Go nuts
To adapt the holiday classic for Jews, the creators of “MeshugaNutcracker!” set their musical in the fictional town of Chelm, adapted the score to a klezmer-Broadway style (slipping in a couple of Chanukah songs) and, as the Yiddish word “meshuggeneh” suggests, came up with an original show that’s just this side of crazy. Songs and stories from the beloved production will be staged for two nights only, so catch them while you can.
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 16 at Retro Dome, Westgate Mall, San Jose. $22-$44. www.theretrodome.com
saturday/15
“Same Am — Different Language.” Improvisational theater with the goal of bringing together Israeli and American Jewish audience members. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 8 p.m. $23-$30. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/287623.
The Meshugenah Comedy Tour. Comics Jimmy Gunn, Ben Feldman, Bob Lieberman and headliner Jeff Applebaum perform. At Temple Beth Torah, 42000 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont. 7:30 p.m. $15. www.bethtorah-fremont.org.
wednesday/19
“The Jewish Nutcracker.” World Dance Theater pairs Tchaikovsky’s original score with dances from various cultures to celebrate the diaspora. 8 p.m., with discussion at 7:30 p.m. Matinees and additional evening performances Dec. 20-23. At ODC Theater, 3153 17th St., S.F. $20-$25. www.jewishnutcracker.com
saturday/22
“Kung Pao Kosher Comedy.” Jewish comedy in a Chinese restaurant for Christmas. Also Dec. 23-25. At New Asia Restaurant, 772 Pacific St., S.F. $44-$64. www.koshercomedy.com.
monday/24
“Mu-shoo-ganeh Comedy Night.” Cocktails and vegetarian dinner followed by comedy performance featuring Jeff Applebaum. At Congregation Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Ave., Palo Alto. 6:30 p.m. $30, advance payment required by Dec. 20. www.kolemeth.org.
ongoing
“Acid Test.” Warren David Keith channels Ram Dass, aka Richard Alpert, the Jewish Harvard professor who dropped acid in the 1960s, found his guru and explored his spirituality. Script by S.F. resident Lynne Kaufman. Through Jan. 5. At Marsh Theatre, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. 8 p.m. Recommended for 17 and older. $15-$50. www.themarsh.org.