In the December issue of Portland Monthly, culturephiles will:

← Applaud four local theater companies for putting risky twists on warmed-over seasonal standards.

♦ Peruse our picks for this month’s merriment, from a satirical report following Drake's progress from his child star role in Degrassi to the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker by the numbers.

♦ Reflect on the last twelve months with our list of Portland's 10 unforgettable cultural moments from 2013.

♦ Speculate on the future of local radio with the founders of XRAY.fm.

♦ Break down 20 seconds of famous, frenzied farce Noises Off, opening at Third Rail Repertory on December 6.

♦ Find out what's going on in town this month, from SantaCon the Tuba Christmas Concert.

♦ Finish the morning puzzle with help from Portland’s global crossword star.

♦ Eulogize PDX’s long-loved carpet with a poetic ode to its blue-green glory.

♦ Fill your festive calendar with our complete guide to Portland’s holiday shows.