Love, Madness, and Drunk Santas

MUSIC
Love and Madness in the 17th Century

I don’t know about everyone else, but as far as I’m concerned, the
holidays officially begin as soon as December rolls around; and if you haven’t noticed, December already rolled in. Haven’t you notice the snow? Isn’t it obvious? Now, the trick is getting into the holiday spirit while still getting your work done, right? Simple — a lot of long lunches. It’s OK; you can show up a little earlier than usual to make up the time. (After all, it may be the only way to see some daylight.) So, kick in the holidays today with a little afternoon Coffee Concert: Music of Love and Madness in the 17th Century. Mmmmm… Sounds like a delicious lunch to me — Julie Elhard on viola da gamba, Phil Rukavina on lute and theorbo,
Kim Sueoka singing soprano, and Jane Peck performing period dance.

12 p.m., St. Paul Conservatory of Music, 29 E Exchange St., St. Paul; 651-224-2205.

COMEDY
Give the Pooch a Deep-Belly Roar

What do a grinning Pomeranian and an episode of VH1’s I Love the ’80s have in common? Well, apparently, they both have a little Bill Dywer in them — tonight’s stand-up act at Acme Comedy Club. For a man who has compared himself to a Westminster Kennel Club show dog in the way in which he thrives on the public judgment of his performance, Dywer also casts a fair amount of sarcastic judgment on himself, with a polished routine that pokes fun at married life with kids, family, and responsibility. Appearing as a regular commentator on many VH1 series (including I Love the ’80s), as well as guest-starring on Ally McBeal and appearing as a contestant on Last Comic Standing 4, Dwyer has an impressive resume and is an Acme favorite. —Kate McDonald

8 p.m., Acme Comedy Company, Historic Itasca Building, 708 1st St. N., Minneapolis; 612-338-6393; $15, $27 dinner and show package.

THEATER & PERFORMANCE
Why Settle for One?

A play involving a DUI-sentenced Santa Claus seems perfectly suited for dinner theater at a place called Spill the Wine. And indeed Ensemble Productions delivers with one generous helping of dysfunctionally festive cheer and merriment in their new play 7 Santas. Enjoy a top-notch three-course meal and kick back a few glasses of wine while you watch Mr. Claus hit rock bottom and be sent off to rehab. Talk about some authentic holiday cheer! —Kate McDonald

7 p.m., Spill The Wine Restaurant, 1101 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-245-8466; $20, $40 with dinner, $75 for two.