You could devote your holiday arts consumption to adaptations of favorite seasonal tales. Or you could throw aside the heartwarming tales of redemption and see an ensemble of actors try to take down a massive whale while suspended on rope bridges above the stage. In conjunction with the Alliance Theater and South Coast Repertory, Arena Stage presents a retelling of Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick that combines storytelling with acrobatics. Unlike in the novel, which intersperses elaborate details about the whaling industry into the plot, this production is all action, all the time. Read more >>> The play runs Nov. 18 to Dec. 24 at Arena Stage, 1101 6th St. SW. $40–$90. (202) 488-3300. arenastage.org. (Caroline Jones)
EAT THIS
Think outside the bowl at chicken ramen shop Bantam King by ordering the fried chicken plate. It pairs 12-hour brined, battered, and fried chicken with a soy honey dashi sauce and a ginger, garlic, and scallion drizzle. The bird comes with rice boosted by chicken drippings and a cup of the soup of the day for $12. Bantam King, 501 G St. NW. (202) 733-2612. bantamking.com. (Laura Hayes)
OH AND ALSO
Art Garfunkel kicks off a three-night stand at the Barns at Wolf Trap, where he’ll play some of his most beloved hits and some solo material. 8 p.m. at 1635 Trap Road, Vienna. $80–$90.
Boston-based honky-tonk rock band Girls, Guns, and Glory performs at Gypsy Sally’s with opening act Kelsey Waldon, a country singer. 8 p.m. at 3401 K St. NW. $10–$12.
R&B vocalist Niykee Heaton, who first gained attention for posting pop covers on YouTube, plays 9:30 Club with DJ Casanova. 7 p.m. at 815 V St. NW. $25.
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