What's up in Lansing: "Cymbeline," Christmas Cabaret and more

Good day on this sunny Friday.

An ancient British king, secret lovers, plots of poison and seduction — all the usual trappings of Shakespeare are present in one of his lesser known plays, "Cymbeline," presented this week at LCC.

The story follows Imogen, the daughter of King Cymbeline, who must defend herself against a conspiring stepmother, an unwanted suitor, accusations of adultery and more.

8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $5-10 recommended donation. Black Box Theatre, Room 168, Gannon Building, 422 N. Grand Ave., Lansing. (517) 483-1488, lcc.edu/showinfo.

Celebration and generosity go hand-in-hand at Central United Methodist Church’s Christmas Cabaret, with event proceeds going to the church's ministries and to the Methodist Children's Home Society.

Live music is provided by the Elden Kelly Jazz Trio, Sistrum women's chorus, Basses Loaded tuba ensemble and more. The festivities include a catered dinner and a silent auction featuring deals and gifts from local businesses. Reservation required, call ahead to reserve your tickets.

5:45 p.m. $35. Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 485-9477, lansingcentralumc.org.

Mid Michigan Family Theatre offers a modern spin on Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol" with its production of "Carol's Christmas." Carol, a young girl with a selfish streak, neglects a class pet, ultimately causing the poor guinea pig's death.

After the incident, she is visited by the spirit of Marley, who takes her to see the ghosts of her first grade teacher, her school principal and a classmate named Charles. By showing visions of Carol's past, present and future, the ghosts challenge the young woman to better herself and have compassion for friends in need. Audiences should enter using the east entrance of the Happendance Complex.

7 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. $7/$5 seniors and children. Happendance Complex, 3448 Hagadorn Road, Okemos. (517) 339-2145, facebook.com/midmichiganfamilytheatre.

For more nearby events, see below.

Classes and Seminars

Aux Petits Soins-Explorers 1-3. French immersion for babies/toddlers. 9:30 a.m. (ages 2-4), 10:30 a.m. (0-2) & 5:15pm (ages 4-6). $15/$12 students. 1824 E. Michigan Ave., Suite F, Lansing. (517) 643-8059, facebook.com/auxpetitssoinsllc.Music

Christmas Cabaret Benefit. Elden Kelly Trio, Sistrum, Basses Loaded and more perform. 5:45 p.m. $35. Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 485-9477.

Four Pianos Holiday Concert. Piano and percussion. 7:30-9 p.m. $23/$18 kids/$25 VIP. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 378 State St., Charlotte. (231) 343-4096, fourpianos.com.

MSU Jazz Orchestras with Jazz Drummer Jimmy Cobb. 8-10 p.m. $10/$8 seniors/students FREE. Fairchild Theatre, 542 Auditorium Road, East Lansing. (517) 353-5340, music.msu.edu. Theater

Carol's Christmas. Funny take on "A Christmas Carol." 7 p.m. $7/$5 kids and seniors. Happendance, 3448 Hagadorn Road, Okemos. (517) 339-2145.

Monkey King. MSU Theatre's Freshman Showcase. 8 p.m. $13/$11 seniors and faculty. Arena Theatre, MSU Auditorium, 542 Auditorium Road, East Lansing. (517) 432-2000, whartoncenter.com.

Cymbeline. Shakespeare play. 8-10 p.m. $5/$10 donation. Lansing Community College, 500 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517)483-1546, lcc.edu/showinfo.

A Christmas Carol. Humorous, musical version of classic tale. 7 p.m. $7/$5 kids. Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Drive, Lansing. (517) 482-5700, riverwalktheatre.com.

Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol. Classic story from a new point of view. 8 p.m. $28. Williamston Theater, 122 S. Putnam St., Williamston. williamstontheatre.com.Events

Grand Ledge Holiday Parade. Lighted float parade. 7 p.m. FREE. 121 S. Bridge St., Grand Ledge. (517) 627-2383, grandledgechamber.com.

Community Thank You Open House. Hot breakfast and live broadcast. 6:30-10 a.m. FREE. St. Vincent Catholic Charities, 2800 W. Willow St., Lansing. (517) 323-4734, stvcc.org.

Green Friday. Shopping deals to support local businesses. FREE. Downtown East Lansing, Grand River Ave., East Lansing. cityofeastlansing.com.

Holiday Party at Grace Boutique. Holiday party with great company and refreshments. 6-9 p.m. FREE. Grace Boutique, 115 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing. (517) 927-8628, oldtowngrace.com.

Ingham County Animal Control's Vaccination and Licensing Clinic. Free rabies vaccinations available. Noon-4 p.m. Ingham County Animal Control Outreach Center, 826 W. Saginaw St., Lansing. (517) 676-8370, ac.ingham.org.

Kids Skate. 6-8 p.m. ages 13 and under; 8-11 p.m., ages 14 and up. $8. Skate City Roller Rink, 905 Southland Ave., Lansing. (517) 894-8429.

MSU Community Club Holiday Reception. Spartan Discords perform. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-0417, msu.edu/user/msucclub.

StoryTime. For ages 2-5. 10:30-11 a.m. FREE. All Saints Episcopal Church, 800 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-2420, elpl.org.

TGIF Party. Dance party. 8 p.m.-midnight. $13. Hawk Hollow Banquet Center, 15101 S. Chandler Road, Bath.