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

"Alice Jr." ---- Christian Youth Theatre presents a youth musical based on the novel by Lewis Carroll and the score from the 1951 Disney film; 7 p.m. Feb. 26, 27 and March 6; 2 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 6, 7; Escondido Charter High School, 1868 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido; $12, adults; $10, ages 3 to 19; 800-696-1929 or www.cytsandiego.org.

"Alive and Well" ---- The Old Globe presents the world premiere of Kenny Finkle's romantic comedy about the mismatched pairing of a big-city reporter from the north and a Civil War re-enactor from the south who team up to research a news story; previews, March 20 to 24; opens March 25 and runs through April 25; showtimes, 7 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays -Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Old Globe complex, Balboa Park, San Diego; $29-$62; 619-234-5623 or www.theoldglobe.org.

"An Inspector Calls" ---- Lamb's Players Theatre presents J.B. Priestley's mystery drama about a family celebration interrupted by news of what turns out to be a not-so-random murder; preview, Feb. 11; opens Feb. 12 and runs through March 21; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Lamb's Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado; call for ticket prices; 619-437-0600 or lambsplayers.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.

"Aurelia's Oratorio" ---- La Jolla Playhouse presents a special engagement of cirque performer Victoria Thierree Chaplin's family-friendly theater piece that mixes cirque techniques, acrobatics, stage illusion and music to tell the story of a young girl's topsy-turvy life behind the red curtain; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; through Feb. 28; La Jolla Playhouse, UC San Diego, La Jolla; $44, adults; $25, children 12 and under; 858-550-1010 or www.lajollaplayhouse.org.

"Backwards in High Heels" ---- FCL Musical Theatre presents Kynnette Barkley and Christopher McGovern's musical about the love/hate relationship between on-screen dancing team Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, chronicling Rogers' rise from obscurity to eternal film fame; 8 p.m. March 12 and 13; 2 p.m. March 13 and 14; 7 p.m. March 15; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $40-$65; 800-988-4253.

"Boeing-Boeing" ---- The Old Globe presents Marc Camoletti and Beverly Cross' classic 1960s farce about a Parisian architect whose juggling act with three flight attendant fiancees hits some unexpected turbulence; previews, March 13-17; opens March 18 and runs through April 18; showtimes, 7 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays -Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; through Feb. 28; Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Old Globe complex, Balboa Park, San Diego; $29-$62; 619-234-5623 or www.theoldglobe.org.

"Breaking Up is Hard to Do" ---- Broadway Theater presents the San Diego premeire of this musical about a woman who finds love in the Catskills after being dumped on her wedding day, featuring the songs of Neil Sedaka; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; through March 7; Broadway Theater, 340B E. Broadway, Vista; $17.50; www.broadwayvista.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.

"Culture Clash in AmeriCCa" ---- San Diego Repertory Theatre presents the return of the Latino comedy troupe of Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas and Herbert Siguenza in this comedy featuring the best vignettes from many of their site-specific shows, including San Diego, New York, Miami and more); previews, Feb. 18-20; opens Feb. 18 and runs through March 7; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 7 p.m. Sundays and Wednesdays; Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego; $29-$47, general; $18, students; 619-544-1000 or www.sdrep.org.

"Fences" ---- South Coast Repertory presents August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about a working-class family in 1950s Pittsburgh struggling against poverty, racism and family disharmony; 7:30 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; through Feb. 21; Segerstrom Stage, South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; $24-$59; 714-708-5555 or www.scr.org.

"Elliot, A Soldier's Story" ---- Ion Theatre presents the San Diego premiere of Quiara Alegria Hudes' Pulitzer Prize-nominated play that weaves music and memories of three generations of U.S. Latino soldiers; previews, March 4 and 5; opens March 6 and runs through April 4; showtimes, 8 p0.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays; Compass Theatre, 3704 Sixth Ave., San Diego; $15-$35; 619-600-5020.

"FDR" ---- Ed Asner stars in this solo show based on Dore Schary's Tony-winning Broadway show "Sunrise at Campobello," about the life and times of U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1944; 8 p.m. Feb. 20; Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway; $17-$55, adults; $5, youth under age 18; 858-748-0505 or powayarts.org.

