They've all done "Christmas Carol" to death - even Trinity Repertory Company, which is "re-inventing" the Dickens tale for the umpteenth time.

But if you are looking for something a little different, slightly off, potentially breath-taking, in your holiday shows, you might want to consider the following offerings in and around our area:

MMAS gives a 'Gift'

Twelve-year-old Mansfield native Brendan Lynch plays Willy in the upcoming "Gifts of the Magi," the latest holiday musical from the Mansfield Music and Arts Society.

Brendan's character is a New York City newsboy in this heart-warming holiday play, based on the classic short stories of O. Henry. The musical is set in 1905 and follows the stories of several O. Henry characters as the holiday season arrives, and the true sprit of gift-giving is revealed. Brendan is excited about his first leading role, as Willy not only sells newspapers, he also narrates the story, and even directs the action on stage.

"In a way, my character is a kind of angel, who is looking out for the other characters in the story, and helping them to discover the true meaning of the holiday," Brendan explained.

This is not Brendan's first role with MMAS, having appeared as Johnny in "Really Rosie" in 2006. This past summer, he starred as Schroeder in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!"

Brendan, a seventh grader, is also an accomplished musician who plays the double bass in the Qualters Middle School festival orchestra. He's also an accomplished, busy athlete. "It is tough to juggle everything, but I have had a lot of help from my fellow cast members in 'Gifts of the Magi,' " he added.

"The Gifts of the Magi" opens Friday, Nov. 30 and runs through Dec. 16 at the newly-renovated Black Box Theater, located at 30 Crocker St., Mansfield. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $20 general admission, $19 MMAS members and seniors, $18 students (under 18). Because of limited seating, advance reservations are encouraged (MMAS Box office: 508-339-2822). For more information e-mail info@mmas.org or visit www.mmas.org.

ACT has gone 'Nuncrackers'

Attleboro Community Theatre (ACT) will present a holiday treat for all ages - "Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical," with book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin.

The Nunsense Christmas Musical is the first "TV Special" taped by the sisters in their convent basement studio for Cable Access. It stars the nuns you love, plus Father Virgil and some of Mt. Saint Helen's most talented students. The cast includes Jeanine Belcastro (Providence); Mary Booth and Sara Calia (Pawtucket); Judy Lea Eustace (North Attleboro), Patrick Murphy (Plainville); and the children of Mount St. Helen's School: Jillian Booth (Pawtucket); Julie Farabaugh, Bethany Murphy, and Sean Murphy (Plainville); Joelle Hanley (Attleboro), and McKenzie Leek (Attleboro).

This show is filled with "Nunsense" humor, some of your favorite carols, a 'Secret Santa,' and an uproarious take on Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet.

Performances - Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22. Sundays at 2 p.m., Dec. 9, 16 and 23, Ezekiel Bates Masonic Lodge, 71 North Main St., Attleboro, (across the street from the Attleboro Public Library). Admission is $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and students. For reservations or more information, call the ACT box office at 508-226-8100 or visit www.attleborocommunitytheatre.com. Bay Colony offers 'A Christmas Story'

If you fell in love with the 1983 movie based on the Jean Shephard book (and who didn't?) you will likely love the stage version performed LIVE by Bay Colony Productions at the Orpheum, 1 School St., in Foxboro, Dec. 7-16.

The tale? A Christmas season in the lives of the Parker family, circa the late 1940s. The oldest child, Ralphie, desperately wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas and will go to any lengths to get it, despite the numerous adult admonitions of: "You'll shoot your eye out."

Ralphie also struggles with the neighborhood bully, he has a kid-brother who won't eat, his parents' battle over an inappropriate "prize" lamp, and then there is the ultimate dare that no one can turn down, "the triple dog dare!" A classic holiday comedy fit for anyone to treasure.

The show is directed by Dori Bryan. (I will be previewing and reviewing this show in the upcoming weeks.)

Performances - Friday, Dec. 7, 14 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8, 15 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 9, 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $22 Adults, $20 Students/Seniors, $15 Children Under 12. For more information, call the Orpheum box office at 508-543-2787 or e-mail boxoffice@baycolonyproductions.com.

7th time the charm at Fiddlehead

On Nov. 30, when the curtain raises on Fiddlehead Theatre's second professional show, "A Christmas Carol," it will be leading actor John Davin's seventh time playing Ebenezer Scrooge.

Although Davin has appeared on numerous TV shows such as "Spencer for Hire," and Showtime's "Brotherhood," as well as many television commercials and theatrical productions, Scrooge continues to be his favorite character.

"I've done this show in so many different ways, I couldn't begin to tell you," Davin said. He is excited to be a part of Fiddlehead's darker, "true-to-Dickens" version.

Despite his familiarity with the role, there are many challenges for Davin. Fiddlehead's unique, critically-acclaimed "A Christmas Carol," is done completely on a revolve, which advances Scrooge's journey through the past, present and future with ease. With a full cast, special effects and Broadway-caliber costumes," A Christmas Carol" - beyond Trinity Repertory Company in Providence - is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

"A Christmas Carol" plays Friday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. Also Thursday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. and 8.p.m., and closes on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. Preferred tickets are $30. Regular adult tickets are $27. Regular senior and children tickets are $22. For tickets, call 781-762-0528 or visit www.fiddleheadtheatre.com.

Gamm brings back David Sedaris

The Gamm Theatre in Pawtucket is bringing back David Sedaris's "The SantaLand Diaries & Season's Greetings," Dec. 4-23. Last year, the pair of comic monologues broke previous box office records at The Gamm.

Chris Byrnes directs Steve Kidd in the retelling of Sedaris's strange-but-true experiences as a one-time Macy's Christmas elf named Crumpet in "The SantaLand Diaries." In "Season's Greetings," Wendy Overly directs Casey Seymour Kim in the role of Jocelyn Dunbar - a rigidly chipper housewife determined to push through a year of tragically funny events rather than forgo her annual Christmas family newsletter.

"The response to the play last season was overwhelming, so a revival was an incredibly easy decision," said Gamm Artistic Director Tony Estrella. "Sedaris's crazy Christmas tales are becoming necessary holiday staples. Holly, ivy and mistletoe for sure; but also overcrowded malls, family anxiety and massive credit card debt are hallmarks of the season. Sedaris makes us laugh at it all."

Be forewarned, though. The monologues contain mature themes.

Tickets for "The SantaLand Diaries & Season's Greetings" are $20-$34; Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday at 7 p.m. ONLY $20. Discounts for subscribers, groups of 10 or more, seniors and students. For single ticket sales, call 401-723-4266. Or purchase tickets at www.arttixri.com. More information at www.gammtheatre.org