Preview calendar: Theme Parks, Comedy, Theater, Auditions for Oct. 23-29

By NORTH COUNTY TIMES | Wednesday, October 22, 2008 1:31 PM PDT ∞

THEME PARKS

Belmont Park ---- Opened in 1925, this beachside amusement park features the historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, along with a traditional carousel, bumper cars, the Beach Blaster suspension thrill ride, CHAOS 360-degree spin ride, kiddie rides, flight simulator, climbing tree, arcade, picnic and play areas, the Wave House, with the Bruticus Maximus giant wave rider and Flow Rider perpetual wave machine, and the 80-year-old Plunge, the largest historic indoor pool in Southern California; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; unlimited ride wristbands, $22.95 (50 inches and up) and $15.95 (under 50 inches); individual rides, $2-$6; Giant Dipper is $6; FlowRider is $15; miniature golf is $7; 3190 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach; (858) 488-1549 or belmontpark.com.

Boomers! ---- This family-themed amusement park features arcades, bumper boats, batting cages, miniature golf, laser tag, children's rides and a large climbing structure; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays; $28.95 (unlimited, excludes batting cages and coin arcade) for over 58 inches; $24.95, under 58 inches; $2-$8, single attractions; 1525 W. Vista Way, Vista; (760) 945-9474 or boomersparks.com.

Discovery Science Center ---- More than 100 hands-on science, math and technology exhibits, including "Dino Quest," earthquake "shake shack," climbing wall, musical floor, and 4-D theater. Now featuring “Masters of the Night: The TRUE Story of Bats.” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; $12.95, general; $9.95, children (3-17); free, children 2 and under; $3, parking; 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana; (714) 542-2823 or discoverycube.org.

Disneyland Park ---- Themed entertainment through Nov. 2 includes Halloween decor, festive foods, costumed walkaround characters, special shows, meet-and-greets, cookie-decorating crafts and storytellers. Visitors can sign up for the Happiest Haunt Tour, a three-hour behind-the-scenes look at the park's spookiest attractions told by Disney villians; the tours leave at 5:15 and 5:30 p.m. daily through Oct. 31; tour fee is $59 plus park admission. There's also Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party, a children's costume party offered Friday, Oct. 22-24, 28-31; $29-$37;"Innoventions Dream Home," a futuristic 5,000-square-foot home showcasing the latest home technology, is open in Tomorrowland; Tom Sawyer Island has reopened with the new "Pirates Lair"; the "Submarine Voyage" has reopened with a "Finding Nemo" theme; "Pirates of the Caribbean" ride features characters from the "Pirates" film series; also new, "Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams," featuring the biggest parade cast ever; "Remember ... Dreams Come True" fireworks and special effects show nightly; opened in July 1955, Walt Disney theme park includes 60 attractions, including roller coasters, trains, boats, trolleys, carriage and black-light rides, monorail, walk-throughs, live shows, hands-on exhibits and walkabout encounters; open daily; hours vary; $69, general (ages 10-59); $59, children 3-9; free, 2 and under; $81-$91, one-day park-hopper passes; $112-$132, two-day park-hopper passes; $259-$379, annual passes; $129-$169, Southern California resident annual passes; $11, parking; Harbor Boulevard at Disney Way, Anaheim; (714) 781-4565 or disneyland.com.

Disneyland's California Adventure ---- "Toy Story Mania," a 3-D ride-through attraction where riders take target practice at "Toy Story" characters, is open; now playing, "Pixar Play Parade," featuring characters from the Disney Pixar films ("Toy Story," "A Bug's Life," "Finding Nemo," "Ratatouille," "Monsters Inc.," "Cars" and "The Incredibles"); the all-new, 23-minute "Playhouse Disney Live On Stage!" show is now playing; opened in 2001, this 55-acre Disney theme park highlights the history, culture, beauty and industries of California; themed lands include Golden State (agriculture, aviation, wilderness), Paradise Pier (seaside amusement park) and Hollywood Pictures Backlot (filmmaking, TV and stage shows); the park has more than 25 themed attractions, shows and rides; "Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue," a new ride-through black-light ride; new live show "Turtle Talk With Crush," which allows children to ask questions and interact with the animated turtle from "Finding Nemo"; "Block Party Bash," featuring acrobats and favorite Disney/Pixar characters; and "High School Musical Pep Rally" featuring music from the Disney Channel movie are presented daily along the park's parade corridor; "Twilight Zone Tower of Terror" is a high-speed, 13-story drop thrill ride; hours vary, check Web site for daily schedule; $69, general (ages 10-59); $59, children 3-9; free, 2 and under; $81-$91, one-day park-hopper passes; $112-$132, two-day park-hopper passes; $259-$379, annual passes; $129-$169, Southern California resident annual passes; $11, parking; Harbor Boulevard at Disney Way, Anaheim; (714) 781-4565 or disneyland.com.

Knott's Berry Farm ---- Knott's Halloween Haunt includes 13 chilling mazes, 7 hair-raising shows, three scare zones and 1,000 roaming monsters; open Oct. 22-26 and 29-Nov. 1; hours are 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. except Fridays and Saturdays (open until 2 a.m.); Cost is $47.99-$49.99 presale or $52.99 at the gate; billed as the low-cost family theme park alternative, Knott's is a 160-acre amusement park offering an authentic Old West Ghost Town; roller coasters; Camp Snoopy's children's area; themed restaurants; live ice-skating and family entertainment; thrill rides that include the Silver Bullet, a Western-themed suspended roller coaster that features a 109-foot drop, corkscrews, spirals and cobra rolls, and RipTide thrill ride, which sends riders in a floorless, spinning gondola soaring 59 feet into 360-degree vertical arcs; opens daily at 10 a.m.; closing time varies; $49.99, adults ($39.99 for Southern California adults); $19.99, seniors (62+) and children 3 to 11; free, children 2 and under; $59.95-$114.95, annual passes; $10, parking; 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park; (714) 220-5200 or knotts.com.

