Best of the week: Katy Perry, 'Christmas Carol,' Leo Kottke and more

"Witness," pop supernova Katy Perry's fourth album, has quickly lost momentum. But we're confident that she still knows how to stage a spectacle in concert. Look for dancers, puppets, giant basketball hoops, glitzy costumes and internet darling Left Shark, a stage dancer who was featured in her 2015 Super Bowl performance. Thankfully, the set list is heavy on older tunes, including "Roar," "Teenage Dream" and "Firework." Purity Ring opens.JON BREAM

7:30 p.m. Fri., Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, $50-$200, ticketmaster.com

In ways large and small, Scrooge's story has been thoroughly refreshed in the Guthrie's gorgeous new production of "A Christmas Carol." The holiday classic is brisk, evocative and totally captivating. Director Lauren Keating's top-to-bottom refresh is cleaner and leaner than in years past while not holding back on epic moments. We get a distilled narrative with a laser focus on the redemption of one cold skinflint who, with the aid of some revelatory ghosts, gets converted into a warm, playful humanitarian.

ROHAN PRESTON

Ends Dec. 30, Guthrie, Mpls., $29-$134, guthrietheater.org

Revered Minnesota guitarist/humorist Leo Kottke has taken pride in presenting intriguing opening acts for his annual post-Thanksgiving hometown concerts. He's tapped everyone from cabaret star Nellie McKay and two members of Los Lobos to Wally Pikal, who played three trumpets simultaneously while jumping on a pogo stick. This year Kottke has enlisted guitarist/singer Todd Park Mohr, lead singer of the popular blues-rockers Big Head Todd and the Monsters.

JON BREAM

The photos of the late Charles Chamblis are like a time capsule of the 1970s-80s Twin Cities black community, bringing memories to life — people dancing at clubs, enjoying afternoons at the lake, hanging out at the beauty salon, gathering at meetings and celebrating weddings. More than 2,000 of his images are archived at the Minnesota History Center — including this shot of Vikings star Chuck Foreman with his son — and now there's a book and must-see photo exhibit.

ALICIA ELER

Ends March 31, Mill City Museum, Mpls., free, millcitymuseum.org

Of the many choral concerts vying for attention this holiday season, none is more interestingly programmed than VocalEssence's "Welcome Christmas." Works by Dominick Argento, Stephen Paulus and Libby Larsen give the concert a distinctive Minnesotan flavor, and there's a premiere for Twin Cities composer David Evan Thomas' "Carol of the Night," winner of VocalEssence's 20th Welcome Christmas Carol Contest.

TERRY BLAIN

Old Log Theatre has revived 2014's "Life Could Be a Dream," a lightweight oldies jukebox musical with an engaging cast and two dozen terrific tunes made famous by the likes of Dion, the Four Seasons and the Righteous Brothers. The show is best when its cast leaves the molecule-thin plot behind and just sings. The 2017 incarnation is tighter, which makes for a smoother ride.

ED HUYCK

Wed.-Sun. Ends Feb. 17, Old Log Theatre, Greenwood, $30-$40, oldlog.com

Brandy Clark received recognition as one of Nashville's finest songwriters for penning "Mama's Broken Heart" for Miranda Lambert and "Better Dig Two" for the Band Perry. Since then, Clark has proved that she's a first-rate singer-songwriter with two albums that capture small-town life with insight, poignancy and humor. Her single "Stripes" is a classic, as she refuses to shoot her cheating lover because "I hate stripes and orange ain't my color."

JON BREAM

A strong Czech influence infuses the latest recital by chamber ensemble Accordo, featuring leading players from the Minnesota and St. Paul Chamber orchestras. Dvořák's beloved "American" Quartet shares the program with Martinů's Three Madrigals, and pianist John Novacek guests in the Piano Trio by American composer Leon Kirchner.

TERRY BLAIN

7:30 p.m. Mon., Plymouth Congregational Church, Mpls., $21-$32.50, schubert.org

Minneapolis' Camden neighborhood transforms into a winter wonderland for its 20th annual celebration. Twinkling lights set the mood with horse-drawn wagon rides, fire jugglers and music. There will be a craft sale and several family activities.

MELISSA WALKER