is outfitted for festivities with biscochitos, hot cocoa and coloring activities for the kids, so there's plenty of opportunity to keep wee ones engaged and for their grown-ups to socialize (because this is all about friendship, right?).

Agnostics and others take note: Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, you should maybe go anyway. Community, camaraderie and cookies know no -religion. (Charlotte Jusinski)

A Musical Piñata for Christmas VII
7 pm Friday, Dec. 13; 2 pm Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15. $5-$10.
Teatro Paraguas,
3205 Calle Marie,
424-1601; tickets here.

Screw Christmas

This is an emotionally challenging time of year for us all, especially for those who want to get into the spirit but aren't in love with crass commercialization. Enter Xmas is Canceled, a gathering of local (and not-as-local) musicians and songwriters who've joined forces to tackle the holiday with new and original Christmas jams. Members of Rubedo, Dandu, Laura Goldhammer, Decollage and many others take part including, we hear, some surprise guest appearances from God-knows-who. And even better? A portion of the proceeds from the event go to Youth Shelters and Family Services—and there might also be puppets—so you can at least feel a little bit better about engaging with the holiday. (Alex De Vore)

Xmas is Canceled
8 pm Thursday Dec. 12.
$10-$15.
Meow Wolf,
1352 Rufina Circle, 395-6369

Prints Among Us

With just a few months of shows under its belt, newcomer gallery FOMA (which, btw, stands for Fear of Missing Art) is opening up its programming to bring the creative side of things directly to the consumer. For Come Make a Print, FOMA's Francesca Yorke has invited a number of notable local printmakers to swing by the gallery and pass along their knowledge; for a mere five clams, participants can learn how to make a monotype from hereos like Ron Pokrasso, Bill Sortino, Joel Greene and Stan Berning. Then they'll have their very own creation to frame up and toss on a wall or, maybe better right now, gift to someone this holiday season. (ADV)

Come Make a Print
1-4 pm Saturday Dec. 14. $5.
FOMA,
333 Montezuma Ave.,
660-0121

Way to Go, Gare-Bear

True story: Noël Coward's Present Laughter was meant to premiere in 1939 London, but the encroaching battles of WWII delayed its opening til 1942. Phasing to the here and now, Fleabag and Sherlock alum Andrew Scott takes on the lead role of Garry, a raucous actor with a penchant for a dramatic (and maybe sexy) way of living that leads to a sort of dark night of the soul situation during the lead-up to a very important tour. Grappling with his life's choices and chaotic existence, Garry comes face to face with more than a few scorned women, including his ex-wife. Coward's trademark hilarity ensues. Hit the Lensic to catch the show in HD from the National Theatre in London; try not to fall in love with Scott. (ADV)

National Theatre Live in HD: Present Laughter:
7 pm Tuesday Dec. 17. $19-$22.
Lensic Performing Arts Center,
211 W San Francisco St.,
988-1234