City Lights’ Another Night Before Christmas opens tonight with a gala at the downtown San Jose theater. Thankfully this doesn’t appear to be a straight ahead, red cheeks, ho-ho-ho take on holiday theater (bah humbug).

Despite their small size and budget, City Lights takes risks and often chooses interesting, non-conventional material.

I wouldn’t suggest this one looks as “out there” in terms of Christmas productions as, say, the Seafarer also opening tonight at San Jose Stage, but at least it promises to offer a unique story.

Heading home on a lonely Christmas Eve, burnt-out Karol Elliot shares her groceries with a homeless man who decides to show his thanks and rekindle her holiday cheer by breaking into her apartment later that night and insisting that he’s Santa Claus.

If I were homeless I’d pretend to be Batman. But, you know, that would be more of a Tim Burton Christmas and perhaps less of a musical delight.

Another Night Before Christmas
City Lights Theatre Company, San Jose
A West Coast Premiere
Book and Lyrics by Sean Grennan
Music by Leah Okimoto
Directed by Daren A.C. Carollo
November 19 – December 20, 2009
Thursdays – Saturdays at 8pm
Sunday Evenings at 7pm (Sept 27 & Oct 4)
Sunday Matinees at 2pm (Oct 11 & 18)

Tickets: $25—$40
Students and Educators only $15!
Subject to availability, excludes Gala and Preview
Senior and Group discounts available, Wheelchair accessible

Click here to buy tickets now, or call the Box Office at 408-295-4200

Clinton Stark

Clint writes about new media, arts, wine, indie film, and tech (including his trusty Droid). An aging ice hockey player, he tries in vain to direct Loni in SSC videos. He's held executive marketing roles at tech companies including Cisco, EMC and Salesforce.com. Originally from Ottawa, Canada, he now lives in Silicon Valley. More »

Connect: Twitter | Facebook

SF Bay Area Theater & Arts Guide

The latest reviews, interviews, stories and behind the scenes from San Francisco, San Jose, Berkeley and everywhere in between.

• 40+ Bay Area theaters and venues
• Latest reviews
• Videos, podcasts, interviews, behind the scenes
• SSC On Location: Cinequest Film Festival, SJ Jazz Fest
• Behind-the-scenes: Opera San Jose, Cirque du Soleil, TheatreWorks, SJ Rep, Broadway Shows & more
• Arts including galleries, exhibitions and artist profiles
• What's happening ticker

Check out the all-new guide here.

SSC - ALL THINGS WEST COAST
Social: Facebook | Twitter
Mobile: SSC iPhone app
Press/requests/events: press@starksilvercreek.com