Legoland California ---- Brick or Treat, the annual Halloween celebration, is weekends in October; events include trick-or-treating, costume parade, photos with the Giant Pumpkin, live entertainment and more; Land of Adventure, a new Egyptian-themed area, has just opened; the new land includes more than 75 models made from Lego bricks, the Lost Kingdom Adventure dark ride, the Cargo Ace airplane ride, the Beetle Bounce tower ride; and the Pharoah's Revenge play area; also just opened, "Journey to the Lost Temple," a new 25-minute stage musical by Shawn Greiner; the Lego toy-themed amusement park, best suited for ages 2 to 12, has recently opened Miniland Las Vegas and Captain Cranky's Challenge, a rocking pirate ship ride; also recently opened Spellbreaker 4-D movie experience; Knight's Tournament "robo-coaster," on which riders can choose the intensity of their ride experience; Wild Woods Golf, a separate-fee 18-hole mini-golf course; visit the new Freedom Tower, the building that will soon rise on the site of the former World Trade Center in New York, in the Manhattan Island section of Miniland USA; Florida (with Cape Canaveral and the Daytona raceway), has opened in Miniland USA; Fun Town Fire Academy ride; Dino Island, a dinosaur-themed roller coaster that travels through a forest of life-sized dinosaurs created from Lego bricks; and Dig Those Dinos, a 2,400-square-foot sand pit where children can dig up reproductions of dinosaur claws, teeth and bones and then identify them at a fossil station; the 128-acre amusement park features more than 50 rides and attractions; hands-on Lego-building areas; roller coasters and water-play rides; boat and driving rides; live stage shows; park hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; $59, general; $47, children (3-12) and seniors; free, 2 and under; $10, parking; 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad; (760) 918-5346 or legoland.com.

San Diego Zoo ---- Children 11 and under get free admission during October in honor of the zoo's Founder's Day; San Diego Zoo's Children's Zoo hosts "Boo at the Zoo," a not-too-scary Halloween program where families with children ages 3 to 11 can cast a web at the spider station, see and touch animal skulls and skeletons and show off their costumes; 5 to 6:30 p.m. and from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31; $12-$15; the 100-acre zoo houses more than 4,000 animals of 800 species and 6,500 plant species; features include walk-through gorilla, polar bear, tiger and rain forest habitats; live shows; children's petting areas; Chinese giant panda exhibit; "Absolutely Apes" orangutan and siamang ape enclosure; "Monkey Trails and Forest Tales Habitat" is a 3-acre, walk-through multilevel habitat enclosure for African and Asian monkeys, leopards, snakes, tortoises, crocodiles and birds; hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (grounds close at 5 p.m.); $24.50-$34, adults; $16.50-$24, children (3-11); free, children 2 and under and military; free parking; Balboa Park, 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego; (619) 234-3153 or sandiegozoo.org.

San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park ---- Free Pumpkins at the Park activities Oct. 25 and 26 and Nov. 1 and 2 include a trick-or-treating scavenger hunt, extinct animal graveyard, eerie entertainment, pumpkin decorating and scarecrow stuffing demonstrations, costume contests for all ages and spooky treats for sale; opened in 1972, the 1,800-acre wildlife preserve operated by the San Diego Zoological Society allows visitors to see more than 3,500 animals of 429 species in their naturalistic habitats on the new "Journey Into Africa" 25-minute tram ride ($6-$10); plus hands-on encounters, walk-through exhibits, live animal shows, children's petting areas; new ride, Balloon Safari, a tethered balloon that glides over the park's Serengeti plain for 15-minute rides, priced at $15; a 50-foot African-themed carousel with 61 animal-themed ride-on creatures is open; "Cheetah Run Safari" is a group tour that offers visitors a chance to see a cheetah sprint up close; "Lion Camp" offers visitors an up-close look at the African cats in their natural habitat; "Frequent Flyers" bird show is performed several times daily; SpongeBob motion simulator ride; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (grounds close at 5 p.m.); $28.50-$34, general; $17.50-$24, children (3-11); $9, parking ($14 for motorhomes); 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, San Pasqual Valley; (760) 747-8702 or wildanimalpark.org.

Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland ---- Legoland Calfornia has opened this new family-friendly aquarium attraction. Features include a 36,000-square-foot aquarium filled with more than 200 aquatic species including seahorses, stingrays and sharks. More than 70 models made from Lego bricks will be on display, including an 11-foot submarine; $18.95, adults; $15.95, seniors 60 and over; $11.95, children ages 3 to 12; $10, parking; 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad; (760) 918-5346 or sealifeus.com.

SeaWorld San Diego ---- Halloween Spooktacular celebration includes "Clyde and Seamore's Trick or Treat," a themed sea lion and otter show; cookie-decorating crafts; photos with costumed characters; and trick-or-treating events from noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 25-26 and 31 and Nov. 1-2; the new Sesame Street Bay of Play play area, with three child-friendly rides, is open; area also includes "Sesame Street Presents Lights, Camera, Imagination! in 4-D" film and the "Breakfast with Elmo" interactive dining experience; Summer Nights at Sea World, with special "Shamu Rocks" nighttime killer whale show, evening seal and dolphin shows, the Riptide stage show and nightly fireworks, runs daily through Monday; opened in 1964, the 189-acre ocean-themed park owned by Anheuser-Busch features live shows with killer whales, dolphins and sea lions;hands-on sea creature encounters; skytower, virtual motion, rapids and splashdown rides; shark, seabird, penguin, dolphin, otter and manatee aquariums; Budweiser Clydesdale horses; stage shows and play areas; hands-on interactive experiences available with dolphins and beluga whales; hours vary, check Web site for daily schedule; $61, adults; $51, children (3-9); free, children 2 and under; $12, parking; 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego; (800) 257-4268 or seaworld.com/sandiego.

