BANGOR – Two local theatre companies have collaborated on a holiday production unlike any you’ve seen before.

Ten Bucks Theatre Company and True North Theatre Company have joined forces this holiday season to offer up their production of “Greetings!” The play – written by Tom Dudzik and directed by Tellis K. Coolong – is running through Dec. 19 at the Ten Bucks Theatre space in the Bangor Mall.

The show is a … let’s call it unconventional take on the usual holiday fare, one that utilizes some familiar tropes of the genre only to subvert them in service of a tale that is far weirder than what you usually see this time of year. Weirder, but no less heartfelt because of that. It’s a story of families and the difficulties that they can have, the pitfalls of communication (and lack thereof) and what it means to believe.

BANGOR – We’re all intimately familiar with the story of the Grinch. We all know about his disdain for Christmas and his malicious attempts to steal the joy of the season from the innocents of Whoville and, yes, his subsequent change of heart.

But what happened after that?

Penobscot Theatre Company looks to answer that very question with their production of Matthew Lombardo’s “Who’s Holiday,” running through December 26 at PTC’s secondary space at 51 Main Street in Bangor. However, you should be warned – while the original tale was aimed at kids, this show – directed by Cheryl Snodgrass and starring A.J. Mooney – very much is NOT.

What’s the show about? Let’s try to tell it like the maestro would, shall we?

BANGOR – As part of their holiday bill of fare, Penobscot Theatre Company is offering an adults-only show inspired by a seasonal classic.

PTC is working in tandem with Bar Harbor’s ImprovAcadia to present “Deck the Balls,” an interactive online improv performance inspired by the beloved Frank Capra film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” as part of their Digitus Theatrum season. IA’s owners and co-founders Jen Shepard and Larrance Fingerhut are joined by longtime IA performer Mike Shreeman for a full improv comedy show built on the foundation provided by the film. The show runs through December 27; tickets and more information are available at the PTC website (www.penobscottheatre.org) or by calling the box office at 942-3333.

It’s important to note that this show is created live and in the moment every night. This is not a recorded performance; each night, Jen, Larrance and Mike create a brand-new comedy show, one driven by different ideas, different characters … different everything. The only things that remain the same are the performers and the fundamental inspiration. The rest is up to them … and you.

Inconsistent holiday comedy squanders talented ensemble