Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre Presents LA NATIVIDAD, Now thru 12/21

Angels and shepherds. A suspicious king. A time of social distress. A pregnant woman knocks on the doors of the city, seeking shelter. Who is it that gathers to welcome a new little one into this world? This is the Christmas Story.

In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (HOBT), in partnership with St. Paul's Lutheran Church, presents a bilingual production of La Natividad for seven performances today, Dec. 11-21.

When King Herod threatens the Holy Family, a community of neighbors receives Maria and José as they seek shelter for the birth of their child. Inspired by the Mexican tradition of "Las Posadas," La Natividad combines puppetry, street theatre and audience participation. The performance begins at HOBT's Avalon theatre, 1500 E. Lake St. in Minneapolis - and following a colorful torch-lit procession - culminates at St. Paul's Fellowship Hall, two blocks away, with a fiesta. Told with HOBT's signature visual beauty and soulful live music, La Natividad is a truly unique holiday celebration. (Performed in English and Spanish.)

Tickets are $22 with discounts for children and groups of 10 or more. They can be purchased at www.hobt.org or by calling 612-721-2535. Performance schedule:- Thursday, Dec. 11 @ 6:30pm- Saturday, Dec. 13 @ 6:30pm- Sunday, Dec. 14 @ 6:30pm- Thursday, Dec. 18 @ 6:30pm- Friday, Dec. 19 @ 6:30pm- Saturday, Dec. 20 @ 6:30pm- Sunday, Dec. 21 @ 6:30pm.