Opening
“A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant” The Firehouse Theatre Project presents a satirical holiday musical of L. Ron Hubbard's religulousness at 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, 8 p.m., and Wednesday Dec. 31. $10-$25. 1609 W. Broad St. 355-2001.
“Fools” The John Tyler Community College theater workshop class performs this comedic work by playwright Neil Simon about the dunderheaded, cursed inhabitants of a small Russian hamlet at 7 p.m. on Dec. 19 in the Nicholas Student Center, with repeat showings on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 4 p.m. 13101 Jefferson Davis Highway.
“Elmo's Green Thumb” Sesame Street Live presents a “Honey I Shrunk the Kids”-inspired tale as Elmo, Zoe, Telly and other PBS regulars find themselves miniaturized, wandering Big Bird's expansive garden. Six performances take place at the Richmond Coliseum from Dec. 18-21, with tickets starting at $13. For information call 262-8100 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Ongoing
“A Christmas Carol for Two Actors” Richmond Shakespeare presents a two-man production of Charles Dickens' classic novel, with performances Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through Dec. 21. $13-$26. Second Presbyterian Church, 5 N. Fifth St. 866-BARD-TIX.
“A Tuna Christmas” A holiday sequel to “Greater Tuna,” the inhabitants of the third smallest town in Texas do their best to prepare for the holiday season. Written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, the Swift Creek Mill production has actors John Hagadorn and Richard Koch assuming the roles of more than a dozen characters each. Performances continue through Jan. 10. $35. 17401 Jefferson Davis Highway. 748-5203.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Theatre IV presents this off-beat Christmas tale about six child terrors forced to take part in their church's annual holiday production. $17-$22. Performances continue through Dec. 21. For ticket information call 344-8040. 114 W. Broad St.
“Home for the Holidays” The Barksdale Theatre at Willow Lawn presents a special holiday cabaret to help raise money for the Greater Richmond Theatre Artist Fund, showing through Dec. 22. $20-$25. 1601 Willow Lawn Drive. 282-2620.
“The Nutcracker” The Richmond Ballet conducts multiple performances of this fanciful Christmas tale through Dec. 23 at the Landmark Theater. $29-$110. 6 N. Laurel St. 646-4213.
“Sander's Family Christmas” The Barksdale Theatre at Hanover Tavern presents this sequel to its 2007 hit “Smoke on the Mountain,” through Jan. 25. 13181 Hanover Courthouse Road. $38. For tickets and performance times call 282-2620.
“This Wonderful Life” The Barksdale Theatre at Willow Lawn reimagines this classic Christmas tale about Bedford Falls' George Bailey, with shows through Jan. 11. $32-$38. 1601 Willow Lawn Drive. 282-2620.
