When people start getting real

In #UnderTheInfluence, Brooke Haven is a social media influencer who convinces her troubled younger sister, Chelsea, to participate in a reality television show about their childhood. As the TV show gains popularity, the sisters must confront their pasts while trying to connect authentically in a manufactured world. #UnderTheInfluence explores the line between fantasy and reality on social media, where “truth” is shaped by clever editing. Have we abandoned authenticity for carefully honed presentations? Can we still be honest with the people who are standing right in front of us? Santa Fe Playhouse presents the world premiere of this dark comedy written by Kristin Goodman and directed by Jessica Hanna. The Playhouse’s creative director, Robyn Rikoon, stars as Brooke, and Alexandra Renzo plays Chelsea. Performances at Santa Fe Playhouse (142 E. De Vargas St.) run through Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays–Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $25 general admission, $15 students and seniors, and $50 reserved seating. 505-988-4262, santafeplay house.org — Jennifer Levin

A female take on opera’s No. 1 subject

No subject has a longer operatic pedigree than the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. It’s the legend of a superlative musician who descends to Hades to restore his wife to earthly life, but then can’t resist looking back at her on the way, dooming her to the afterlife forever. Jacopo Peri’s Euridice dates from 1600 and is the earliest opera to survive from the art form’s beginning during the late Renaissance. The newest is by composer Matthew Aucoin, based on Sarah Ruhl’s 2003 play Eurydice, which explores the story from the female character’s perspective. The Metropolitan Opera production of Eurydice stars soprano Erin Morley and is the latest entry in the company’s Live in HD broadcast series. See it at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W. San Francisco St. Tickets are $22-$28 with discounts for students. 505-9881234, lensic.org — Mark Tiarks/For The New Mexican

Soul of the holidays

Jazz crooner José James’ music is steeped in R&B. A master of reinvention, James has covered a lot of terrain, from traditional jazz standards to atmospheric soul. He’s known for his smoky baritone, which is featured on a vast discography of eclectic albums. For his new album, Merry Christmas from José James, the singer puts his mark on holiday favorites, including “Let It Snow” and “White Christmas.” Working in collaboration with master bassist and arranger Ben Williams and surrounded by an array of seasoned musicians, such as pianist Aaron Parks, he brings a smooth sound and tight instrumentation to the holiday music. Merry Christmas from José James, an evening of music and song presented by the New Mexico Jazz Festival, takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 9, at the Lensic Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $25-$49 and available at tickets.lensic.org/7704/7705 or at the Lensic box office. Masks and proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test are required. Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W. San Francisco St., 505-988-1234, lensic.org — Michael Abatemarco