"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.

"The House of Yes" ---- Compass Theatre presents Wendy MacLeod's family drama about a mentally unbalanced young woman (she thinks she's Jackie Onassis) who becomes homicidal when her brother returns home for the holidays with news that he's engaged; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Feb. 14; Compass Theatre, 3704 Sixth Ave., San Diego; $20-$34; 619-688-9210.

"I Do! I Do!" ---- Welk Resort Theatre presents Broadway veterans Robert Yacko and Christina Saffran Ashford in Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt's classic musical based on Jan de Hartog's play "The Fourposter," chronicling the ups and downs of a 50-year marriage; 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays; through March 7; Welk Resorts Theatre, Welk Resorts San Diego, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $44-$47, show only; $58-$63, show and buffet (brunch or dinner); 760-749-3448 or welktheatresandiego.com.

"It's Magic" ---- The 53rd annual edition of this touring magic program features six international magicians:, Mark Kalin & Jinger, Jeff Hobson, Steve Trash & Co., Chris Hart, Matt Plendl and Joel Ward; 7 p.m. Feb. 20; 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $22.50-$35; 800-988-4253 or www.artcenter.org.

"It's My Party and I'll Die If I Want To" ---- Newly formed Peggy Sue Productions presents Beth Roseberry NcNellen's murder mystery dinner theater production about a birthday party gone terribly wrong at Mikki's Restaurant; opens March 19 and runs through July 31; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; Mikki's Restaurant, 1639 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido; $32.50 (includes dinner and show); 760-743-4050 or www.peggysueanddinnertoo.com.

JD Lawrence Presents "The Clean Up Woman" ---- Playwright JD Lawrence wrote and co-stars in this play about a black working woman and a newlywed who hires a cleaning woman to keep her home clean, but the maid gets too close to the woman's husband; 3 and 8 p.m. March 13; 3 p.m. March 14; Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, San Diego; $35-$39; 619-220-8497.

"Jesus Hates Me" ---- Southn Coast Repertory presents Chance Theater's production of Wayne Lemon's comedy about a Texas man's search for identity, faith, sanity and freedom in the shadow of a Walmart mannequin transformed into Jesus, a bipolar mother, a suicidal dishwasher, a pot-smoking copy and several other kooky characters; 8 p.m. Feb. 26, 27, March 5 and 6; 2:30 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 7; Nicholas Studio, South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; $35; 714-708-5555 or www.scr.org.

"John Leguizamo Diary of a Madman" ---- La Jolla Playhouse presents the Emmy-winning film and stage star in a Page to Stage workshop production of his new solo show about his own life and the colorful characters who have shaped his life, from his adolescence in Queens, to his avant-garde theater days in the '80s, to his career as a film actor; opens March 4 and runs through March 14; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; La Jolla Playhouse at Mandell Weiss Theatre, UC San Diego, La Jolla; $30, general; $15, students; 858-550-1010 or www.lajollaplayhouse.org.

"The King and I" ---- Star Theatre presents the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about a prim English schoolteacher hired to educate the children of Siam's progressive king during the 19th century; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 and Feb. 13; 2 p.m. Feb. 14; Star Theatre, 402 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside; $15, general; $12, students, seniors and military; $7, children under 7; 800-838-3006 or www.startheatre.biz.

"King Arthur's Quest" ---- Missoula Children's Theatre presents this musical comedy featuring 50 Poway-area youth; 3 and 7 p.m. Mach 6; Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway; 858-748-0505.

"KOOZA" ----- Cirque du Soleil returns with an all-new traveling tent circus spectacular, this time dedicated to the circus traditions of acrobatics and clowning; opens Feb. 25 and runs through March 28; showtimes, 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 4 and 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1 and 5 p.m. Sundays; Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar; $40-$125, adults; $28-$87.50, children ages 2 to 12; $36-$112.50, students and seniors; cirquedusoleil.com.

