Looking for something fresh to spice up your holiday season? While the classic A Christmas Carol at the Alley Theatre is always a must-see, Houston audiences now have another reason to celebrate. Enter The Night Shift Before Christmas, a clever and heartwarming twist on the timeless tale.

Follow Margot, a hardworking drive-thru employee, as she navigates grumpy customers on Christmas Eve. But when her late best friend’s ghost appears with a warning of looming spirits, Margot must confront her inner Scrooge. Packed with humor, heart, a little music, singing, and dancing, this one-woman show surprises at every turn. Audience members laughed, clapped, and yes—some even shed a tear during moments that hit close to home.

The role of Margot is brought to life by Briana J. Resa. Briana has appeared on multiple Houston stages, including the Alley Theatre (What-A-Christmas!, American Mariachi, 72 Miles to Go, Sense and Sensibility, Michael Wilson’s A Christmas Carol), Stages Theatre (ROE, Baby: A Musical), 4th Wall Theatre Company (Between Riverside and Crazy), Main Street Theater (The Secretary, Native Gardens), and Obsidian Theater (Empanada Loca). She has also performed regionally with Arizona Theatre Company in Private Lives. Briana holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Sam Houston State University.

The play is the brainchild of award-winning playwright Isaac Gómez, a Chicago- and Los Angeles-based talent originally from El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Their work has been produced by theaters including Steppenwolf, Goodman Theatre, the Alley, and Audible Theater. Gómez has earned accolades like the Dramatists Guild Lanford Wilson Award and the Jeffry Melnick New Playwright Award at Primary Stages. Their television credits include the Netflix original series Narcos: Mexico.

With a runtime of 75 minutes and no intermission,The Night Shift Before Christmas is a warm-hearted comedy that reminds us all of what really matters during the holiday season. It’s a perfect blend of laughter, reflection, and holiday cheer—Houston-style.