THEATER PREVIEW:

Christmas stories take many forms, from the traditional to the irreverent, and the Huntington Beach Playhouse is about to explore the latter mood.

The playhouse will present “’Twas With a Twist,” a musical comedy by Jerry Boswell and Tim Rowe, for one week only, Dec. 18-23, at the Library Theater.

This one is a little different from most holiday treats, advises Avis Rueweler, who’s directing, aided by producers Nathan Singh and Tara Fadel.

“The Inniscap family of Ma, Pa, Dick and Jane is all abuzz with pre-Christmas merriment when a hip delivery dude delivers a sad telegram,” Rueweler explains. “Santa has been delayed somewhere in Timbuktu.”

To save the day, Pa Inniscap (get it?) is recruited to substitute for Santa. But just as he makes the transition, the real Santa pops down the chimney.

Bob Fetes will play Pa in the family musical production, with Barbara Ahumada cast as Ma. Dick and Jane will be played by Hunter Berecochea and Melanee Ratman.

Completing the Huntington Beach cast will be Gordon Boivin, Konner Boivin, Marc Gordon, Gina Householdor, Mairead (May) Householdor, Dee Shandera, Chelan Wagstaff, Zofia Weretga and Jessica Wetterich.

“Santa will be available after the show, so children can go up on stage, sit on his lap and tell him what they want for Christmas, Rueweler noted.

“’Twas With a Twist” will be performed at 7 p.m. Dec. 18-22, with a 2 p.m. closing matinee scheduled Dec. 23 in the Library Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach.

Tickets may be reserved by calling the box office at (714) 375-0696.

Should you be in the mood for more traditional Christmas fare, “The Nutcracker” opens Saturday for a 13-performance engagement at Golden West College.

The ballet will be presented by the Ballet Repertory Theater in its original, full-length version in the college’s Mainstage Theater.

Performance times are 7 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 5 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23, with a special pre-Christmas Eve staging Dec. 24 at 1 p.m. Call (714) 895 8150 for ticket information.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.