"Last Feb. 14 Cabaret" ---- Classic standards, jazz, gospel and Broadway tunes, performed at 7 p.m. on the last Feb. 14 of each month; Lamb's Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado; $15-$45; 619-437-6050 or www.lambsplayers.org.

"Late Nite Catechism 3: 'Til Death Do Us Part" ---- Old Mission Montessori School presents the latest sequel in the solo comedy show series about the stern Sister and her evening religious classes, this one themed around marriage and the Last Rites that includes her own version of "The Newlywed Game"; 7 p.m. Feb. 12; Serra Center, Mission San Luis Rey Parish, 4070 Mission Ave., Oceanside; $40 each or $70 per pair; 760-757-3232.

"A Little Night Music" ---- Lyric Opera San Diego presents Stephen Sondheim's Broadway musical about an aging actress who hopes to reignite the passion with an old lover from many years before; opens Feb. 12 and runs through Feb. 21; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave., San Diego; $32-$52, general; children 17 and under are half-price; 619-239-8836 or lyricoperasandiego.org.

"Little Women" ---- North Coast Repertory Theatre presents the world premiere of Jacqueline Goldfinger's play with music adapted from Louisa May Alcott's classic 19th-century novel about a group of New England sisters finding their way while their father is away during the Civil War; previews, Feb. 17-19; opens Feb. 20 and runs through March 14; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987D Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach; $36-$41; 858-481-1055 or northcoastrep.org.

"Lost in Yonkers" ---- The Old Globe presents Neil Simon's Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning play about a feuding but loving Jewish family in 1942 Yonkers, N.Y.; 7 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays -Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; through Feb. 28; Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Old Globe complex, Balboa Park, San Diego; $29-$62; 619-234-5623 or www.theoldglobe.org.

"The Man Who" ---- New Village Arts Theatre presents the regional premiere of Peter Brooke and Marie-Helene Estienne's series of stage fables adapted from Oliver Sacks' "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat"; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 3 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; through Feb. 28; New Village Arts Theatre, 2787 State St., Carlsbad; $20-$40; 760-433-3245 or www.newvillagearts.org.

Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre ---- Balboa Park Puppet Guild presents Millie Patterson's Weaver's Tales' "Chu Chu the Dragon," Thursday-Sunday; Puppet Express presents "The Three Wishes" Feb. 17-21; Big Joe Productions presents "The Little Engine That Could" Feb. 24-28 and March 3-7; 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 Marriage Bed" ---- Diversionary Theatre presents the West Coast premeire of Nona Shepphard's English comedy about a lesbian couple who find themselves questioning their commitment when the United Kingdom approves civil partnerships; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; through Feb. 28 Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego; $29-$33; 619-220-0097.

"Marriage, Medicine, Money, and Mayhem" ----- UC San Diego Theatre and Dance presents director Jim Carmody's adaptation of two French farces by Moliere and Feydeau; 8 p.m. Feb. 24-27; 2 p.m. Feb. 27; Arthur Wagner Theatre, UCSD, La Jolla; $8-$20; 858-534-4574 or theatre.ucsd.edu.

"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 Feb. 11 of each month; Hukilau Restaurant, Fallbrook Golf Course, Fallbrook; $35; 760-723-2724 or e-mail curtaincallcompany@yahoo.com.

"Nabucco" --- San Diego Opera's 2010 season continues with Verdi's biblically themed opera about a power-mad Babylonian king, starring tenor Richard Paul Fink and French soprano Sylvie Valayre; 7 p.m. Feb. 20 and 23; 8 p.m. Feb. 26; 2 p.m. Feb. 28; San Diego Civic Theatre, Third Avenue at B Street, San Diego; tickets start at $35; 619-533-7000 or www.sdopera.com.

"Nevermore: An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe" --- North Coast Repertory Theatre presents television/film actor Jeffrey Combs in Dennis Paoli's one-man play on the famed 19th-century American author; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 and 24; North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987D Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach; $25-$30; 858-481-1055 or northcoastrep.org.

"A Night of Broadway in Song ---- A Few of the Many Colorful Contributions by African-Americans to the Broadway Musical" ---- Community Actors Theatre presents a revue of songs from Broadway musicals including "The Wiz," "Porgy and Bess" and "The Color Purple," in celebration of Black History Month; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays; through March 7; 2957 54th St., San Diego; $14, general; $12, students, seniors; 619-264-3391 or www.communityactorstheatre.com.

