Press releases for arts and entertainment events and programs should be typed, double-spaced, with basic information about the event, performance dates and times, location, ticket prices and a public telephone number. Send notices two to three weeks before the event to Preview, 207 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Escondido, 92025, or via e-mail to preview@nctimes.com. Or fax items to (760) 745-3769.
THEATER
"An American Christmas" ---- Lamb's Players Theatre and the Hotel del Coronado present their annual holiday musical dinner party, where members of an extended San Diego family, circa 1909, invite guests to join their lavish holiday celebration, held in the Hotel's Grand Ballroom; the three-hour party includes a multicourse dinner, audience-interactive sing-alongs and live entertainment themed to 100 years ago; 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13-27 (no performance on Christmas Day); Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado; $115-$160, adults; $8-$125, children ages 5 to 12; 619-437-0600 or lambsplayers.org.
"Anastasia" ---- Premiere Productions presents the world premiere of Randall Hickman's musical based on the story of the woman who appeared out of nowhere to claim she was the last living descendant of Russia's royal family, featuring a youth cast; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 and Dec. 9-11; 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 5 and Dec. 12; 2 p.m. Dec. 6 and Dec. 13; Off Broadway Theater, 131 Main St., Vista; $12, general; $10, seniors and students; $7, children under 12; 760-806-7905 or www.broadwayvista.com.
"An Unscripted Carol" ---- North Coast Repertory Theatre presents this holiday comedy where actors create an improvisational adaptation of Charles Dickens' holiday classic on the spot; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and 28; North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987D Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach; $15-$20; 858-481-1055 or northcoastrep.org.
"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. Sundays; Welk Resorts Theatre, Welk Resorts San Diego, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $25, adults; $10, children ages 3 to 15; 888-802-7469 or welktheatresandiego.com.
"Babes in Toyland" ---- Premiere Productions presents a youth-cast production of this holiday musical based on the storybook about an evil man bent on taking over Toyland on Christmas Eve and the efforts by Santa's elves to stop him; 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 5; noon Dec. 6; Avo Playhouse, 303 Main St., Vista; $12, general; $10, seniors and students; $7, children under 12; 760-806-7905 or www.broadwayvista.com.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" ---- Village Church Community Theater presents this heartwarming holiday comedy about a troubled family redeemed by the holiday spirit; 7 p.m. Dec. 4 and Dec. 5; 2 p.m. Dec. 6; Village Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe; call for ticket prices; 760-315-8015.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" ---- Patio Playhouse Youtheatre presents this heartwarming holiday comedy about a troubled family redeemed by the holiday spirit; opens Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 20; showtimes, 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Patio Playhouse, 201 E. Grand Ave., Suite 1D, Escondido; $10, general; $7, children 16 and under; 760-746-6669 or patioplayhouse.com.
"Bonnie and Clyde" ---- La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of Frank Wildhorn, Don Black and Ivan Menchell's musical based on the lives of Depression-era bank robbers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 7 p.m. Sundays; through Dec. 20; Mandell Weiss Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse complex, UC San Diego, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla; $43-$78; has some adult content; 858-550-1010 or lajollaplayhouse.com.
"Oh Come All Ye Faithful: Black Nativity, the Musical" ---- Common Ground Theatre presents this soulful retelling of the birth of Jesus with gospel choirs, hip hop, spoken word, rap, crunk dance, and other music and dance forms; opens Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 13; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays; Educational Cultural Complex, 4343 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego; $25, general; $17, seniors and students; $10, children under 12; 619-263-7911 or www.commongroundtheatre.org.
"Camino Real" ---- UC San Diego Theatre and Dance presents Tennessee Williams' drama about a dead-end community for burned-out poets, boxers and dreamers; 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; Potiker Theatre, UC San Diego, La Jolla; $20, general; $15, seniors; $10, UCSD students with ID; 858-534-4574 or theatre.ucsd.edu/season.
"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" ---- Guajome Park Academy presents this stage adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel about a poor boy who wins the opportunity to inherit an eccentric candymaker's factory; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and Dec. 5; 2 p.m. Dec. 6; Guajome Park Academy, 2000 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista; call for ticket prices; 760-631-8500.
