Moscow Ballet

Saturday: This weekend, Moscow Ballet brings its grand-scale "Great Russian Nutcracker" to town for three performances in one day. The story is familiar but with some culturally specific twists, including an appearance by Russian folk legends Father Christmas/Ded Moroz and Snow Maiden/Snegurochka, who act as escorts for the young heroine, Masha, and the Nutcracker Prince. Other surprises include a Dove of Peace with a 20-foot wingspan, life-size matrushka dolls and 10-foot-tall silk puppets. This year's production also includes a puppet play and a magical toy cabinet. A visual feast for the whole family. (Noon, 4 & 8 p.m. Sat., $52-$92, Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 800-982-2787, www.hennepin theatretrust.org.)

CAROLINE PALMER

Play With

My Poodle

Opening: Miss Richfield 1981 has just one wish: That you would play with her poodle for Christmas. She hoists her newest holiday show at Illusion Theater this weekend. In this episode, Miss R. is on the hunt for Mr. Right. Yes, you read that right, Miss Richfield is feeling the ticktock of her biological clock, and it's time to start paging through the suitors. Be prepared to get involved if you go — pray that she doesn't call you up onstage, but don't be surprised if you find yourself the butt of her gentle and generous humor. (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. and Thu., 7 p.m. Sun. Ends Dec. 21, Illusion Theater, 528 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., $31-$55, 612-339-4944 or www.illusiontheater.org.)

GRAYDON ROYCE

DON'T HUG ME CHRISTMAS CAROL

Continuing: Back for its eighth year, this homemade spoof sets Dickens' story in Bunyan Bay, Minn., where bar owner Gunner Johnson fights with his wife and then takes off, in a rage, on his snowmobile. Brothers Paul and Phil Olson built this musical many years ago and it has endured like a Formica countertop — not very artistic but it gets the job done. It's important to note, the theater has a full bar. Dan Hopman, Bonni Allen and Michael Lee are featured in this year's version. (7:30 p.m. Thu.-Fri., 5 & 8:30 p.m. Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Ends Jan. 4, New Century Theatre, 615 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., $15-$27, 612-455-9501.)

GRAYDON ROYCE