‘Tis the season for copious amounts of fun and frivolity, along with many opportunities to help out those in need. In the spirit of the season, The Ticker offers up three ideas for a fun holiday evening out, as well as three ways to give back – and to – the local community.

Good Fun

How Grinchy Met the Who
Not your typical holiday fare, the curmudgeonly (yet loveable) Grinch meets rock opera in this rock-n-roll musical mash-up Christmas parody that opens a three-performance run tonight (Sat., 7:30 p.m.) at InsideOut Gallery in Traverse City.

This debut show from Berocratic Productions takes a satirical look at the Christmas classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas through the lens of psychedelic 1970s rock opera Tommy, along with other music by The Who.

“As I was writing the script I realized how much the character Tommy actually has in common with the Grinch,” says writer/director Lesley Tye, who teaches filmmaking and writing at Interlochen Arts Academy.

Tye, along with musical director and band leader Tony Bero, says they hope to bring a unique rock ‘n roll theatre experience to Traverse City and already have an idea for their next production.

A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol
What happens when the classic tale of Charles Dickens meets Fargo? Find out in this light-hearted Christmas musical presented by the Elk Rapids Players at the historic Elk Rapids Town Hall.

Based in a small Minnesota town, the tale takes a twist when a local bar owner decides to ride his snowmobile across the lake … and ends up being visited by the three ghosts of Christmas.

Performances are tonight (Sat.) and Dec. 5, 6 and 7, all at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling 264.6330.

Madrigal Dinner Theatre
In the mood for something a little more Middle Ages? This year’s Madrigal Dinner Theatre, coming up Thurs., Dec. 5 and Fri., Dec. 6 (5:30 p.m. both evenings) at The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City, features a new look.

Local playwright Jill Beauchamp has written “The Three Wise Men’s Journey,” directed by fellow TC Presby member Tom Custance. The evening also includes jugglers, magicians, mimes, strolling musicians and the TC Central Choral-Aires.

The church’s Executive Chef Steve McLain is the genius behind the medieval feast. $15 per person gets you and your family in the Great Hall with the Lord and Lady and honored guests. Call 946.5680 for reservations.

“Doing” Good

Holiday Needs Program
Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan has a Community Holidays Needs effort that works to bring gifts and basic essentials to needy children and individuals in the greater Grand Traverse and Leelanau County areas. Participating families are given the opportunity to “shop” for both gift items and necessities in a temporary store stocked with items donated by the community. View the Holiday Needs wish list here.

No Home for the Holidays
A benefit concert for people experiencing homelessness will be held Sun., Dec. 15, at 4 p.m at Grace Episcopal Church in Traverse City. Freewill offerings go to the Jubilee House, an outreach ministry providing daily living needs and support, and Dann’s House, a proposed facility which aims to house chronically homeless alcoholics.

Photos With Santa Claws
Animal rescue group AC PAW, which recently had to temporarily stop taking in dogs and cats due to a strained budget, is once again offering up a little Santa time for your favorite furry creatures.

Santa’s lap is open to any willing dog, cat and other photogenic (and friendly!) pets for photos with the jolly man – and perhaps a treat or two. Photos cost $5 each, all of which is donated to AC PAW. Find the pet-loving Santa on two consecutive Saturdays (Dec. 7 & 14) from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at PetSmart in Traverse City.