"Christmas Belles" ---- Premiere Productions presents the San Diego premiere of this Texas-style comedy about a dust-up in the town of Fayro when the longtime Christmas pageant director is replaced by a competitor who is planning a spectacular Bethlehem-apalooza; 1 and 4 p.m. Dec. 12; 7 p.m. Dec. 19-20; Avo Playhouse, 303 Main St., Vista; $16.50; 760-806-7905 or www.broadwayvista.com.
"Christmas at Community" ---- Community Players Theatre will present three one-act productions: "Believe," "Jason's Gift" and "The Rented Christmas"; 7 p.m. Dec. 4 and Dec. 5; Community Lutheran Church, 3575 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido; $10, adults; $8, seniors and childres; 760-751-5377.
"A Christmas Carol: The Musical" ---- Broadway Theatre Arts Academy presents Alan Menken's musical adaptation of Dickens' holiday tale featuring a cast of youth ages 6 to 19; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12; 2 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13; Maxine Theatre, Valley Center High School, 31322 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center; $10-$12; 760-888-1989 or btaakids.org.
"A Christmas Carol" ---- North Coast Repertory Theatre presents its third annual production of Jacqueline Goldfinger's adaptation of the Charles Dickens holiday classic, starring Jonathan McMurtry as Scrooge; previews, Dec. 9 and 10; opens Dec. 11 and runs through Dec. 27; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987D Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach; $25-$30; 858-481-1055 or northcoastrep.org.
"A Christmas Carol" ---- Julian Stage Company and the Julian Chamber of Commerce will present Don Winslow's adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"; 7 p.m. Dec. 10-12 and 18-19; 1:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 20; Julian Town Hall, 2129 Main St.; $5 to $10; 760-765-3120.
"A Christmas Carol, The Musical" ---- Welk Resort Theatre presents Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens' 90-minute, upbeat musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic; 1:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays; 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; through Jan. 3; Welk Resorts Theatre, Welk Resorts San Diego, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $58-$63, adults (includes buffet lunch or dinner); $44-$47, adults, show only; 760-749-3448 or welktheatresandiego.com.
"A Christmas Carol" ---- South Coast Repertory presents Hal Landon Jr. as Scrooge in the company's 30th annual production of Jerry Patch's adaptation of the Charles Dickens holiday classic; previews, Dec. 5 through Dec. 8; opens Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 26; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Saturdays; noon and 4 p.m. Sundays; Segerstrom Stage, South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; 35-$40; 714-708-5555 or www.scr.org.
"A Christmas Radio Show" ---- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will present their annual Christmas program featuring a retelling of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" told in a live radio broadcast style, along with a telling of the birth of Jesus from the New Testament, and featuring a 100-voice choir, a 10-piece band, vocal soloists, line dancers and comedy acts; 6 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 22; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $6; 800-988-4253 or www.artcenter.org.
"A Christmas Story" ---- Valley Center Community Theatre presents this holiday play based on the beloved film about Ralphie Parker, a young Midwestern boy who just wants a BB gun for Christmas; 7 p.m. Dec. 4 and Dec. 5; 2 p.m. Dec. 5 and Dec. 6; Maxine Theatre, Valley Center High School, 31322 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center; $10 in advance; 760-749-7390 or www.maxine.vcpusd.net.
"A Christmas Story" ---- San Deigo Junior Theatre presents a youth-cast production of this holiday play based on the beloved film about Ralphie Parker, a young Midwestern boy who just wants a BB gun for Christmas; opens Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 20; showtimes, 7 p.m. Fridays; 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; YMCA Firehouse, 7877 Herschel Ave., La Jolla; $11-$14; 619-239-8355 or juniortheatre.com.
"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 Resorts Theatre, Welk Resorts San Diego, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $25, adults; $10, children; 760-749-3448 or welktheatresandiego.com.
"Dottie and Digger's Country Christmas" ---- Premiere Productions presents the San Diego premiere of Randall Hickman's homespun holiday comedy where a blizzard strands travelers in a rural diner on Christmas Eve, but they make the best of it with singing, dancing and music performed live by the Cockleburrs; 7 p.m. Dec. 13; 1 p.m. Dec. 19; 1 and 4 p.m. Dec. 20; Avo Playhouse, 303 Main St., Vista; $16.50; 760-806-7905 or www.broadwayvista.com.
"Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" ---- The Old Globe presents its 12th annual production of this Mel Marvin/Timothy Mason musical based on Dr. Seuss' holiday book about a miserly mountain creature who steals holiday trees and gifts from villagers in the valley below; showtimes vary, but generally 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 11 a.m., 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. Sundays; through Dec. 27; Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park, San Diego; $39-$79, adults; $20-$59, children ages 3 to 17; 619-234-5623 or www.theoldglobe.org.
"The Eight: Reindeer Monologues" ---- Compass Theatre presents Jeff Goode's dark Christmas comedy about what happens when one of Santa's reindeer accuses him of sexual harassment, told in a series of comic monologues by everyone from the reindeer to the elves; opens Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 20; 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Compass Theatre, 3704 Sixth Ave., San Diego; $17-$20; 619-688-9210 or compasstheatre.com.
"The Good, the Bad and the Udderly Ridiculous" ---- Mystery Cafe Dinner Theatre presents a fast-paced mystery-comedy about a series of murders that take place in the Old West; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; runs indefinitely; Imperial House Restaurant, 505 Kalmia St., San Diego; $59.50, price includes four-course dinner; 619-460-2200 or mysterycafe.net.
"Holiday Memories" ---- Scripps Ranch Theatre presents Russell Vandenbroucke's stage adaptation of Truman Capote's autobiographical holiday stories from his rural Depression-era childhood in small-town Alabama; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; through Dec. 12; Scripps Ranch Theatre at Legler-Benbough Theatre, Alliant University, 10455 Pomerado Road, San Diego; $20, general; $18, students and active military; $10, children 12 and under; 858-578-7728.
"How Do You Spell Chanukkah" ---- North Coast Repertory Theatre presents this improvisational comedy where hosts Marc and Doug joke, make music, tell stories and have a little nosh while kibitzing over the story of Hanukkah; 8 p.m. Dec. 5; 7 p.m. Dec. 6 and Dec. 7; North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987D Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach; $15-$20; 858-481-1055 or northcoastrep.org.
"I Do! I Do!" ---- The Old Globe presents a special engagement of the Tom Jones/Harvey Schmidt musical about a 50-year marriage starring married performers Patrick Page and Paige Davis, to inaugurate the Globe's new Sheryl & Harvey White Theatre; previews, 8 p.m. Dec. 11; 2 p.m. Dec. 12; opens Dec. 11 and runs through Dec. 20; regular showtimes, 7 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Sheryl & Harvey White Theatre, Old Globe complex, Balboa Park, San Diego; $39-$85; 619-234-5623 or www.theoldglobe.org.
"It Had to Be You" ---- Premiere Productions presents Renee Taylor and Joseph Bologna's comic holiday love story about a struggling actress and a flattering ad salesman who continually trick each other into falling in love after she kidnaps him on Christmas Eve; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; through Dec. 20; Broadway Theater, 340 E. Broadway, Vista; $16.50; 760-806-7905 or broadwayvista.com.
"It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" ---- Cygnet Theatre presents its fourth annual production of Joe Landry's stage adaptation of the Frank Capra's holiday film about a suicidal man who discovers how important he is to his community and family with the help of an apprentice angel, re-set in a 1940s radio studio, complete with sound effects and live music; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 7 p.m. Sundays; through Dec. 27; Cygnet Theatre, Old Town San Diego, Juan and Twiggs streets, San Diego; $17-$46; 619-337-1525 or www.cygnettheatre.com.
"Joey and Maria's Comedy Italian Wedding" ---- Dillstar Productions presents the revival of its long-running interactive dinner theater comedy where audience members are the guests at the nutty nuptials of the Gnocchi and Cavatelli families; 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; through December; Culy Warehouse, 633 Seventh Ave., San Diego; $68.50 (includes Italian dinner and show); valet parking is $10; 800-944-5639 or comedywedding.com.
"Jesus Christ Superstar" ---- Broadway/San Diego presents the national touring production of this Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice rock opera about Jesus' final days, starring Ted Neeley in his farewell tour; 8 p.m. Jan. 15; 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 16; 1 and 6 p.m. Jan. 17; San Diego Civic Theatre, Third Avenue at B Street, San Diego; $20-$79; 619-570-1100 or www.broadwaysd.com.
