This Week in Theatre: Flying Solo

Ever feel like the one-man show is a cottage industry in Austin? So many have come and gone. The armchair-critic comment that rankles us most is, "The show was terrific! He learned ALL those LINES!" Here are two, however, we know you'll enjoy.

At the Vortex, Rob Nash continues the saga of the Smiths in the holiday edition of his Holy Cross series, 12 Steps to a More Disfunctional Christmas. Nash is a wonder to behold as he switches characters, and you don't have to be familiar with the storyline to enjoy the current installation. If you've never seen him perform, you're definitely missing out. Through 12/30: Th-Su@8pm.

Martin Burke really is a cottage industry unto himself. In years past, Burke has taken a break from playing David Sedaris' Macy's elf, Crumpet, but now he's back to reprise his blockbuster role in the Santaland Diaries. There's a reason Zach trots this show out every year: it's hysterical. And Burke has cornered the market on onstage gaffes—ask for your money back if your show doesn't include some kind of hysterical flub. Through 1/6: Tue-Fri@8pm, Sat@5&8pm, Sun@2:30pm.

For the rest of this week's theatre offerings, check the Ist List.