The Essential A&E Picks for November 29 - Dec. 5 

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• Dav.D

FRIDAY 11/30
Salt Lake Acting Co.: Pinkalicious: The Musical
There are only so many times children can be asked to sit throughThe NutcrackerorA Christmas Carol: The Musicalduring the holiday season. As an alternative to this standard holiday fare, Salt Lake Acting Co. (SLAC) presentsPinkalicious: A Musicalas its 10th annual children's production.

Based on the children's book of the same name,Pinkaliciousfollows Pinkalicious Pinkerton, a girl who eats so many pink cupcakes that she turns pink. With the help of family, a doctor and friends, she learns the importance of eating healthy and of being herself. This performance is targeted toward kingergarten to second-grade students, particularly those from underserved schools who do not have easy access to arts education or professional theater productions.

Cynthia Fleming, SLAC's executive artistic director, says student outreach through their theater program helps improve students' academic and personal lives. "Personally, I've seen theater attendance build confidence in the young students who pass through our doors each year," Fleming says. "Theater can transcend socioeconomic barriers to truly empower our entire community, as long as we're mindful to be inclusive, which is a huge priority for my team at SLAC."

In addition to their overall outreach through their children's programming, SLAC is raising donations for students-in-need at Washington Elementary School during performances ofPinkalicious. The company encourages attendees to donate unwrapped jewelry, hair supplies, sporting equipment, slime, playdough, board games, coloring books, dolls, Barbies, sports team clothing, Minecraft items, remote-control vehicles, bikes, skateboards and gift cards. (Kylee Ehmann)
Pinkalicious: The Musical@ Salt Lake Acting Company, 168 W. 500 North, 801-363-7522, Nov. 30-Dec. 30, dates and times vary, $16-26, saltlakeactingcomapny.org

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• TK

FRIDAY 11/30
Pioneer Theatre Co.: Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
There are beloved characters, and there are beloved holiday shows. But it's not always the case that those two ideas overlap. And for all the nostalgic quality of seeing a familiar favorite with loved ones at this time of year, you might still long for a sense of discovery.

It was an attempt to reconcile those two ideas that inspired writers Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon to come up with the concept for Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley while they were road-tripping together from Northern California to Oregon. "What the American theatre really needed was a new holiday play, and a different kind of holiday play," Melcon said in a 2017 interview with American Theatre magazine. "Part of the reason so many of the holiday shows are done over and over again is because there is a sense of familiarity, and there are beloved characters ... What characters are more beloved than Jane Austen characters?"

Pioneer Theatre Co. brings Gunderson and Melcon's play to their stage for the 2018 holiday season, introducing audiences to a unique, family-appropriate sequel to Austen's Pride & Prejudice. The concept finds newlyweds Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy hosting the holidays for the first time as a married couple, and inviting the whole Bennet family, including Elizabeth's sisters Jane, Mary and Lydia. There, Mary meets Mr. Darcy's cousin, Arthur de Bourgh, and the possibility for romance is in the air. Creating new characters and expanding on the personalities of existing ones, Christmas at Pemberley honors Austen's wit and insight in a brand-new Christmas package. (Scott Renshaw)
Pioneer Theatre Co.: Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley @ Pioneer Memorial Theatre, 300 S. 1400 East, 801-581-6961, Nov. 30-Dec. 15, dates and times vary, $30-$45, pioneertheatre.org

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• Freemantle Media

SATURDAY 12/1
The Price Is Right Live
As one of the most popular television game shows ever to hit the airwaves, The Price Is Right is not only an institution, but a program that's literally become a part of the American vernacular. "Come on down" is more than simply an invitation to play and participate; it's a communal come-on that's hard to resist.

Created by producers Mark Goodson, Bill Todman and Bob Stewart, The Price Is Right debuted on CBS on Sept. 4, 1972, and has remained an afternoon staple ever since. Hosted by Bob Barker until his retirement, it has featured comedian Drew Carey as the amiable emcee since 2006. Likewise, audiences' enthusiasm for guessing the correct price for awesome prizes remains as enthusiastic as ever. Described by TV Guide as "the greatest game show of all time," it has aired more than 8,000 episodes, given away more than $12 million in cash and prizes, and just initiated its 47th season, making it one of the longest-running network programs in television history.

That makes this roadshow version all the more enticing. Hosted by Emmy-winner and E! Entertainment Television regular Todd Newton, it offers locals an opportunity to watch the action, and, if you like, play "Plinko," "Cliffhangers" and "The Big Wheel" as well. Guests 18 and over can visit the registration area three hours before showtime for a chance to participate through random drawings.

Yes, there will be plenty of prizes, and though this won't be televised, you might win regardless. You know you want to (dramatic pause) come on down. (Lee Zimmerman)
The Price Is Right Live @ Kingsbury Hall, University of Utah, 1395 E. Presidents Circle, 801-581-7100, Dec. 1, 4 & 8 p.m., $35- $55, tickets.utah.edu

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• jeremy Daniel

TUESDAY 12/4
Finding Neverland
It's little wonder that in today's increasingly turbulent world, J.M. Barrie's wistful tale of escape and eternal youth still plucks so tenderly at the heartstrings. While children might marvel at how a group of Lost Boys, under the fearless leadership of their hero Peter Pan, dares to defy their adults, the story also finds grown-ups pining for long gone days of innocence, when life was the adventure they originally envisioned.

Finding Neverland is the fanciful story of how Barrie's original inspiration culminated in one of the most beloved tales of all time. Taking its cue from the Academy Award-winning film and hailed by critics on its Broadway bow, it offers a behind-the-scenes story that's as enticing as Barrie's original book itself.

"Finding Neverland appeals to all generations," tour director Mia Walker says via email. "It shows us the power of the imagination and the importance of maintaining our ability to believe—to see the world through the eyes of a child even when we have grown up."

Walker's read is accurate indeed, though cynics and skeptics might dismiss such sentiments when viewed through the harsh glare of today's distrust and division. Nevertheless, Walker is right.

"It has been thrilling and heart-warming to see how audiences across the country have been so undeniably moved by our show," she reflects. "Their enthusiastic response is a testament to ... a company of extraordinary artists who have committed themselves to bringing Finding Neverland right to your community." There's reason enough to keep this flight in your sights. (LZ)

Finding Neverland @ Delta Performance Hall, Eccles Theater, 131 S. Main, 801-355-2787, Dec. 4-9, dates and times vary, $35-$125, artsaltlake.com