"A Joyful Christmas" ---- Pop-era singer Romina Arena, who has performed with Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion, will perform a concert of holiday favorites, with onstage accompaniment by folk artist Jim Shore, who will paint while she performs; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Dec. 5; Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave., San Diego; $30-$55; birchnorthparktheatre.net.
"The King and I" ---- J*Company youth theater will present the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about a stubborn but progressive Siamese king and the strong-willed English schoolteacher whom he hires to teach his children Western ways; 7 p.m. Dec. 3 and Dec. 9; 8 p.m. Dec. 5 and Dec. 12; 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and Dec. 13; 1 p.m. Dec. 13; Garfield Theatre, Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla; $13-$17; 858-362-1348 or www.sdcjc.org/jcompany.
Lamb's Players Festival of Christmas ---- Lamb's Players Theatre's annual holiday musical offering is a world premiere by Kerry Meads set in a recording studio in the 1970s; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 4 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays; through Dec. 27; Lamb's Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado; $27-$58; 619-437-0600 or lambsplayers.org.
"La Pastorela de los Padres" ---- Teatro Mascara Magica presents its 19th annual Pastorela musical, a Mexican-inspired, bilingual tale of the shepherds' journey to Bethlehem to witness the first Christmas; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16-20; 2 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20; Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego; $15, adults; $10, students, military and seniors; $5, children under 12; 619-544-1000.
"Last Dec. 6 Cabaret" ---- Classic standards, jazz, Gospel and Broadway tunes, performed at 7 p.m. on the last Dec. 6 of each month; Lamb's Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado; $15-$45; 619-437-6050 or www.lambsplayers.org.
"Lincoln's Shakespeare" ---- San Diego Shakespeare Society and Write Out Loud will present a stage adaptation of John Brigg's essay on the deep political and psychological insights Abraham Lincoln drew from his studies of Shakespeare, featuring scenes from several of the Bard's plays; 7 p.m. Dec. 8; Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town San Diego; freewill donations; sandiegoshakespearesociety.org.
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre ---- Balboa Park Puppet Guild presents "Christmas Variety Show," Dec. 4 and Dec. 5; Millie Patterson's Weaver's Tales presents "The Adventures of the Gingerbread Man," Dec. 9-13; Puppet Express presents "The Merry Christmas Show," Dec. 16-20; Eva Kvaas presents "The Merry Christmas Show," Dec. 21-23, 26-28; regular showtimes, 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 or balboaparkpuppets.com.
"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" ---- The city of San Marcos Civic Center Theatre and the Broadway Theatre present this holiday musical featuring adult performers; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5; 2 p.m. Dec. 6; Hearth Theatre, San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos; $8 in advance; $10 at door; 760-744-9000.
"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" ---- Premiere Productions presents this nonstop holiday song and dance revue featuring an adult cast; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 through Dec. 9 and Dec. 14-16; Broadway Theater, 340 E. Broadway, Vista; $16.50; 760-806-7905 or www.broadwayvista.com.
"My Fatal Valentine" ---- Newly formed Curtain Call Productions will present Eileen Moushey's comedy murder-mystery set at a romance writers' convention on the third Dec. 3 of each month; Hukilau Restaurant, Fallbrook Golf Course, Fallbrook; $35; 760-723-2724 or e-mail curtaincallcompany@yahoo.com.
"The New Century" --- Diversionary Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of Paul Rudnick's "big gay comedy," a quartet of short plays about a Jewish matron, a flamboyant aging homosexual and Midwestern craftswoman, who all come together in the finale; previews, Dec. 3; opens Dec. 4 and runs through Jan. 2; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; plus additional performances on holiday weekends; Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego; $33, general; $29, military, seniors and students; 619-220-0097 or diversionary.org.
"Picasso at the Lapin Agile" ---- New Village Arts Theatre presents Steve Martin's brisk and witty comedy that imagines a meeting between Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso at a turn-of-the-century Parisian cafe; 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Dec. 5; 2 p.m. Dec. 6; 2787 State St., Carlsbad; $25-$30; 760-433-3245 or newvillagearts.org.
The Platt Brothers ---- California Center for the Arts, Escondido's Performances for Youth series features siblings Cy, Cheetah and Boone Platt, who grew up without television so they made their own entertainment; their family-friendly show features energetic music, dancing, acrobatics, comedy and singing; 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 8; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $2; 800-988-4253 or www.artcenter.org.
