Rockin', Man

Night Watching
12/6
When I was growing up, my dad wasn't real big on hugs. He didn't call me "princess" or kiss me on the forehead when he came home from work. But I didn't feel like I missed out or anything. Just being there, putting up with my silly adolescent nonsense and never having us want for anything was good enough. And every Christmas Eve night he read The Night Before Christmas to me. Even when I was a little too old for it, I insisted he read it to me anyway. It was laughable, but tradition. And although I am definitely too old for it now, there's still a place in that inner child in all of us that wants to hear the story again. Better yet, come out and see Clement Clarke Moore's infamous poem come to life when the 2003 Dallas Metropolitan Ballet gives its rendition of A Visit to St. Nicholas (a.k.a. The Night Before Christmas). Guest artists include Julie Diana and Zachary Hench from the San Francisco ballet along with Mindaugas Bauzys. Performances are at the McFarlin Auditorium on the Southern Methodist University campus in Dallas. Show times are 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on December 6 and 2 p.m. on December 7. Tickets cost $10 to $35. Call 214-631-2787 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. --Jenice Johnson

Hop on Over
12/5
Every lady has met a man who seems cursed by a wicked spell. Let's call it The Frog Syndrome. He ever-so-kindly retrieves your belongings, relentlessly treats you like a princess, yet there's something a little green about him. If he looks like a frog and acts like a frog, well, he's probably a prince undercover looking for some sympathy smooching. Usually with these types, another suitor enters the picture, a real prince charming, and the frog gets tossed to the pond. But sometimes the croaker can come out on top. Theatre Britain presents the world premiere of The Frog Prince by Jacque Mellor, December 5 through December 12, at the Trinity River Arts Center. This pantomime filled with songs, dance and some pretty cheesy jokes is wholesome enough for the entire family, and kids really dig it because there's plenty of audience participation involved. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children. Call 972-490-4202. --Desirée Henry

Bit O’Bard