Another timeless tale of 'Beauty'

Rediscover the classic story of the "Beauty and the Beast," in this adaptation about a merchant and his three daughters, two of whom exploit their sister, Beauty, as their servant. That is, until their father inadvertently plucks a prized rose and is trapped in a monster's castle, and complications ensue before audience members learn the moral of the title. "There are no singing pots and pans in this one, folks," promoters note.

When » 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-16 on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays

Where » Academy of Performing Arts, 2207 S. Main St., Salt Lake City

Tickets » $10-$12, at 801-486-2728. For information, visit www.academyofpa.org.

Academy's wish list

This year's holiday show isn't the only news breaking at the nonprofit Academy of Performing Arts, which might have to leave its current location at 2207 S. Main St. location. Last year, developer Steve Aste donated the use of a building for the nonprofit academy. Now promoters have received a letter from fire department, about changes needed at the building. One specific problem is the need to construct a "fire wall" between the theater and a tire storage area on the east end of the building. Academy founder Collin Kreuzer said the group is seeking donations, and time is pressing as the holidays approach. "If this project is not completed, it would be detrimental as there would be no source of income or hope to continue this organization," he said. Donations of time, labor, supplies, materials, or money -- all donations are tax deductible -- will be gracefully accepted. For information, call 801-486-2728 or write e-mail: directorcollin@hotmail.com or Collin@academyofpa.org.

Show -- with a cause

Empress Theatre presents "We Need a Little Christmas," a fundraiser in the form of a Broadway-style musical revue. The show, written and directed by Shawn Maxfield and Glen Carpenter, includes Broadway songs and secular holiday favorites, such as "Happy Holidays," "We Need a Little Christmas," and "White Christmas."

When » at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4-22 on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Where » Empress Theatre, 9104 W. 2700 South, Magna

Tickets » $11 (group discounts available); at www.empresstheatre.com or 801-347-7373

Thumb-sized

Utah State University's Caine School of the Arts presents "Issun Boshi," or "Little One Inch." It's the Japanese tale of Tom Thumb, a story of an elderly couple who wishes for a child -- no matter the size. The show, directed by Nancy Hills, features large-scale puppets designed by USU associate professor Dennis Hassan, who spent his sabbatical studying traditional Eastern European marionette design and construction.

When » 7:30 p.m., Dec. 1-5; additional matinee performance will be Dec. 5 at 2 p.m.

Where » Chase Fine Arts Center's Morgan Theatre, 1110 E. 610 North, USU campus, Logan.

Tickets » $13 ($7 for K-12 students; free for USU students) at 435-797-8022 or http://boxoffice.usu.edu.

SLAC-created "Madagascar" -- to open in Australia

A world-premiere play commissioned by Salt Lake Acting Company, "Madagascar" by J.T. Rogers, will open in February at Melbourne Theatre Company in Australia. The show opened at SLAC in November 2004.

"'Madagascar,' commissioned by and first done at SLAC, is about to open on the main stage of Melbourne Theatre Company in Australia," said J.T. Rogers, a Brooklyn-based writer who created new work as a playwright-in-resident at SLAC. "'The Overwhelming,' developed by SLAC, is currently running in Boston and continues to be staged across America. Like so much else in my career, these opportunities have come about because of the championing of my work by the artists of the Salt Lake Acting Company. I cherish their support and can't wait to collaborate with them again."

A musical "Christmas Carol"

Draper Historic Theatre opens its production of "A Christmas Carol: The Musical," based on Charles Dickens' original text. The classic was adapted for the stage by Randy Young, Kyle Woodruff, and Aubrey Hicks.

When » 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday Dec. 3-19; additional matinee performance at 2 p.m. Dec. 12.

Where » Draper Historic Theatre, 12366 S. 900 East, Draper

Tickets» $11 ($9 seniors/$7 students); at 801-572-4144 or www.drapertheatre.org