An Indianapolis theater treasure, Ben Asayykwee, has been a busy guy. The mastermind behind musical parodies such as “Perry Haughter,” the unique “Cabaret Poe,” and “ZirkusGrimm,” Ben is back with two holiday-themed shows. His “A Christmas Carol Comedy” at the District Theatre is a funny send-up of the beloved Dickens tale of Scrooge being, well, Scrooge, and encountering three ghosts who set him on a better path. Written and directed by Ben (who doesn’t appear in it), an ensemble cast sings and dances its way across the stage, with Matt Anderson as Scrooge giving an antic and funny take on the old miser. It is a great cast combining kids and pros that make it very special. Tickets are going fast for the remaining shows on Dec. 15, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. (the Sunday matinee is sold out). Visit indydistricttheatre.org for reservations. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 seniors, and $18 for students. The District Theatre is located at 627 Mass Ave.
Ben’s other show, this time at the Phoenix Theatre, revives one of his beloved characters. “Prozack the Sad Elf” is a one-person show depicting Santa’s saddest elf Prozack as he attempts to put on a holiday poetry reading for other elves on their lunch break at the North Pole. However, others have plans to change the show into something sweet and — gasp — happy. A clever use of video projection multiplies Ben into other misfit elves, including one that has been hitting the eggnog and another who is terrified of his own insult-spewing tree hand puppet. There is a lot of running and chasing among the elves, plus some great songs and intentionally bad poetry. Prozack’s storeroom gloom-fest ends on a happier note — although not too happy, because he is Prozack, after all.
“Prozack the Sad Elf” plays the Phoenix until Dec. 23. These shows also sell out fast, so you must get online at phoenixtheatre.org or call 317-635-PLAY as soon as possible to ensure you get a seat. General admission is $32, students are $25. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Phoenix, 705 N. Illinois St.
While very different shows, “A Christmas Carol” at the District and “Prozack” at the Phoenix offer a diverse and modern perspective on holiday traditions.
