FRIDAY & SATURDAY

In the Xtreme capitalism that this country has proudly developed over more than two centuries, no season is more Xtreme than Xmas. Given that the winter holidays are tasked by economists with providing as much as half—or more—of the annual earnings for a variety of businesses and industries, it’s no wonder that the “celebration” has run amok. Not too long ago, salivating retailers had the decency to wait until the day after Thanksgiving before decking their halls with boughs of faux holly. This year, the Christmas come-ons appeared at my CVS the week before Halloween. We’re talking holiday pileup! With so much effort expended to remind us that ’tis the season to be of good cheer and wanton wallet, it’s hardly surprising that many crack under the onslaught. But some seasonally disaffected souls respond with alternative traditions. Such are the artistic miscreants at Landless Theatre, whose gift to grateful Grinches is that most anti-ho-ho-ho musical, Frozty the Abominable Snowman. Springing from the mind of Landless artistic director Andrew Lloyd Baughman, the play takes a Rocky Horror approach to the holiday legend—accent on horror. It’s a refreshing palate-cleanser after too many run-ins with Rudolph. Frozty returns to brighten black hearts everywhere at 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, and Saturday, Dec. 17, at the District of Columbia Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW. $12. (202) 462-7833. (Dave Nuttycombe)