Six Flags Magic Mountain ---- The annual Fright Fest features a trick-or-treat trail, scary-oke and costume contests, pint-sized scares, wheel of fright, haunted warehouse, roaming monsters, scary and backward coaster rides, "Heckle and Twitch" show, monster bash DJ party, haunted 3D attractions and more; 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to midnight Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays; through Oct. 30; $29.99; "X2," a new sound-and-light roller-coaster with 360-degree turns, is open; Thomas Town, a new children's play area themed to "Thomas the Tank Engine," recently opened; the theme park has the world's largest collection of roller-coasters ---- 15, including Tatsu, billed as the world's tallest, fastest and longest "flying" coaster; Scream floorless coaster travels at 65 mph with a 150-foot drop and 128-foot vertical loop; plus children's play area, water rides, live shows; opens at 10 a.m. daily; closing hours vary; $59.99, general; $29.99, seniors (over 55) and children under 48 inches; free, 2 and under; $15, parking; 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia; (661) 255-4111 or sixflags.com.

Universal Studios Hollywood ---- Halloween Horror Nights, featuring scary mazes, terror tram ride, scare zones and themed shows, runs from 7 p.m. to closing Oct. 24-26, 30-31 and Nov. 1; separate ticket attraction, $39-$54; "The Simpsons" ride is open; the 415-acre movie-based theme park, built in 1964 on the grounds of the Universal television studios, features roller coasters and thrill rides, special effects-based live shows and a ride-through behind-the-scenes Studios Tour whose recent enhancements include sets and miniatures from Steven Spielberg's "War of the Worlds" and Peter Jackson's "King Kong," a "Fast and the Furious" chase scene and narration by Whoopi Goldberg and a just-opened "Universal's House of Horrors" walk-through haunted house; "Revenge of the Mummy ---- The Ride," is one of the world's fastest indoor roller coasters (with forward/backward motion, 45 mph top speed and animatronic mummies) and has been renovated to include a chilling 45-degree mummy's tomb room; other features include a "Van Helsing" walk-through funhouse; "Shrek 4-D" ride; "Terminator 3-D" live/multimedia shows; "Waterworld" water show; "Jurassic Park," with new water features, "Back to the Future" thrill rides; Nickelodeon Blast Zone children's water play area; film and TV history exhibits; hours vary, but generally 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends; $64, adults; $54, children under 48 inches; free, children 2 and under; $74-$129, annual passes; $199 VIP experience; $10, parking ($20 preferred parking); 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City; universalstudioshollywood.com.

COMEDY

National Comedy Theatre: "Halloween Spooktacular" ----- The San Diego-based improvisational comedy troupe presents a Halloween-themed night of comedy; appropriate for all audiences; 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1; also 11:45 p.m. Nov. 1; National Comedy Theatre, 3717 India St., San Diego; call for ticket prices; (619) 295-4999 or www.nationalcomedy.com.

Michael DeSchalit: magic show ---- Family-friendly illusions; 5 p.m. Nov. 8; Carlsbad Village Theatre, 2822 State St., Carlsbad; $10, general; $8, seniors, military and children 12 and under; (760) 720-2460.

Michael DeSchalit: comedy hypnosis ---- Family-friendly hypnosis; 8 p.m. Nov. 8; Carlsbad Village Theatre, 2822 State St., Carlsbad; $15, general; $12, seniors, military and children 12 and under; (760) 720-2460.

"Cheech & Chong Light Up America" ---- Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong's reunion tour; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28; Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; $39.50-$59.50; (619) 220-8497 or ticketmaster.com.

Larry the Cable Guy ---- 8 p.m. Dec. 12; Cox Arena, San Diego State University, 5500 Canyon Crest Drive, San Diego; $45.50; (619) 220-8497 or ticketmaster.com.

COMEDY CLUBS

Improv Comedy Club at Pechanga ---- New improvisational comedy club hosts three comics nightly; 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; 8 and 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; Pechanga Improv Comedy Club, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; $21.95 plus two-drink minimum; (877) 711-2946.

Comedy Store La Jolla ---- New comedians nightly; 6:45 p.m. Sundays; 8 p.m. Wednesdays/Thursdays; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 916 Pearl St., La Jolla; $20 on Fridays/Saturdays; $8, Wednesdays; no cover/two-drink minimum, Sundays; (858) 454-9176.

National Comedy Theatre ----- San Diego-based improvisational comedy troupe creates on-the-spot skits from audience suggestions; appropriate for all audiences; 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; National Comedy Theatre, 3717 India St., San Diego; $12, general; $10, students, seniors and military; (619) 295-4999 or www.nationalcomedy.com.

THEATER

"At the Hop With the Alley Cats" ---- A cappella doo-wop harmony quartet mixes music with comedy and audience interaction in a 1-hour, 45-minute family-friendly show; 7 p.m. Fridays; Welk Resort Theatre, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $25, adults; $10, children ages 3 to 15; (888) 802-7469.

"Arsenic and Old Lace" ---- Premiere Productions presents Joseph Kesserling's comedy about a theater critic who tries to hide the murderous habits of his spinster aunts and his crazy uncle; 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday; Avo Playhouse, 303 Main St., Vista; $16.50; (760) 806-7905.

"Back Back Back" ---- The Old Globe presents Itamar Moses' world premiere ripped-from-the-headlines play about steroids in baseball; 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 7 p.m. Sunday; Copley Auditorium, San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park, San Diego; $44-$66; (619) 234-5623.

