Civic Theatre of Allentown is back is with an irreverent and adult look at familiar Christmas stories.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)” returns Dec. 8 - 17, Civic Theatre514, 514 N. 19th St., Allentown.

Cheryl Moritz, Syd Stauffer and Pat Kelly return with a revamped version of the 2022 hit show in the same venue.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some),” written by John K. Alvarez, Michael Carleton and James FitzGerald, is a fast, furious and ribald look at holiday traditions.

In the comedy, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told, explore Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times, topical pop-culture and “every carol ever sung.”

Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the Grinch, and just about every other seasonal character, make an appearance. The show lampoons everything and everyone, from Charles Dickens to Dr. Seuss to fruitcake to Frosty the Snowman.

Will Morris, Civic Theatre Associate Artistic Director-Production Manager, directs the show.

Theater-goers under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!),” 8 p.m. Dec. 8, 9, 13-16; 3 p.m. Dec. 10, 17, Civic Theatre of Allentown, 514 N. 19th St., Allentown. 610-432-8943; https://civictheatre.com/

Extreme Shakespeare: Reclaimed Performing Arts Company presents “Much Ado About Nothing,” 7 p.m. Dec. 10, Rodale Community Room, Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. Sixth St, Allentown.

The new theater company was founded by 2023 Cedar Crest College graduate Carter Reichard, who says the goal is to create a judgment-free artistic space.

“We have been focused on removing the type-casting lens from the casting process,” Reichard says. “We produce a variety of productions and styles of theater with the goal of showcasing those that are typically unseen and under-represented in the arts.”

Reichard directs “Much Ado About Nothing,” the Shakespeare comedy and first in the group’s “Extreme Shakespeare” series, in which the cast rehearses for just one day prior to the performance.

After the show was cast in August, actors received the scripts along with expectations from Reichard and the production team (Jack Warnke, Chelsi Fread, Reese Blaszczyk), including costuming.

On the day of the performance, the cast will rehearse during the day. They will learn their blocking, work through anything they need to that hasn’t already been handled, and perform the show that night.

One of Shakespeare’s most performed plays, “Much Ado About Nothing” follows the romantic pairings of Claudio (Cameron Kunsman) and Hero (Olivia Theisen); Claudio’s friend Benedick (Jordan Frantz), and Hero’s cousin Beatrice (Samantha Philipps).

Claudio and Hero fall in love when Claudio arrives in Messina with a group of soldiers. However, their relationship is nearly ruined by false accusations by the villain Don John (Fiona Wilson).

Benedick and Beatrice seem an unlikely couple with their verbal sparring, but are tricked into confessing their love for each other. The title uses a play on words referencing “noting,” which means gossip and rumors and sounds like “nothing.”

The cast includes Bob Falkenstein, Travis Nugent, Aaron Castro, Parker Ryan, Erick Goldsmith, Matt Johnston, London Griffith, Andrew Galindez, Ty Schacher, Chelsi Fread, Meaghan Lawlor, Tanya Toulomelis, Ash Miller, Kelsey Snivey, Emma George and Isabella Robbins.

“Much Ado About Nothing,” 7 p.m. Dec. 10, Reclaimed Performing Arts Company, Rodale Community Room, Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown. Tickets: Miller Symphony Hall box office, 610-432-6715; https://www.millersymphonyhall.org

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com