"Rifftrax Live! Christmas Shorts-Stravaganza!" ----- Join the stars of television's "Mystery Science Theatre 3000" (Michael J. Nelson, Kevin "Tom Servo" Murphy and Bill "Crow T. Robot" Corbett, and special guest "Weird Al" Yankovic, for an afternoon of hilarious holiday riffing on some classic Christmas short films, including the animated "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," classic commercials and a musical short about the virtues of pork; the production will be performed live in Escondido and simulcast to movie theaters all over the country; 4:30 p.m. Dec. 16; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $25; 800-988-4253.
"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree: A Harmoniously Hysterical Holiday Hit" ---- The Alley Cats, an a cappella doo-wop harmony quartet, mixes music with comedy and audience interaction in a family-friendly holiday show; 3 p.m. Dec. 20; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $20-$23; 800-988-4253.
"R.U.R. ---- Rossum's Universal Robots" ---- Chronos Theatre Group presents a staged reading of Karel Capek's 1921 Czech sci-fi classic about technology and the future of humanity; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7; Swedenborg Hall, 1531 Tyler Ave., San diego; $10; 619-615-8928 or www.chronostheatre.com.
"Santa Inc." ---- Music With a Twist of Mime director Jerry Hager and his students will present a family-friendly holiday program of magic, songs, juggling, puppets and mime at Santa's toy workshop at the North Pole; 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20; Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside; $7, general; $5, children; or $20 for a family pass; 760-529-9140 or www.sunshinebrookstheatre.org.
"The Santaland Diaries" ---- New Village Arts Theatre presents David Sedaris' wickedly funny solo play based on his own miserable experiences one year as a Macy's store Christmas elf; 8 p.m. Dec. 10-12, 17-20 and 22-23; 3 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19; 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20; 2787 State St., Carlsbad; $20; 760-433-3245 or newvillagearts.org.
"Scrooge: The Musical" ---- CAST Productions presents its annual Christmas musical based on the story of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"; opens Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 20; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays (no performance Dec. 5); Mission Theater, 231 N. Main St., Fallbrook; $10, general; $8, seniors and juniors; 760-731-2278.
"Scrooge: The Musical" ---- Temecula Valley Players presents this holiday play based on Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and Dec. 10-12; 6 p.m. Dec. 6; 2 p.m. Dec. 12-13; Old Town Temecula Community Theatre, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $20-$28; 866-653-8696.
"The Seafarer" ---- San Diego Repertory Theatre presents Conor McPherson's holiday comedy-drama about a group of Irishmen (played by Ron Choularton, Jeffrey Meek, Sam Woodhouse and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" star Armin Shimerman) who get drunk on Christmas Eve and encounter Beelzebub; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays and Wednesdays; through Dec. 13; Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego; $29-$47, general; $18, students; 544-1000 or www.sdrep.org.
Shen Yun Chinese Spectacular ---- Shen Yun Performing Arts presents an all-new program of Chinese music and dance, with a full orchestra; 7 p.m. Dec. 26-30; 1:30 p.m. Dec. 27; San Diego Civic Theatre, Third Avenue at B Street, San Diego; 39-$200; 619-570-1100.
"Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold" ---- North Coast Repertory Theatre presents its annual production of this Catholic-themed comedy where the stern nun Sister leads an audience-interactive adult Catechism class on the Christmas story; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14-16; North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987D Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach; $25-$30; 858-481-1055 or northcoastrep.org.
"A Taffeta Christmas: A 1950s Musical Review" ---- Female quartet performs a retro holiday musical program; opens Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 20; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Dec. 6; Onstage Playhouse, 291 Third Ave., Chula Vista; $20; 619-422-7787.
The Ten Tenors Holiday Program ----- The Australian pop/opera/performance troupe features 10 male singers from Down Under performing a fresh program of holiday music; 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and Dec. 9; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10; 8 p.m. Dec. 11; 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 12; 1 and 6 p.m. Dec. 13; San Diego Civic Theatre, Third Avenue at B Street, San Diego; $15-$72; 619-570-1100.