"Backwater Blues" ---- Compass Theatre's QPlays gay theater series continues with Michael Thomas Tower and David M. Newcomer's musical about a young man who dreams of escaping his dull backwater town for a life in the theater; opens Sunday and runs through Nov. 26; showtimes, 7 p.m. Sundays; 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays; Compass Theatre, 3704 Sixth Ave., San Diego; $17-$20; (619) 688-9210.

"The Backyardigans Live!: Tale of the Mighty Knights" ---- Nickelodeon Television and Broadway Across America present a touring musical stage production based on the animated children's television show; 2 and 6 p.m. Oct. 30; San Diego Civic Theatre, Third Avenue at B Street, San Diego; $19-$40; $5 lap seats can be purchased at the box office; (619) 220-8497.

"Bash" ---- Ion Theatre presents Neil LaBute's confessional drama about three sociopathic people who've committed murder; 8 p.m. Fridays and 7 p.m. Sundays; through Oct. 31; Academy of Performing Arts, San Diego; $23.50; (619) 374-6894.

"Bleeding Kansas" ---- Moxie Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of Kathryn Walat's play about Kansas Territory residents caught up in the free-versus-slave battle on the eve of the Civil War; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; through Nov. 2; Moxie Theatre at Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego; $25; (619) 275-0332.

"Boomers: The Musical Revue of a Generation" ---- Lamb's Players Theatre has extended its run of this on this musical trip through the sights and sounds of the '50s, '60s, '70s and '80s at its new resident theater in the Gaslamp Quarter; 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 4 and 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; through Nov. 30; Horton Grand Theatre, 444 Fourth Ave., San Diego; $36-$56; (619) 437-0600.

"Brittanicus" ---- Compass Theatre presents Howard Rubenstein's adaptation of Racine's 17th century tragedy based on Nero and the fall of Rome; previews, Thursday through Sunday; opens Thursday and runs through Nov. 23; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Compass Theatre, 3704 Sixth Ave., San Diego; $23 (previews are $13); (619) 688-9210.

Capitol Steps ---- The Washington, D.C.-based political comedy troupe performs election-eve comedy; 8 p.m. Saturday; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $27-$42, general; $24-$39, seniors; (800) 988-4253.

"Cats" ---- San Diego Junior Theatre presents a youth-cast production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical about the Jellicle cats of London; opens Friday and runs through Nov. 9; showtimes, 7 p.m. Fridays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Casa del Prado Theatre, Balboa Park, San Diego; call for ticket prices; (619) 239-8355.

"A Christmas Carol" ---- Cygnet Theatre presents the world premiere of Sean Murray's new adaptation of Charles Dickens holiday novella in the newly remodeled Old Town Theater; previews, Nov. 28-Dec. 5; opens Dec. 6 and runs through Dec. 28; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; Cygnet Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego; $22-$38; (619) 337-1525.

"Comedy & Magic" ---- Family-friendly evening of stand-up comedy and magic tricks featuring Scott "Mr. Punchline" Wood and "Anthony the Magic"; 7 p.m. Wednesdays; Welk Resort Theatre, Lawrence Welk Resort, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $25, adults; $10, children; (760) 749-3448.

"The Crones of Cawdor" ---- THEATRX presents a reprise of Stephen Storc's musical about the real lives of the witches in Shakespeare's "Macbeth"; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; through Nov. 2; THEATRX, 155 E. Grand Ave., Escondido; $15, general; $12.50, seniors and students; $10, youth; (760) 735-2491.

"Cyclops" and "Prometheus Bound" ---- The Theatre Inc. presents two classic Greek one-act plays by Aeschylus and Euripides, both translated by Marianne McDonald, in a double-bill; opens Nov. 8 and runs through Dec. 13; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; The Theatre Inc., 899 C St., San Diego; call for ticket prices; (619) 246-3016.

"Daughter of the Appalachians" ---- PowPAC, Poway's Community Theatre, presents a staged reading of Linda Goodman's drama about the lives of six women from the mountains of southwestern Virginia; 7 p.m. Nov. 2; PowPAC, 13250 Poway Road, Poway; $10; (858) 679-8085.

"The Daughter of the Regiment" ---- Lyric Opera San Diego presents Donizetti's comic opera about a love triangle on a French battlefield in the early 1800s; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14, 20 and 22; 2:30 p.m. Nov. 16 and 23; Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave., San Diego; $30-$50; (619) 239-8836.

"Defending the Caveman" ---- Broadway/San Diego presents the national touring production of Rob Becker's one-man show about the battle of the sexes; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11-12; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13; 8 p.m. Nov. 14; 2 and 8 p.m. Nov. 15; 1 and 6 p.m. Nov. 16; Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego; $15-$72; (619) 570-1100.

"Don't Dress for Dinner" ---- North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Marc Camoletti's French farce about a married couple trying to hide their extramarital affairs from their spouses during an English country vacation; previews, 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; opens Saturday and runs through Nov. 16; showtimes, 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987D Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach; $30-$35; (858) 481-1055.

"Driving Miss Daisy" ---- Moonlight Stage Productions opens its indoor winter season with Alfred Uhry's Pulitzer Prize-winning play about an unlikely friendship between an elderly Jewish dowager and her black chauffeur in 1960s Atlanta; opens Nov. 13 and runs through Nov. 30; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (no performance on Thanksgiving); $26, general; $24, seniors, students and military; $18, juniors; (760) 724-2110.

"Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" ---- The Old Globe presents its 11th annual production of this Mel Marvin/Timothy Mason musical based on the holiday story by Dr. Seuss; opens Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 28; showtimes, 7 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 and 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park, San Diego; call for ticket prices; (619) 234-5623.

