Mad, Mad World

Madeline has a special place in my heart. For the longest time I wasn't a fan of that little French girl with the cute blue coat and signature yellow hat—precocious children tend to get on my last nerve. But here's the thing: I have a niece, Madeline. She's a rough-and-tumble princess who's smarter than your average bear, and for the past five years, I have learned that everything Madeline-related tends to be pretty badass. Now I have quite a bit of Madeline appreciation, loving that little French girl and her posse of boarding-school chums, because my Maddie, much like Ludwig Bemelmans' Madeline, embodies all that a little girl should be: a charmingly fearless leader in a cute little package. As Christmas time inches closer, The Dallas Children's Theater is presenting Madeline's Christmas, a holiday musical adapted by Jennifer Kirkeby (who will be present at Friday night's performance). And that's all there is—there isn't any more. Enjoy the holidays with Madeline's Christmas at 7:30 p.m Friday, with additional performances Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 21 at the Rosewood Center for Family Arts, 5938 Skillman St. Tickets are $14 to $24. Call 214-740-0051 or visit dct.org.
Fri., Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 6, 1:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 7, 1:30 & 4:30 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 13, 1:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 14, 1:30 & 4:30 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 20, 1:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 21, 1:30 & 4:30 p.m., 2008