"Nobody's Perfect" ---- Kennedy Center's Theatre for Young Audiences on Tour presents this spoken and sign-language augmented musical by Marlee Matlin about two fourth-grade girls, one deaf and one hearing, who look beyond their differences to find their commonalities; 7 p.m. Feb. 27; Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway; $17-$55, adults; $5, youth under age 18; 858-748-0505 or powayarts.org.

On the Horizon Playwright Reading Series --- The San Diego Black Theater Collective presents a series of readings of plays by black playwrights in honor of Black History Month at two locations: Ronald McCants' "The Strangest Fruit," 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, and 7 p.m. Feb. 16 at Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego; Jackie Roberts' "Lick O the Knife," 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Lyceum, and 7 p.m. Feb. 23 at Cygnet; $10 donation; 619-263-7911.

"Once Upon a Mattress" ---- Poway High School's drama department presents a student production of this musical spoof of the "Princess and the Pea" fairy tale; 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway; $10, adults; $8, students, children, active military and seniors; 858-748-0245, ext. 5155.

"Orestes" ---- The Theatre Inc. presents Marianne McDonald's new adaptation of the ancient Greek classic about a young man who kills his mother to avenge the murder of his father; opens Feb. 20 and runs through March 21; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays; The Theatre Inc., 899 C St., San Diego; $22-$25; 619-216-3016 or www.thehteatreinc.com.

The Peking Acrobats ---- The international touring troupe performs traditional feats of Chinese acrobatics, including juggling, balancing and more; 8 p.m. Feb. 20; 3 p.m. Feb. 21; Pechanga Showroom, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; $25-$40; 877-711-2946 or pechanga.com.

"The Piano Lesson" ---- Cygnet Theatre presents August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning Depression-era drama about a brother and sister in Pittsburgh fighting over the rights to an heirloom piano covered with carvings that trace the family's rise from slavery; 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; through Feb. 28; Cygnet's Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego; $23-$40; 619-337-1525 or www.cygnettheatre.com.

Plays By Young Writers ---- Playwrights Project presents its 25th annual festival of new plays by young writers, including three fully staged productions and three staged readings; 10 a.m. Feb. 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 and 27; 2 p.m. Feb. 28; Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego; $20, general; $15, students and seniors; 619-239-8222 or playwrightsproject.org.

"Postmortem" ---- New Vision Theatre presents Ken Ludwig's mystery-thriller about an actor who tries to solve a murder in Sherlock Holmes style; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 and Feb. 13; 2 p.m. Feb. 14; Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside; $17, adults; $14, seniors; $10, military and students; 760-529-9140 or sunshinebrookstheatre.org.

"Pump Boys and Dinettes" ---- Lamb's Players Theatre presents this rockabilly musical revue featuring singing diner waitresses and gas station attendants; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 4 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; through March 14; Lamb's Players at the Horton Grand Theatre, 444 Fourth Ave., San Diego; $26-$48; 6190437-0600 or lambsplayers.org.

"The Revenger's Tragedy" ----- UC San Diego Theatre and Dance presents Thomas Middletown's 16th-century bloody melodrama, updated by director Chris Ashley (La Jolla Playhouse's artistic director) into a modern-day reality television show; preview, 7 p.m. Feb. 11; regular shows, 8 p.m. Feb. 12, Feb. 13 and Feb. 16 through Feb. 20; Potiker Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, UCSD, La Jolla; $8-$20; 858-534-4574 or theatre.ucsd.edu.

"Ring Round the Moon" ---- Moonlight Stage Productions presents Christopher Fry's adaptation of Jean Anouilh's French comedy about twin brothers vying for the affection of the same young woman in 1911 Paris; opens March 4 and runs through March 21; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Avo Playhouse, 303 Main St., Vista; $29, general; $27, seniors, students and military; $21, youth 12 and under; 760-724-2110 or www.vistixonline.com.