"Dying City" ---- Cygnet Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of Christopher Shinn's drama about an Iraq War widow meeting her late husband's twin brother a year after his death; 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday;Cygnet Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego; $22-$38; (619) 337-1525.

"Everything Will Be Different" ---- Lynx Performance Theatre presents Mark Schultz's drama about a grief-stricken woman who turns to drink, sex and fantasy to overcome the death of her mother; 8 p.m. Fridays-Sundays; through Nov. 23; Lynx Performance Theatre, 2653-R Ariane Drive, San Diego; $15-$20; for mature audiences; (619) 280-2641.

"Fool for Love" ---- New Village Arts Theatre opens its 2008-09 season with Sam Shepherd's drama about two feuding ex-lovers trying to forge a relationship in spite of the odds against them; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; New Village Arts Theatre, 2787 State St., Carlsbad; $30, general; $25, seniors, students and military; (760) 433-3245.

"The Good Times Are Killing Me" ---- El Camino High School presents cartoonist Lynda Barry's coming-of-age story about friendship, prejudice and music in a racially mixed '60s neighborhood; 7 p.m. Oct. 30 and Nov. 1, 6 and 8; 2 p.m. Nov. 2; 400 Rancho del Oro Drive, Oceanside; $7, general; $5, seniors and students; $4, children 12 and under; (760) 757-8550, Ext. 3902.

"Hamlet" ---- Classic Youth Theatre presents a youth-cast production of William Shakespeare's Danish tragedy; 6 p.m. Nov. 7-8; 2 p.m. Nov. 9; San Dieguito Academy, 800 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas; $10-$15; (760) 730-9447.

"Heartland" ---- MiraCosta College presents the world premiere of Anita Simons and Laurel Simon's drama about a grieving Wisconsin farming family who take in two POW farmhands during World War II; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13-15 and 20-22; 2 p.m. Nov. 16 and 23; MiraCosta College Theatre, 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside; $12, general; $10, seniors; $8, students and previews; (760)

"The Heiress" ---- South Coast Repertory presents Ruth Goetz and Augustus Goetz's psychological drama based on Henry James' novel "Washington Square"; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 7:30 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; through Nov. 16; Segerstrom Stage, South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; $20-$64; (714) 708-5555.

"In a Dark Dark House" ---- Ion Theatre presents Neil LaBute's drama about two adult brothers struggling with traumas they suffered in childhood; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays; through Nov. 1; Lab at the Academy of Performing Arts, 4580B Alvarado Canyon Road, San Diego; $23.50; (619) 374-6894.

"Irving Berlin's I Love a Piano" ---- Welk Resort Theatre presents the San Diego County premiere of this musical revue of more than 60 songs by the all-American composer; 1:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays; 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; through Nov. 9; Welk Resort Theatre, Lawrence Welk Resort, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $58-$63, includes buffet lunch or dinner; $44-$47, show only; (760) 749-3448.

"It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" ---- Cygnet Theatre presents its third annual production of this 1940s radio studio broadcast of Frank Capra's beloved holiday film about an angel-in-training who helps a suicidal man find out how his life has positively affected others; previews, Nov. 20-25; opens Nov. 26 and runs through Dec. 28; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; Cygnet Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego; $22-$38; (619) 337-1525.

"The Last Night of Ballyhoo" ---- Scripps Ranch Theatre presents Alfred Uhry's holiday comedy/drama about a Jewish family struggling to fit into upper-middle-class society in 1939 Atlanta; opens Nov. 7 and runs through Dec. 6; showtimes, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Scripps Ranch Theatre, Alliant University, 10455 Pomerado Road, San Diego; $19, general; $17 students, seniors, active military; $9, children 12 and under; (858) 578-7728.

"The Light in the Piazza" ---- Lamb's Players Theatre presents Adam Guettel and Craig Lucas' Tony-winning musical about how a woman and her mentally disabled adult daughter find unexpected surprises during a 1953 vacation in Italy; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; through Nov. 9; Lamb's Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado; $24-$58; (619) 437-0600.

"The Lilies of the Field" ---- Calvin Christian High School presents about a traveler who stops in a remote town and stays to help the village build a chapel; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; Calvin Christian High School,1868 N. Broadway, Escondido; $5, adults; $3, children; (760) 489-6430.

"The Little Mermaid" ---- Christian Youth Theater presents a musical production of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale featuring more than 60 local youth ages 8 to 18; 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Nov. 1; 2 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 1-2; Star Theater, 402 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside; $12, adults; $10, ages 3 to 19; $2 extra at the door; (800) 696-1929.

"The Little Mermaid" ---- Premiere for Kids presents a youth-cast production of Randall Hickman's musical based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale; 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22, 23 and 30 and Nov. 1; 2 p.m. Nov. 1-2; Off Broadway Theater, 131 Main St., Vista; $7-$12; (760) 724-5437.

"Lobby Hero" ---- PowPAC, Poway's Community Theatre presents Kenneth Lonergan's comedy-drama about a murder investigation in a Manhattan apartment building; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; through Nov. 9; PowPAC, 13250 Poway Road, Poway; $15, general; $13, students and active-duty military; (858) 679-8085.

"Luann: Scenes From a Teen's Life" ---- Fallbrook Players presents Greg Evans' musical comedy based on his comic strip about high school life from a teenage girl's perspective; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; Mission Theater, 231 N. Main St., Fallbrook; call for ticket prices; (760) 731-2278.

Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre ---- The Balboa Park Puppet Guild presents puppet performances for audiences ages 3 and up; 10 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 11 a.m., 1 and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater, Balboa Park, San Diego; $5, adults; $4, seniors; $3, children 12 and under; (619) 544-9203.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" ---- Poway High School's theater department presents a student-cast production of William Shakespeare's romantic comedy; 7 p.m. Nov. 6 and 7; 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 8; 2 p.m. Nov. 9; Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway; $7; (858) 748-0245.

