Around Charlotte This Week

THEATER: A Broadway Christmas Carol
Friday, Dec. 18… By Anita overcash For three days, Dec. 18-20, Actors Scene Unseen is putting a spin on the classic Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol, with its performances of A Broadway Christmas Carol at Mint Museum of Art. In the production, song parodies from Broadway hits will be sung to reiterate the story in a funny, music-driven manner. This time of the year, we could all use a good laugh — even you Scrooges out there. Kimberly Butler, Steven Martin and Kevin Roberge (all pictured)

MUSIC: Find Your Muse
Monday, Dec. 21… By Jeff Hahne Every once in a while, we like to remind people about Find Your Muse, a regular open mic night that goes on every Monday. Aside from having a featured band that plays a 30-minute set, you also never know who's gonna show up and hit the stage — Ben Henry, Jimmy Brown, Jeremy Current and countless others often throw their names in the hat to play two songs each. It's a low cover ($3) and not much else happens on

ARTS: Two Local Lefty Authors book release event
Sunday, Dec. 20… By Anita overcash Tonight, The Evening Muse — which typically features concerts as its main attractions — will pay respect to literature during its “Two Local Lefty Authors” book release event. Pat MacEnulty, author of Picara and Creative Loafing's own John Grooms, author of Deliver Us From Weasels, will read and discuss from their latest books. Music (it had to make an appearance) will be provided by Jacquelyn Lee and more. Free. 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. 704-376-3737.

THEATER: Sister's Christmas Catechism
Thursday, Dec. 17… By Anita overcash This is your final week to catch performances of the comedy-driven and improv-oriented Sister's Christmas Catechism at Booth Playhouse. Mary Zentmeyer, who starred in previous performances of Late Nite Catechism, is back with more twisted Sister action and pure wit, as she questions and relays her thoughts on a holiday mystery — what happened to the Magi's gold? Audience members become Sister's “class,” and some may even become a greater part of the show, as Sister is always welcoming volunteers

COMEDY: Ken Evens at Lake Norman Comedy Zone
Tuesday, Dec. 22… By Anita overcash Christmas is just around the corner, and most of us, could use a laugh. This is the time of year to be joyous, yet the stress of engaging in gift buying and awaiting the arrival of certain relatives can be overwhelming beyond belief. Good thing, comedian Ken Evens is in town tonight. Skedaddle over to Lake Norman Comedy Zone for an escape from holiday madness, and a show that will most likely have you laughing in no time. Lake Norman

SPECIAL EVENT: Holiday Lights at the Garden
Wednesday, Dec. 23… By Anita overcash At some point during the season, you've got to get out of the congested malls and department stores, to really enjoy the spirit of the holidays. At Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens' Holiday Lights at the Garden, you can get back to nature while being surrounded by holiday displays with more than 600,000 lights and decorative scenery. Oh, and make sure you're being nice, as Santa Claus will be roaming the garden too. Continues through Dec. 31. Hours for Holiday Lights

PARTY: Dixie Tavern's Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest
Saturday, Dec. 19… By Anita overcash Most folks have experienced the unfortunate event of receiving a horrid holiday sweater as a gift. It's enough to leave you wondering just how you got on the naughty list, or on a list even lower than naughty, since you got this instead of a lump of coal. But, for those of you who felt obligated to keep the dreadful unworn sweater, it now has a purpose, that is, thanks to Dixie's Tavern. The bar will host an Ugly Holiday