Following is a continuation of the summary of theater and stage productions set for this month in the Tampa Bay area. If you know of a theater company or upcoming production not listed here, please e-mail the details to tampa.guide@about.com.
Pinellas
- A Tuna Christmas
What: By Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams, the show is set in the third smallest town in Texas where radio station personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities including the competition in the annual lawn display contest, Joe Bob Lipsey’s doomed production of A Christmas Carol and 20 other zany citizens of this quirky town, all portrayed by quick-change artists Matthew McGee and Candler Budd.
Where: American Stage Theatre, 211 Third St. S., St. Petersburg
When: Through Dec. 28
Showtimes: Performances are Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30; and Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. Matinees are Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.
- The Santaland Diaries
What: By David Sedaris, this opposing view of the holiday season by the unemployed, chemically dependent writer Crumpet, who has taken a job as a helper elf at Macy’s Santaland in New York City, references stressed out sales clerks, drunk Santas and the general insanity of the holidays and is intended for mature audiences only.
Where: American Stage Theatre, 211 Third St. S., St. Petersburg
When: Dec. 2-28
Showtimes: Performances are Wednesday through Saturday, 10:30 p.m. Matinees are Tuesday and Sunday, 7 p.m.
- Over the River and Through the Woods
What: By Joe DiPietro, this family comedy focuses on Nick, a single, Italian-American guy from New Jersey whose grandparents plot to keep him from taking a job that will take him away from them.
Where: Early Bird Dinner Theatre, 200 S. McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater
When: Through Dec. 28
Showtimes: Seating begins at 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Matinee seating begins at 11 a.m., Thursday and Saturday.
- A Nice Family Gathering
What: A comedy by Phil Olson, directed by Mary Fitzpatrick, which introduces the Lundeen family.
Where: Francis Wilson Playhouse, 302 Seminole St., Clearwater
When: Dec. 4-14
Showtimes: Performances are Wednesday through Saturday, 8 p.m. Matinees are Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m.
- Avenue Q
What: Broadway’s three-time Tony Award winner, this hilarious musical about trying to make it in New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account contains adult subject matter … and puppets.
Where: Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater
When: Dec. 26-28
Showtimes: Performances are Friday, 3 and 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m.
- A Christmas Carol
What: The classic holiday tale by Charles Dickens.
Where: St. Petersburg Little Theatre, 4025 31st St. S., St. Petersburg
When: Dec. 5-21
Showtimes: Performances are Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. Matinees are Sunday, 2 p.m.
Sarasota
- This Wonderful Life
What: A one-man stage adaptation of the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life
Where: Asolo Repertory Theatre, Historic Asolo Theater, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
When: Dec. 5-28
Showtimes: Check venue for performance dates and times.
- Barnum
What: A musical suggested by the life of P.T. Barnum with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart and book by Mark Bramble.
Where: Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
When: Through Dec. 20
Showtimes: Check venue for performance dates and times.
- La Cage Aux Folles
What: By Jerry Herman, winner of the 1984 Tony Award, this is one of the biggest Broadway hits of all time and includes the songs “I Am What I Am,” “Put a Little More Mascara On” and “The Best of Times Is Now.”
Where: Golden Apple Dinner Theatre, 25 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
When: Through Jan. 18
Showtimes: Performances are Tuesday through Sunday, doors open at 6 p.m. Matinees are Saturday and Sunday, doors open at noon.
- Little Women, the Musical
What: A timeless tale of family, friendship and romance set during the American Civil War, based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott with music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and book by Allan Knee.
Where: The Players Theatre, 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
When: Dec. 11-21
Showtimes: Check with venue for performance dates and times.
- Oliver!
What: Loosely based on the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, the production features music and lyrics by Lionel Bart.
Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
When: Dec. 29-30
Showtimes: Performances are Monday, 7:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 2 and 7:30 p.m.