“A Lyrical Christmas Carol” Opens Tonight at New Hazlett Theater (CPs Thurs., 12/18/14)

Come fly with me, said a friendly Ghost (Beth Anderson) in a past production of “A Lyrical Christmas Carol.” Photo: Patti Brahim.

1) Ken Gargaro’s A Lyrical Christmas Carol, written by Ken and Jane Gargaro, opens tonight with Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s Richard E. Rauh Conservatory Theater Company. The centuries have seen countless stage versions of this Christmas tale by Charles Dickens, and though we cannot say where Gargaro’s A Lyrical Christmas Carol ranks among them, the musical is a guaranteed treat. Gargaro was founding director of the PMT’s school and performance center. His and Jane’s A Lyrical Christmas Carol premiered in 1991 and has been delighting audiences ever since. The show tells the story in an engaging, moving way and features some song-and-dance numbers that will send you home in a supercharged holiday spirit. With Jeremy Czarnick as Scrooge. 7:30 p.m. Through Dec. 21. New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square East, North Side. (Fun fact: Jane Gargaro was this writer’s English teacher at Peabody High School. She was an excellent and popular instructor!)

2) It’s time again for the Thunderbird Cafe’s grab bag of local music, A 3Band Night. On the bill are the Paul Labrise Trio, Trout Season, and, of course, the perpetual performer at this event, honky tonk hero Slim Forsythe and his Big Band. 9 p.m. 4023 Butler St. Lawrenceville.

3) Our Pens are on high alert tonight for an avalanche, a Colorado Avalanche that is. The Avalanche are in town to try to sweep away a win from our dear Penguins. Our beloved birds may not be able to fly, but they can hop. So let’s hope they hop on  Avalanche and ride a snowy wave to victory. 7 p.m. Consol Energy Center, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

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