By Graydon Royce

Best theater deal so far this week to come in via e-mail blast: Tuesday's matinee of "Holiday Pageant" at Open Eye Figure Theatre. Family of four gets in for $20, with additional tickets at $10 each. With puppets and humans, a distinctly Old World artistry, this is a delightful treat. Michael Sommers, who created the show, portrays a Lucifer frustrated at the depravity of humanity. He's been so successful spreading sloth, greed and licentiousness that he has no challenges left. God throws a bone to the sulphurous one, with the birth of a child intended to battle for souls.

Visiting Open Eye is like stepping into a time machine. It's cozy, comfortable and European in its sense of theater. Besides the Tuesday 2 p.m. family special, "Holiday Pageant" runs today (Monday) through Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and again Wednesday at 2 p.m. Those prices are $12-$18.

Call 612-874-6338 or check the website:

www.openeyetheatre.org