What's on Stage in December

A look at some of Washington's major theater debuts

As the holidays approach, local theaters offer the chance to celebrate the season or escape it, at least briefly. From bidding farewell to a favorite area venue to a bit of holiday snark, there are plenty of merry options this month.

Scena Theatre explores the impact of media with "The War of the Worlds." Set at D.C. Arts Center, this show fuses the famous radio presentation from Orson Welles with its impact on America. (Dec. 2-Jan. 14)

Take a vacation from work with the comic drudgery of "tempOdyssey." From heaven to a Seattle skyscraper, this Studio Theatre show travels through time and space to chronicle the travails of temp work. (Dec. 6-31)

Bid farewell to Signature Theatre's old space with "The Last Garage Hurrah." A special cabaret performance features stars of Signature's stage performing numbers from the company's past 16 years of musicals. (Dec. 13-16)

If one play isn't enough, the play-within-a-play at "Noises Off" could be just your ticket this season. Jonathan Munby directs the Arena Stage comedy about frustrated actors in a low-level comedy who let loose off- and on-stage until a final performance when everything goes haywire. (Dec. 15-Jan. 28)

Journey to Italy when "The Light in the Piazza" shines at the Kennedy Center. Set in the '50s, this musical follows the well-costumed wife and daughter of an American businessman as the girl falls in love with a handsome Italian. (Dec. 19-Jan. 7)

Serve up a delicious holiday antidote with "The Santaland Diaries" at Rep Stage. Written by David Sedaris, this comedy follows a department store elf as he deals with bratty children, obnoxious parents and more holiday merriment. (Dec. 20-Jan. 7)

Finally, celebrate the holidays with a presentation of "The Nutcracker." From the traditional ballet to puppet or Jazz Hip-Hop interpretations, there are plenty of shows to suit the season.

There's still time to plot with "The Beaux' Stratagem" at the Shakespeare Theatre (through Dec. 31), party with "Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis" at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company (through Dec. 17) and reap the benefits of "Faith Healer" at Gunston Arts Center (through Dec. 23).