GIVE THE GIFT OF BROADWAY
We thought last season’s slate of Dallas Summer Musicals shows was gay, but baby, they outdid themselves for 2014, with musicals based on the music of Queen (We Will Rock You, pictured), Disney features (The Little Mermaid from gay Dallas playwright Doug Wright), and Gershwin (Nice Work If You Can Get It, also written by a gay guy, Joe DiPietro). So many gays in musical theater … do you think it’s a trend? Anyway, season tickets are the gift that keeps giving, January through September. Season tickets from $133.
A DIAMOND IS FOREVER
You don’t need to worry about carats to give the gift of a diamond — assuming it’s the Monster Diamond Tears headphones from Apple. These decorative audio earphones are as blinged out in an oh-so-fashionable diamond pattern, while delivering the high-quality listening experience of Monster Sound technology. And for the nerd in your life who’d marry his iPad if he could, the fact it’s from Apple seals the deal. $299.
Available at the Apple Store at NorthPark Center
8687 N. Central Expressway
and at Apple.com.
LOVELY TO LOOK AT
Max Jones is known widely as a furniture entrepreneur — he of Jones Walker Furniture in the Design District — but he’s just as talented for what his clients hang on the walls. As a painter, Jones’ abstract acrylics range from a gamut of colors, styles and sizes that not only fit any décor but also bring beauty to any room in their own right. From $150.
Available at
Jones Walker Furniture
1531 Dragon St.
469-916-5500.
JonesWalkerHome.com.
STAGING A SCENE
What better way to celebrate the holidays than with a night of theater — whether your giftee is a Santa or a Scrooge. Most of America first learned of David Sedaris through his radio essay The Santaland Diaries about his days working as an elf at Macy’s. WaterTower Theatre is bringing back the popular stage adaptation of this hilarious one-man show with Garrett Storms portraying the hapless Crumpet and Kelsey Ervi directing. It’s an ideal gift to share with the curmudgeon on your list who could use a laugh between mall trips. For the person in your life who loves the corny delights of the holidays, the classic Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, flies into the Majestic Theater for a monthly run.
WaterTower Theatre, 15650 Addison Road, Addison. Runs Dec. 13–29. Tickets from $22. WaterTowerTheatre.org.
Majestic Theater, 1925 Elm St. Runs Nov. 29–Dec. 29. Tickets from $20. ATTPAC.org.
RAISE THE LANTERN
The State Fair is over, but the Chinese Lantern Festival isn’t — and lucky for you. No need to fight Fair traffic to check out this illuminating experience, a breathtaking display at night. Dozens of silk-strewn items glow with the beauty of Asia in this captivating display of color and shape. If you’re looking for an impressive lights display, this is unbeatable. Tickets $11–$22 (based on age).
Fair Park. Open most evenings, 5:30–10:30 p.m., through Jan. 5. ChineseLanternFestival.com.
CAN’T BE BEAT
With a pair of Beats Solo headphones, you’ll clearly hear Adele’s deep rumbling lows and Mariah’s for dogs’-ears-only vocal aerobics. Made of super-durable, flexible material and reinforced with a metal strip, the clear-coat finish will match that of the Aston Martin you’ve driven in your dreams. A built-in mic lets you switch between songs and incoming calls. With two speakers in each earpiece, it’s like Mariah is right there in your head. Better if it were Nick Cannon.
Available at Brookstone NorthPark Center
8687 N. Central Expressway, 214-368-0473.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition November 22, 2013.