"The Music Man" ---- Such N' Such Productions presents Meredith Willson's classic musical about a con man meeting his match in 1910-era Iowa; opens Nov. 7 and runs through Nov. 16; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Lewis Middle School Auditorium, 5170 Greenbrier Ave., San Diego; $15, adults; $10, children 12 and under; suchnsuchproductions.com.

"Night Music" ---- Patio Playhouse Community Theatre presents a revue of popular Broadway songs for the whole family; 3 p.m. Nov. 8; Turrentine Room, Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia St., Escondido; free; (760) 746-6669.

"Page by Page" starring Ken Page ---- Poway Center for the Performing Arts presents a return engagement of the Broadway star performing highlights from his stage career with songs from "Cats," "The Wiz," "Ain't Misbehavin'" and more; 8 p.m. Nov. 22; Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway; $39-$42, general; $5, youth 18 and under; (858) 748-0505.

"Plaid Tidings" ---- Welk Resort Theatre presents this holiday update on the Plaids, a 1960s vocal harmony quartet who've been resurrected from the dead for one last holiday concert; opens Nov. 13 and runs through Dec. 28; showtimes, 1:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays; 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; Welk Resort Theatre, Lawrence Welk Resort, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $58-$63, includes buffet lunch or dinner; $44-$47, show only; (760) 749-3448.

"The Princess and the Black-Eyed Pea" ---- San Diego Repertory Theatre presents the world premiere of Kirsten Childs and Andrew Chukerman's soulful fantasy musical that resets Hans Christian Andersen's "Princess and the Pea" fairytale in two African kingdoms; previews, Nov. 23-Dec. 2; opens Dec. 3 and runs through Dec. 21; showtimes, 7 p.m. Sundays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; San Diego Repertory Theatre at the Lyceum, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego; $34-$44; (619) 544-1000.

"Reckless" ---- Patio Playhouse presents Craig Lucas' offbeat holiday fable about a guilt-stricken husband who admits to his wife he's hired a hit man to kill her on Christmas Eve; opens Nov. 14 and runs through Dec. 7; showtimes, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Patio Playhouse, 201 E. Grand Ave., Escondido; $14, general; $12, seniors and students; $7, youth under 16; (760) 746-6669.

"Scrooge in Rouge: A British Music Hall Christmas Carol" ---- Diversionary Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of Ricky Graham's musical comedy, described as "the gayest Christmas show you'll ever see"; opens Nov. 20 and runs through Dec. 21; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 7 p.m. Sundays; Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego; $29-$33; (619) 220-0097.

"Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" ---- South Coast Repertory's Theatre for Young Audiences presents Bruce Mason and Jessica Jubzansky's musical adaptation of Judy Blume's popular children's book; opens Nov. 7 and runs through Nov. 23; showtimes, 7 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; Segerstrom Stage, South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; $20-$64; (714) 708-5555.

"Taxi Dance" ---- Blue Trunk Theatre Company presents a staged reading of Joe Powers' drama set in a run-down dance hall; 7 p.m. Monday; Lamb's Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado; $10; e-mail to joseppi@sdccu.net.

"Theater on the Water" ---- Oceanside Sailing presents a murder mystery theater cruise where passengers will take part in an interactive mystery theater program while enjoying a cruise of Oceanside's harbor aboard a 36-foot catamaran. Light snacks and refreshments will be served at various stops along the way; 6 p.m. Fridays-Sundays; Oceanside Sailing, Dolphin Dock, Oceanside Harbor; $79 (includes two-and-a-half- to three-hour cruise, show and snacks); (760) 804-5788.

"Tobacco Road" ---- La Jolla Playhouse presents a revival production of Jack Kirkland's 1933 drama about a family of Depression-era farmers struggling to hang on to their farm and hope in the face of great odds; 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 7 p.m. Sunday; Mandell Weiss Theatre, UC San Diego, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla; $29-$62; (858) 550-1010.

"Trying" ---- Carlsbad Playreaders presents Jonathan McMurtry and Kristianne Kurner in a reading of Joanna McClelland Glass' autobiographical drama about her prickly and ultimately healing relationship with the late Judge Francis Biddle, who presided over the Nuremberg Trials; 7:30 p.m. Monday; Schulman Auditorium, Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad; $5, adults; $1, students; carlsbadplayreaders.org.

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" ---- California Center for the Arts, Escondido, presents the national touring production of this comedy musical about the oddball finalists in a regional spelling bee; 8 p.m. Nov. 8; 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 9; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $27-$42; (800) 988-4253.

"Waiting to Be Invited" ---- Common Ground Theatre presents this Civil Rights-themed tale about four black women who try to eat in an all-white diner in 1964 Atlanta; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Nov. 1; 2 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 2; Educational Cultural Complex, 4343 Oceanview Blvd., San Diego; $17-$20; (619) 263-7911.

"Wait Until Dark" ---- New Vision Theatre presents Frederick Knott's thriller about a blind woman who tries to outwit a trio of thugs intent upon finding a smuggled stash of heroin in her apartment; opens Oct. 31 and runs through Nov. 16; showtimes, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside; $17, general; $14, seniors; $10, students and military; (760) 529-9140.

"Water and Power" ---- San Diego Repertory Theatre presents Culture Clash member Richard Montoya's noir fiction play that looks at Southern California power politics and Latino/Anglo relations; previews, Tuesday through Oct. 25; opens Oct. 26 and runs through Nov. 16; showtimes, 7 p.m. Sundays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; San Diego Repertory Theatre at the Lyceum, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego; $25-$53; (619) 544-1000.