"Traditions of Christmas" ---- Christian Community Theatre presents its annual holiday spectacular featuring holiday carols, Rockette-style dancers, Santa Claus and his workshop elves and a live Nativity; 7 p.m. Dec. 10-12, 17-19 and 21-22; 2 p.m. Dec. 12-13, 19-23; 6 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20; East County Performing Arts Center, 210 E. Main St., El Cajon; $26-$38, general; $24-$35, seniors and military; $18, children; 800-696-1929 or cyt.org.
"Tragedy of the Commons" ---- Cygnet Theatre presents the San Diego premiere of a staged reading of Stephen Metcalfe's play about a West Coast couple forced to face the ugly truth in their disconnected relationship when a neighbor threatens the sanctity of their home; Metcalfe directs the production and will host a post-show "meet and greet"; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7; Cygnet's Old Town Theatre, Juan and Twiggs streets, San Diego; $10; 619-337-1525.
"Twas the Night Before Christmas" ---- Premiere Productions presents a youth-cast production of Randall Hickman's comedy about how a group of storytellers reading Clement Moore's classic holiday poem decide to improvise and create their own versions of some beloved holiday tales; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16-18; 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 19; 2 p.m. Dec. 20; Off Broadway Theater, 131 Main St., Vista; $12, general; $10, seniors and students; $7, children under 12; 760-806-7905 or www.broadwayvista.com.
"Welcome to Ramallah" ---- Compass Theatre presents a reprise of this piece from its Resilience of the Spirit Festival, the story of four people involved in the Jewish-Palestinian conflict in Ramallah, a city in the occupied Palestinian territories; 7 p.m. Dec. 6 and Dec. 13 and 20; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 15; Compass Theatre, 3704 Sixth Ave., San Diego; $15; 619-688-9210 or compasstheatre.com.
"Window Pains" ---- Big City Productions presents veteran North County and Broadway stars Eric Kunze and Gina De Luca in this musical reflection on the ups and downs of love and life, featuring songs from "Dec. 6 in the Park With George," "In the Heights," "Spring Awakening," "Rent," "Little Women" and "The Wedding Singer"; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18; Welk Resorts Theatre, Welk Resorts San Diego, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $35; 760-749-3448 or welktheatresandiego.com.
"Wonder of the World" ---- Carlsbad Playreaders presents David Lindsey-Abaire's comedy/drama about a woman who goes on a journey of self-actualization, and the absurd characters she meets along the way; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7; Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad; $5, adults; $1, students; 760-602-2012 or www.carlsbadplayreaders.org.
"You Better Watch Out" ---- PowPAC, Poway's Community Theatre presents Dan Hodgins' heartwarming holiday comedy about a snowed-in lodge, three weary travelers who seek lodging for the night and a mysterious stranger who just might be Father Christmas himself; opens Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 13; showtimes, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; PowPAC, 13250 Poway Road, Poway; $10, general; $6, children ages 6 to 12; 858-679-8085 or www.powpac.org.
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.
"Annie" ---- Star Theatre will hold auditions for girls ages 7 to 12 for the roles of adults in its annual holiday production; auditions, 9:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 6; Star Theatre, 402 N. Coast Highway; production runs Dec. 18-19; 760-721-9983.
"Fame: The Musical" ---- Fallbrook Players will hold auditions for this teen-cast musical about a performing arts high school in New York; auditions, noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 6; Ballet Society, 325 N. Brandon St., Fallbrook; show runs March 12-21; 760-728-0998 or www.fallbrookplayers.com.
"Postmortem" ---- New Vision Theatre Company will hold auditions for a Sherlock Holmes-style mystery thriller; auditions, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and Dec. 8; Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside; show runs Jan. 29-Feb. 14; www.nvtheatre.com.
CLASSES/WORKSHOPS/CAMPS
Theater movement workshop ---- San Diego mime and theater coach Jerry Hager will offer a class on theater and expressive body movement, which will include the screening of a Charlie Chaplin film as an extra feature; noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 5; Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside; 760-529-9140.
Set Design Workshop ---- Star Theatre hosts its first annual workshop on set design for ages 12 and up, where students will leran about set design and create their own miniature versions of a set for the company's upcoming "King and I." The winner will have his or her work realized onstage; 1 to 6 p.m. Jan. 10; Star Theatre, 402 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside; free; startheatre@sbcglobal.net.