"Rumors" ---- Temecula Valley Players presents Neil Simon's comedy about the mayhem that ensues when a politician's anniversary party goes horribly awry; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and Feb. 18-20; 2 p.m. Feb. 14 and Feb. 21; Old Town Temecula Community Theatre, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $20-$28; 866-653-8696 or temeculatheater.org.

"The Seagull" ----- UC San Diego Theatre and Dance presents Anton Chekhov's Russian comedy/drama about the struggle between love and art; preview, 7 p.m. Feb. 18; regular shows, 8 p.m. Feb. 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27; Mandell Weiss Forum Theatre, UCSD, La Jolla; $8-$20; 858-534-4574 or theatre.ucsd.edu.

"The Secret Garden" ---- Patio Playhouse presents this musical adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic novel about an orphaned English girl who finds surprises, friendship and a family at a mysterious English country manor; opens Feb. 19 and runs through March 14; showtimes, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Patio Playhouse, 201 E. Grand Ave., Escondido; $17, general; $15, seniors, students with ID; $7, youth under 16; 760-746-6669 or patioplayhouse.com.

"self (the remix)" ---- Mo'olelo Performing Arts presents Robert Farid Karimi in his spoken-word, hip-hop play that mixes stories, movement and music to tell the story of an American child of Iranian and Guatemalan immigrants growing up in the shadow of the 1970s Iranian hostage crisis; opens Feb. 24 and runs through March 21; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; 10th Avenue Theatre, 930 10th Ave., San Diego; $$15-$18, previews; $22-$27, regular shows; 619-342-7395.

"Self Help" ---- PowPAC, Poway's Community Theatre presents Norm Foster's farce about a pair of married actors who pretend to be nationally renowned self-help gurus; 8 p.m. Feb. 12 and Feb. 13; 2 p.m. Feb. 14; PowPAC, 13250 Poway Road, Poway; $15, general; $13, seniors, students and active military; 858-679-8085 or www.powpac.org.

"A Streetcar Named Desire" ---- Palomar College presents Tennessee Williams' steamy drama about two troubled sisters in 1940s New Orleans; opens March 12 and runs through March 21; showtimes, 4 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Howard Brubeck Theatre, Palomar College, 1140 W. Mission Road, San Marcos; $12, general; $10, seniors; $8, students; 760-744-1150, ext. 2453 or www.palomarperforms.com.

"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" ---- Cygnet Theatre presents Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's dark drama about a revenge-minded barber who wreaks havoc on 19th century London with the help of a partner who bakes his victims into meat pies; opens March 18 and runs through April 25; shiwtmes, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; Cygnet's Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego; call for ticket prices; 619-337-1525 or www.cygnettheatre.com.

"Swingtime Canteen" ---- Moonlight Stage Productions presents a star-spangled, 1940s musical revue featuring four women and one pianist performing more than 30 songs from the war years during a USO show in 1944 London; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; through Feb. 21; Avo Playhouse, 303 Main St., Vista; $29, general; $27, seniors, students and military; $21, youth 12 and under; 760-724-2110 or www.vistixonline.com.

"The Tempest" ---- MiraCosta College's theater department and North Coast Repertory Theatre will co-produce Willliam Shakespeare's late romance about a shipwrecked sorcerer and his bright young daughter, starring Jonathan McMurtry, Richard Baird and Eric Bishop; preview, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25; regular shows, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26, 27 and March 4-6, 11-13; 7 p.m. March 3; 2 p.m. Feb. 27-28 and March 7, 13 and 14; MiraCosta College Theatre, 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside; $25, general; $20, seniors; $15, students with ID; $15, preview; 760-795-6815.

"They're Playing Our Song" ---- Scripps Ranch Theatre presents Neil Simon and Carol Bayer Sager's musical about the unexpected relationship that blooms between a successful, conservative composer and a quirky, aspiring lyricist; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; through Feb. 20; Legler Benbough Theatre, Alliant University, Avenue of Nations at Miramar Road, San Diego; $22, general; $20, students, seniors and active military; 858-578-7728 or scrippsranchtheatre.org.