"Wedding to Die For" ---- Fallbrook Players presents an audience-interactive murder-mystery dinner theater program set at a wedding; 7 p.m. Thursday and the third Thursdays of each month; Hukilau Restaurant, Fallbrook Golf Club, 2757 Gird Road, Fallbrook; $30 (includes dinner); (760) 728-0998.

"Where There's a Will ... There's a Wake" ---- Mystery Cafe Dinner Theatre presents a fast-paced mystery-comedy about a series of murders that take place in a 1920s speakeasy; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; runs indefinitely; Imperial House Restaurant, 505 Kalmia St., San Diego; $56.50-$59.50, price includes four-course dinner; (619) 544-1600.

"Wicked" ---- Stephen Schwartz's epic musical, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, tells the story about what happened in Oz before Dorothy dropped in; 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays; runs through Oct. 26; Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; $35-$98, general seating; $177.50-$202.50, VIP seating (orchestra, front and center); (213) 365-3500.

"The Women" ---- The Old Globe presents a large-scale revival of Clare Booth Luce's wicked commentary on 1930s New York socialites, directed by Darko Tresnjak and starring Broadway actresses Ruth Williamson, Nancy Anderson and Kate Baldwin; 7 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday; 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park, San Diego; $44-$66; (619) 234-5623.

"Xanadu" ---- La Jolla Playhouse presents; opens Nov. 11 and runs through Dec. 31; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 7 p.m. Sundays; Mandell Weiss Forum, UC San Diego, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla; $42-$75; (858) 550-1010.

AUDITIONS

Editor's note: Many events require that sheet music, cued CDs, resumes or head shots be brought to the audition. It's suggested those interested in auditioning call for specific information and appointment.

"America's Lip Synch Stars" ---- The makers of Puttin' on the Hits are holding auditions in 100 U.S. cities for an upcoming television reality contest to find America's best lip-syncing performers; auditions, 7 p.m. Thursday; Channel 1225 Video Club, San Diego; for details, visit www.americaslipsynchstars.com.

Premiere for Kids 15th Annual Talent Showcase ----- Auditions will be held for acts wishing to compete in the talent show on Nov. 2; three-minute auditions will be held for children ages 6 to 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday and 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday; Off Broadway Theater, 131 Main St., Vista; (760) 728-1002.

"Relatively Speaking" ---- PowPAC, Poway's Community Theatre will hold auditions for the Alan Ayckbourn comedy; auditions, 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; PowayPAC, 13250 Poway Road, Poway; (858) 693-8382.

"Holiday Variety Show '08" ---- Classic Youth Theatre Inc. will hold auditions for youth ages 10 to 18 who would like to participate in the show; auditions, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 1; Magee Park, 2650 Garfield, Carlsbad; (760) 730-9447.

"The Shadow Box" ---- Scripps Ranch Theatre will hold auditions for Michael Cristofer's drama; auditions, 7 p.m. Nov. 9-10; Legler Benbough Theatre, Alliant University, Avenue of Nations, San Diego; show runs Jan. 16-Feb. 8; e-mail director Jim Caputo for audition appointment at caputo@yahoo.com.

CLASSES/WORKSHOPS/CAMPS

"A Small Town Christmas" workshop ---- San Marcos children ages 7 to 18 are invited to this onstage workshop where they will be cast in a show, rehearse and present a full production for the public; 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, through Nov. 22 and 4-6 p.m. Dec. 1-3; show runs Dec. 4-7; San Marcos Community Center, San Marcos; $100 fee; (760) 806-7905.

Kids Act! Youth Theater Workshop ---- Six- and 10-week workshops in self-expression, role-playing and acting are being presented for ages 4 to 6, 7 to 11 and teens by this company operated by Aleta Barthell, a member of the Screen Actors Guild, Television and Radio Artists Guild and Writers Guild of America; call for locations and registration; (760) 635-3340 or aletabarthell.com.

Positive Action Community Theater free acting classes ---- New Encinitas theater group offers free acting classes for preschool, elementary and teen/adults, from 4:15-6:15 p.m. Saturdays; Dance North County, 535 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas; free; (760) 436-4869.

Christian Youth Theatre's Theater for Kids ---- Drama classes for ages 4 to 18 will be presented by CYT in seven locations countywide. Class enrollment allows youth to audition for CYT musicals; (800) 696-1929.

Carlsbad Community Theater "Playfactory" workshop ---- Children ages 10 to 18 can learn acting, vocal and dancing skills while auditioning, rehearsing and performing a Broadway-style musical; 9 a.m. to noon weekdays through Aug. 1; Aviara Oaks Elementary School, Carlsbad; $180; (760) 931-8709.

Premiere for Kids youth acting classes ---- Premiere for Kids Youth Theatre, run by Randall Hickman and Douglas Davis, presents ongoing acting classes for youth actors ages 8 to 17; Broadway Theater, 340B E. Broadway, Vista; www.premiereforkids.com.

New Village Arts acting classes ---- Ongoing acting program features techniques taught at the Actors Studio Drama School, including relaxation and sensory exercises as well as scene study; 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays or 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays in Carlsbad; call for fees; (760) 439-3784 or www.newvillagearts.org.

Triple Threat Academy ---- This Temecula theater school, founded by Paul Kehler and Joseph J. Arreola, offers classes in acting, musical theater, vocal training, music theory, dance, stage management, stagecraft and more; 27574 Commerce Center Drive #137, Temecula; (951) 693-1017.

Center Stage Senior Theater ---- New nonprofit North County performing arts group for seniors is auditioning for members to entertain for special occasions and organizations; seniors who can dance, sing, do comedy or have other specialty talents are invited to contact co-founders Lynnell Nelson and Margaret Olson, who are longtime dance teachers and experienced performers; (760) 941-9211 or (760) 754-4866.

