Best of the week: 'Grinch' at CTC, Brian Wilson, Khruangbin, more

Children's Theatre Company's "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas," which set a box-office record last year, has been refreshed with a second act, new songs and an expanded role for Old Max (avuncular Dean Holt), who narrates the show. But the essence remains in Peter Brosius' dark but cheery production, about a cold, crabby green figure (Reed Sigmund, who owns the title role) who lives on high and curses the people he sees only from afar — until he gets to know little Cindy-Lou Who (sweetly affecting Audrey Mojica). Rohan Preston

2 & 5 p.m. today, next Sun.; 7 p.m. Wed.-Fri.; 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Sat. Ends Jan. 6. Children's Theatre Company, Mpls. $15-$75, childrenstheatre.org.

Pop genius Brian Wilson kicks off a new concept tour in the Twin Cities for a second time. In 2004, he performed the world premiere of "Smile," an unreleased 1967 Beach Boys album. This time, he's playing the Beach Boys' 1964 "Christmas Album" in its entirety (including "Little St. Nick") plus selections from his 2005 seasonal album, "What I Really Want for Christmas," which had collaborations with Jimmy Webb and Bernie Taupin. Beach Boy Al Jardine joins in.

Jon Bream

8 p.m. Wed., Orpheum Theatre, Mpls. $63-$499, ticketmaster.com.

Last seen in town opening for fellow Texan Leon Bridges, the innovative groovers of Khruangbin sound worlds apart from the smooth R&B singer. Their fiery and psychedelic hybrid of Thai funk, Afrobeat, dub, surf-rock and lots more has earned them praise from fans as diverse as Iggy Pop and Korean pop star Lee Hyori. If that doesn't sound weird enough, they just dropped a wild new version of "Christmas Time Is Here" from the Charlie Brown TV special.

Chris Riemenschneider

Twin Cities Ballet's full production of "The Nutcracker" lands at Burnsville's Ames Center Dec. 7-9. It's a Minnesota version that sets the story in Twin Cities locations, including Rice Park, Summit Avenue and the Mississippi River. But first, the company offers a bite-size "Mini-Nutcracker" in Lakeville for mini-humans. Lasting less than an hour, this condensed version is perfect for little ones who aren't ready to sit through the full production.

Sheila Regan

11 a.m. Tue., Lakeville Area Arts Center. $8, twincitiesballet.org.

"Peppa Pig Live!" brings the British preschool animated television series "Peppa Pig" to the State Theatre stage. The action-packed show features favorite characters as life-size puppets and costumed characters. Toddlers and their handlers can expect an adventurous time with dancing, singing and games.

Melissa Walker

As predictable as your mom's Thanksgiving menu, Hall of Fame guitarist/beloved humorist Leo Kottke continues his tradition of performing a post-turkey concert in his hometown. Expect some fancy finger picking and twisted tales during his 38th annual late-November gig. Opening is Texas singer-songwriter James McMurtry, who is as gifted a storyteller in song as his father, Larry McMurtry, has been in Pulitzer-winning novels and Oscar-earning screenplays.

J.B.

7:30 p.m. Mon., Guthrie, Mpls. $45-$75, guthrietheater.org.

Ducks, turkeys, mice, a warthog, an armadillo. They all feature into "Carnival of the Animals," a themed song recital by outstanding baritone Christopher Maltman. Maltman starred in the Metropolitan Opera's recent premiere of Nico Muhly's Hitchcock opera "Marnie." But he also has strong credentials as an interpreter of art song. His Schubert Club program is sure to be a delight, with music by Poulenc ("Le Bestiaire"), Ravel ("Histoires Naturelles") and Schumann.

Terry Blain

Shortly before Thanksgiving, artist Franziska Pierwoss cast three Minnesota families to star in a reality show about crazy family holiday dynamics. The series is called "The Art of the Deal," a reference to the reality TV aesthetics of the current American presidency. One episode is currently screening at the Goethe in the Skyways pop-up space in City Center. The following episodes will drop online as we slide deeper into the holiday season.

Alicia Eler

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Thu., City Center skyway level, Mpls. Free. goetheintheskyways.com.

Old Fashioned Holiday at Eagan's Holz Farm is a homespun experience that embraces the holidays of a simpler time. Acquaint the family with a time when loved ones would gather around a fire for casual conversation and laughs. Carols will be sung by the Eagan Men's Chorus and Women of Note. Go on a hayride and make s'mores by the bonfire. Visit with live reindeer and make magical reindeer dust.

M.W.