Guthrie Theater, "A Christmas Carol": The 33rd edition of this most enduring of Twin Cities holiday shows has been tweaked for clarity and punch and made more boisterous and colorful. With Raye Birk as a practical Scrooge and a capable cast telling the story, we get a shorter, sweeter and more pointed telling of the Dickens classic.

Penumbra Theatre, "Black Nativity": Go for the carols and spirituals delivered by an A-list cast of singer/actors under the sweet direction of Sanford Moore. There are standout moments by singer Ginger Commodore and Jamecia Bennett. But then lyrical articulation of historical hurt and spiritual transcendence by dancers Alanna Morris and Marciano Silva dos Santos leave you speechless.

Brave New Workshop, "Stuck in the Manger With You, or Carol On, My Wayward Son": The best parts are hits from previous holiday shows. But since no one is bothered by the 400th year of "A Christmas Carol" or the umpteenth "Black Nativity," then this should not be counted as a criticism. Highlights are the two versions of "The 12 Days of Christmas" done by the Angry Mothers' Chorus, and then by the dads.

History Theatre, "Hormel Girls": The meat musical fills up nicely with song and dance. It tends to feel bloated when it focuses on the humdrum lives of the women who traversed the nation selling Hormel products. You'll enjoy the production numbers that much more. Laurie Flanigan's lyrics nestle nicely into Hiram Titus' postwar-period songs.

Theatre Latté Da, "A Christmas Carole Petersen": Tod Petersen brings his homage to family traditions, estrangement and reconciliation to the Ordway's McKnight Theatre this year. It's still filled with Petersen's charismatic storytelling and an eclectic mix of Christmas songs that are just off the beaten path. It's charming, homespun and entertaining.