Teen film/TV acting workshops ---- Acting coach Al Valletta offers a 12-week acting workshop for actors ages 10 to 17 who want to pursue a career in film and television. Ongoing classes meet from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Star Theatre in Oceanside, and from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Rising Stars Studio in Solana Beach. A separate class for older teens meets from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays in Solana Beach. Cost is $275 for 12 weeks; (760) 941-3208.

Cinema Arts acting workshop ---- Acting coach Patricia West-Del Ruth and Del Mar TV Studios hosts 10-week workshops featuring top American cinematographers teaching actors, writers and independent filmmakers how to enter the world of filmmaking; 7-10 p.m. Thursdays; call for new dates, registration and fees; (760) 736-1990.

Actors Workshop Studios ---- San Diego acting and auditions workshop for film and TV; on-camera training, audition techniques, industry knowledge; weekly in-house auditions with producers, casting directors, agents; www.actorsworkshopstudios.com.

Christian Youth Theatre acting classes ---- CYT holds 10-week acting classes for children ages 6 to 18; activities include education in acting, singing, dancing and general theater skills; classes beginning in Rancho Bernardo, Solana Beach and Carlsbad; the two-hour classes are held weekly on Tuesdays; call for prices; (800) 588-0206.

CHOIRS/ORCHESTRAS

San Diego Chorus ---- The 100-member women's a cappella chorus is seeking singers in all voice parts for its 2008 season; choir rehearses from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays in Balboa Park; call (619) 685-3385.

San Diego Master Chorale ---- Experienced singers are invited to audition for the 2008-09 season; Singers who are interested can sit in on the rehearsals from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays at First United Methodist Church, 2111 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego; audition appointments at (858) 581-2203.

Pacific Coast Harmony ---- This men's barbershop chorus is seeking talented singers who can sing a cappella and in harmony; (619) 427-6669.

San Diego A Cappella Chorus ---- The choir will hold auditions for girls ages 11 to 17 in all vocal ranges for its upcoming season; the choir rehearses every Tuesday in Rancho Bernardo; 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday; call for audition appointment, (858) 717-0262.

Valley Center-Pauma Community Orchestra ---- Adult and youth string and woodwind players are needed for this chamber ensemble, which will perform works by Bach, Handel, Mozart, Faure and John Williams; meetings are 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Valley Center Upper Elementary School; $70 sign-up fee; (760) 749-4218.

San Diego North Coast Singers ---- The 125-voice youth choral group is auditioning boys and girls, grades two to 12, for its four ensembles; auditions by appointment; rehearsals on Tuesdays in Encinitas; for an audition appointment, call Miel Burnett at (760) 944-1866 or visit www.northcoastsingers.com.

Music Men chorale and a cappella chorus ---- The Palomar Pacific Music Men barbershop harmony chorus is seeking new members for its choir and a cappella ensemble; no audition required; all male voice types welcome; group meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays; Salvation Army facility, 1301 Las Villas Way, Escondido; (760) 839-6518.

Poway Community Symphony Orchestra ---- This community orchestra for ages 18 and up, led this year by University of San Diego and Grossmont College professor Branden Muresan, has openings for musicians for its 2006-07 season; no audition necessary; rehearsals are held from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays at Bernardo Heights Middle School, Room 501, 129909 Paseo Lucido, Rancho Bernardo; (858) 748-5131, Ext. 2613.

San Diego Youth Philharmonic Orchestra ---- The advanced ensemble is holding auditions for strings, winds, brass and percussion students up to age 25; rehearsals are from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at Mt. Carmel High School in Rancho Penasquitos; for an audition appointment, call (858) 673-0217.

San Diego Youth Symphony and Symphonic Orchestra ---- Musicians ages 7 to 25 are invited to audition for positions in the orchestra's 61st anniversary season; artistic director Jeff Edmons will audition for both the Youth Symphony and more advanced Symphonic Orchestra; ensembles rehearse on weekends from September through June; auditions by appointment through June 18 in Balboa Park; (619) 233-3232.

Symphonic orchestra ---- The Civic Youth Orchestra is forming a new youth symphony (with strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion) to provide a symphonic experience for music students not yet at the CYO level; rehearsals will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays at Palomar College; for audition information, visit www.sandiegocyo.org or call Rebecca Washburn, (858) 484-9635.

Southern California Youth Symphony ---- San Diego-based youth orchestra conducted by Grammy-winning horn player and conductor Warren Gref is auditioning players of all instruments; auditions by appointment; rehearsals, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sundays; California Institute of Music, 3346 Industrial Court, San Diego; e-mail office@fairbanksartscenter.com or (858) 259-5508.

Southwest Women's Chorus ---- The Temecula-based community women's choir is seeking new singers for its fall season and winter concert; beginners welcome; music-reading ability desirable but not required; Old Town Temecula Community Theatre, 42051 Front St., Temecula; for reservation appointment, call (951) 926-4100.

Southern California Sinfonietta ---- San Diego-based training orchestra for musicians ages 7 to 13 (feeder orchestra for Southern California Youth Symphony) is auditioning players of all instruments; auditions by appointment; rehearsals, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sundays; California Institute of Music, 3346 Industrial Court, San Diego; e-mail office@fairbanksartscenter.com or (858) 259-5508.

Rancho Penasquitos Flute Choir ---- New members are sought for the group's Wednesday evening sessions; all levels of adult flute players are welcome to the choir, led by local musician and recording artist Bradley Leighton; (858) 484-8609 or visit www.fluteguy.com.

Village Presbyterian Church Junior Choir ---- Children in grades one to six are invited to audition for the program for its upcoming season of choir festivals and musicals; rehearsals, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Sundays; 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe; (760) 739-0706.