The Elves and the Shoemaker at the Heaney Theatre, closes December 23

The Elves and the Shoemaker An impoverished cobbler shows kindness to an outcast beggar woman and magic ensues. (And guess who she turns out to be.) Based on a time-tested tale from the Brothers Grimm, this new musical adaptation by playwright Sarah Brandt and composer Neal Richardson is ideal holiday fare from the Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company. Youngsters are reminded of the value of simple acts of kindness, and audiences of all ages are invited to dream along with the shoemaker (genially played by Jeremy Lowe). Alan Knoll is also on hand to amuse viewers with his bag of tricks and high jinks. Music and morals are neatly completed in a tidy 45 minutes. Performed December 17, 21, 22 and 23 at 11 a.m. (and again at 3 p.m. on December 17 and 23) at the Heaney Theatre on the campus of Nerinx Hall High School, 530 East Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves. Tickets are $6. Call 314-968-7344 or visit www.repstl.org/itc. — Dennis Brown