It had two short stints on Broadway, in 2010 and ’12. and is on its fourth national tour. Due to its holiday-seasonal subject matter, “Elf The Musical” has special staying power.
Based on the 2003 Will Ferrell movie about a child who is brought by accident to the North Pole and becomes one of Santa’s elves, the musical features a book adapted by Bob Martin (co-writer of “The Drowsy Chaperone” and TV’s “Slings and Arrows”) and Thomas Meehan (co-writer of “Annie” and “Hairspray”) and a score by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (the musical version of “The Wedding Singer” musical). This latest “Elf the Musical” tour stars Spenser Micetich as Buddy.
The Shubert, 247 College St., New Haven, is the third-to-last stop on the tour, which ends New Year’s Day in California. Dec. 20 to 24, with performances Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 p.m., Thursday at 1 and 7 p.m., Friday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. $42 to $124. 203-562-5666 and shubert.com.
Titus’ Tight Set
Nearly 15 years after his fierce sitcom “Titus” was canceled, Christopher Titus still shocks and provokes on a regular basis through his weekly podcast and regular Comedy Central specials.
Titus remains a maverick stand-up comic, a master of snarky self-examination. His latest show is a longform autobiographical rant about cars, children, recklessness and responsibility titled “Born With a Defect.”
He performs it for one night only, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15, at Funnybone Comedy Club Restaurant, 194 Buckland Hills Drive, Manchester. $25. 860-432-8600 and funnybone.com
Dreaming Of A Waters Christmas
The indigestible indie filmmaker John Waters (“Pink Flamingos,” “Polyester,” “Hairspray,” “Serial Mom”) confesses to having an obsession with Christmas, and a John Waters’ obsession is nothing to take lightly.
Also known an author, raconteur and pop-culture enthusiast, Waters released an extraordinary CD compilation of obscure old Christmas records (including “Santa Claus is a Black Man” and “Fat Daddy”) in 2004, titled “A John Waters Christmas.” In recent years, Waters has been using the same title for a live solo performance in which he shares holiday-themed horror stories, odd insights into Santa and what his movies would be like if they were Christmas films.
We wish you “A John Waters Christmas” at 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at the Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield. $40 and $50; $36 and $45 in advance. 203-438-5795 and ridgefieldplayhouse.org
