Welcome to Hotel Bethlehem, where the proprietor is on the make and even baby Jesus can't find a place to stay. As an antidote to sappy holiday fare, Tom W. Kelly and Tim Bryant have crafted a new Christmas farce, which proved so popular at San Francisco's EXIT at Taylor, that the company will bring the show back next holiday season. This year's Hotel Bethelhem, however, closes Dec. 15.

Twisting Old and New Testament events together, Kelly and Bryant recreate the nativity. When Joseph and a very pregnant Mary arrive at the hotel, Malachi turns the poor people away, hoping to fleece some wealthier patrons. Too bad he doesn't know he just denied a room to the Son of God. When a myopic Angel strikes Malachi and his new guests, a couple of escapees from Sodom, with divine retribution, all kind of troubles arise, almost preventing the greedy, lusty crew from witnessing a miracle in the stable.

Mike Ward directs. The founding artistic director of Isis Arts Collective, Ward has helmed Three Tall Women for Palo Alto Players, Side by Side by Sondheim at the New Conservatory and the world premieres of Dead Heads and Sandy Dennis at the Maisonettes at the SoMAR Theatre.

Tickets are $20. EXIT on Taylor is located at 277 Taylor Street. For reservations, call (415) 863-7707.

— By Christine Ehren