Most of you have family or friends in town for the holidays. Inevitably, you will panic, “What are we going to DO with them?” Sure you can shell out $50-150 a ticket for a Cardinals or Suns game. I mean you can buy $10 seats, but let’s be honest, you’ll get vertigo up there. It’s never a good thing when you can literally touch the rafters – or the clouds.

There’s always the Nutcracker. Again. And again. You could go to Zoo Lights. Again. Or something else. Again.

What about entertainment on the new frontier? What about theater of the new and cool variety? I’m not talking about the big three: The Herberger, Phoenix Theatre, or Gammage. There is amazing theater happening in Phoenix this holiday season. All tickets are $20 or less to each of these venues.

Theatre Artists Studio presents the family show: Father Christmas and the Snow Queen, November 27th - December 19th.

Stray Cat Theatre presents the off-broadway show: Speech and Debate. Family friendly. Directed by Zoni winner Ron May.

Space 55 Theatre Ensemble presents the First at Fifty-Five during the Friday Art Walk in downtown Phoenix to enjoy original works of art, live music and improv comedy. For a truly one of a kind night, check out 7 Minutes Under the Mistletoe on December 12^th at 9:00PM. One night only. Adult material. The very family friendly radio play, Night of the Chicken, by local playwright Carrie Behrens. Also, don’t miss the Bully Mammoth Christmas Show, December 19^th at 9:00PM. One night only. Adult material. Space55 hosts music, improv and social events so check their calendar for the most current information.

Nearly Naked Theatre presents: Times Square Angel ’09 (scroll down). Only ten performances. Nearly Naked is dedicated to producing the most challenging and provocative theatre in town. Their shows are one of a kind and all around fun; however, if you find yourself to be a shy or generally conservative kind of person – heed their name.

Childsplay presents: Junie B Jones in: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!! A great show for kids performed by professional award-winning adult actors. Performances run through December 27^th.

Creative Stages Youth Theatre presents: The Humbugs. A family show performed by some of the valley’s most talented kids. The show runs through December 19^th.

There are more venues that I haven’t listed. Places like: Modified Arts, Soul Invictus, Chyro Arts, Trunk Space, and Chocolate Factory.

Local music, improv, and theater: there’s nothing that compares. A group of four can be entertained for $32–80 per event this holiday season. Celebrate Winter Break and ring in the New Year with some music, drama and laughs. Your friends and family came to see you - give a little bit of Phoenix to them.