Preview: The Ultimate Christmas Show (Abridged) at Theatre in the Heights

As the holiday season steamrolls around again, it’s important to get a dose of reality. The Ultimate Christmas Show (Abridged) was written by the folks behind the Reduced Shakespeare Company, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor. The three-person hijinks follows three churchgoers who, in light of a veritable pageant/variety show catastrophe (none of the acts showed up), are forced to perform the entire cavalcade themselves. If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, you won’t want to miss this commiseration. Show up, and bring a present—because there’s a gift exchange. Now that’s interactive theater. Fri 8pm, Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm, through 12/23. $15; 8215 Auburn Boulevard in Citrus Heights. (916) 509-3445, theatreintheheights.com.