Kids Act! Youth Theater Workshop ---- Six- and 10-week workshops in self-expression, role-playing and acting are being presented for ages 4 to 11 operated by Aleta Barthell, a member of the Screen Actors Guild, Television and Radio Artists Guild and Writers Guild of America; New Village Arts Theatre, 2787B State St., Carlsbad; Barthell also teaches classes for youths ages 4 to 17 at Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas; 760-635-3340 or aletabarthell.com.
Encinitas School of Music Flute Choir ---- The Encinitas School of Music is seeking flutists of all ages for its flute choir program. Musicians should have played for at least one year. The year-round program includes clinics, field trips and concerts. The group meets at 7 p.m. Mondays. There is a $40 monthly fee; 775 Orpheus Ave., Encinitas; call Ron Ebel at 760-757-3096.
Encinitas School of Music Big Band ---- Students who have played saxophone, trombone, piano, bass, guitar and drums for at least two years are invited to join this Encinitas-based all-ages ensemble; call Jack Hill at 760-612-5299 or visit ww.esom.org.
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.
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.
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:
Civic Youth Orchestra ---- The nonprofit training program for young musicians has a new conductor, Greg Lawrence, and a new rehearsal location at the San Marcos Senior Center, 111 Richmar Ave., San Marcos. Lawrence will instruct the Chamber Strings and Intermediate Strings Orchestra. For information, call 760-728-1977.
Encinitas Youth Show Choir ---- The choir for children ages 6 and up, and all ability levels, is accepting registration through Sept. 30 for its fall semester; rehearsals are 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays; Dance Connection, 625 Encinitas Blvd., Suite A, Encinitas; contact Katherine Pupping at 760-717-9249 or katepupping@roadrunner.com, or visit encinitasyouthshowchoir.com.
Encinitas School of Music Flute Choir ---- Flutists who've played for at least one year are invited to join instructor Ron Ebel's program, which includes clinics, field trips and concerts year-round; the choir practices at 7 p.m. Mondays at 775 Orpheus Ave., Encinitas; call Ebel at 760-757-3095.
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.
The Music Men Barbershop Chorus ---- The choir is seeking male singers for its holiday shows Nov. 28-Dec. 15; auditions will be held at the group's rehearsals, 7 p.m. Tuesdays; San Marcos Senior Center, 111 Richmar Ave., San Marcos; 760-839-6518.
Pacific Coast Harmony ---- This men's barbershop chorus is seeking talented singers who can sing a cappella and in harmony; 619-427-6669.
Pacific Women's Chorus ---- Singers are needed for the 2009-10 season; choir rehearses on Dec. 9 evenings in Solana Beach; for an audition, email director@pacificwomenschorus.org or call 760-846-6184.
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, is seeking new musicians; no audition necessary; rehearsals are held from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays at Room 501, Bernardo Heights Middle School, 129909 Paseo Lucido, Rancho Bernardo; 858-748-5131, ext. 2613.
Rancho Penasquitos Flute Choir ---- New members are sought for the group's Dec. 9 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.
RB Chorale ---- The choir led by Pat Bean is seeking members for its annual holiday shows; rehearsals are at 7 p.m. Tuesdays; Westwood Elementary Schoo, 17449 Matinal Road, SanDiego; 858-485-7664 or rbchorale.org.
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 Dec. 8 in Rancho Bernardo; call for audition appointment, 858-717-0262.
San Diego Chorus ---- The 100-member women's a cappella chorus is seeking singers in all voice parts; 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 by sitting 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.
San Diego North Coast Singers ---- The 125-voice youth choral group is auditioning boys and girls, grades two to 12, for its four ensembles on June 13; auditions by appointment; rehearsals on Tuesdays in Encinitas; call Miel Burnett at 760-944-1866 or visit www.northcoastsingers.com.
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; artistic director Jeff Edmons directs both the Youth Symphony and more advanced Symphonic Orchestra; ensembles rehearse on weekends from September through June; 619-233-3232.
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.
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; beginners welcome; music-reading ability desirable but not required; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; for reservation appointment, call 951-926-4100.
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 are from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays at Palomar College; for audition information, visit www.sandiegocyo.org or call Rebecca Washburn, 858-484-9635.
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.
Village Presbyterian Church Junior Choir ---- Children in grades one to six are invited to audition for the program for its choir festivals and musicals; rehearsals, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Sundays; 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe; 760-739-0706.
