The holiday season is upon Boise, that means decorated lampposts, a giant Christmas tree in the Grove Plaza, and a quiet end to the Saturday Market.

It also means amazing theater all across town.

The last few weeks of November brings yet another amazing show from local playwright, Samuel D Hunter. A Permanent Image begins its run at BCT on November 26th. I’ll try to catch a preview performance before they open, so I can share some insight. In lieu of that, I imagine this show will feature the same weighty, beautiful, heartbreaking poetry we’ve come to expect from a Sam Hunter piece. If his co-world premiere, Norway (another Boise Contemporary Theater production which I was lucky enough to see) is any indication, A Permanent Image is not to be missed.

This Wednesday also brings a new play from Collapse Theater. Kelly Broiche’s Outside opens at the Visual Arts Collective this Wednesday, November 23rd. Collapse Theater is known for their subversive, playful work, and I can’t wait to pop in on this show. Additionally, plays at the Visual Arts Collective always feel like half rock concert and half black box theater space.

Last, but most certainly not least, is the world premiere of a new devised theater piece from the mad geniuses at Empty Boat Theatre Company. Their piece, The Acheri, opens on December 2nd and will only allow 35 audience members to see the piece each night. Imagine a pared-down Sleep No More in an abandoned Daycare center…now add a dash of Native American mythology. If you aren’t excited and a little spooked, you ought to be.

Again, I can’t wait to check out these shows. I’ll keep an eye out for more bits of amazing theater around town. Until then, Happy Tryptophan Coma day! Personally, I’ll be stuffing my face with amazing shows.