Tim Conway and Friends ---- The veteran "Carol Burnett Show" comedian performs skits and characters with several guest comics; 8 p.m. March 13; Pechanga Showroom, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; $40-$65; 877-711-2946 or pechanga.com.

"The Vagina Monologues" & "The MENding Monologues" ---- InnerMission Productions and Triad Productions present a V-Day San Diego fundraising performance of Eve Ensler's confessional comedy/drama; also featured will be the local premiere of "The MENding Monologues," featuring an all-male cast; proceeds will benefit programs to stop violence against women and girls; "Vagina Monologues" at 8 p.m. March 3, 5 and 6; "MENding Monologues" at 8 p.m. March 4 and 2 p.m. March 6 and 7; Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego; $20; 619-245-4958 or www.innermissionproductions.org.

"Whisper House" ---- The Old Globe presents the world premiere of Tony-winning composer Duncan Sheik ("Spring Awakening") and Kyle Jarrow's new musical for families set during World War II about an11-year-old boy who lives in a New England lighthouse haunted by spirits; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; through Feb. 21; Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park, San Diego; 36-$89; 619-234-5623 or www.theoldglobe.org.

"The Wild Party" ---- Coronado Playhouse presents Andrew Lippa's musical based on Joseph March's 1928 narrative poem about a violent, boozy 1920s party; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Coronado Playhouse, 1835 Strand Way, Coronado; 619-435-4856.

"Willy Wonka" ---- Christian Youth Theatre presents a youth musical based on Roald Dahl's classic novel "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"; 7 p.m. Feb. 20 and 27; 2 p.m. Feb. 20, 21, 27 and 28; Star Theatre, 402 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside; $12, adults; $10, ages 3 to 19; 800-696-1929 or www.cytsandiego.org.

"A Wrinkle in Time" ---- South Coast Repertory's Theatre for Young Audiences program presents John Glore's stage adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's sci-fi novel about a boy and girl who must travel across space and time to rescue their father from an evil force; 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; through Feb. 21; Argyros Stage, South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; $17-$29; 714-708-5555 or www.scr.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.

"Faith County II: An Evening of Culture" ---- New Vision Theatre will hold auditions for this Mark Landon Smith comedy; 1 p.m. Feb. 13 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 15; Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside; show runs April 2-18; www.nvtheatre.com.

"American Girl Fashion Show" ---- Scripps Performing Arts Academy will audition girls sizes 6X to 10 to take part in a benefit fashion show for an infant care center at UC San Diego Medical Center; auditions by appointment Feb. 13 at 9920 Scripps Lake Drive, Suite 104, San Diego; shows are scheduled for March 13 and 14 in San Diego; 858-586-7834 or www.superkidslive.com.

"The Sound of Music" ---- Community Lutheran Church will hold auditions for the classic musical; auditions by appointment on Feb. 20 and 21; 3575 E. Valley Parkway Escondido; show runs May 13-23; for appointment, call Gwen at 760-751-5377.

"Summer and Smoke" ---- New Village Arts Theatre will hold auditions for this Tennessee Williams drama; 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 22; actors must e-mail for an audition appointment; New Village Arts, 2787 State St., Carlsbad; show runs May 27-June 20; info@newvillagearts.org.

"King Arthur's Quest" ---- Missoula Children's Theatre will hold auditions for Poway-area children in grades K-12 for this musical stage play; auditions, 4 p.m. March 1; Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway; show plays March 6; for details, visit powayarts.org.

Carlsbad Playreaders 2010 season auditions ---- Actors are invited to audition for roles in the spring and summer readings, which will include Martin McDonough's "The Lieutenant of Inishmore," March 22; John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath," April 26; and William Shakespeare's "Macbeth," June 28; auditions for all shows will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. March 1; Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Dove Lane Carlsbad; 760-602-2012.

CLASSES/WORKSHOPS/CAMPS

Actors workshop ---- Tim Kay, star of USA Network's "White Collar," hosts a two-day acting workshop for Church at Rancho Bernardo; 6:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 5 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 6; 11838 Bernardo Plaza Court, Suite 101, San Diego; participant slots are full, but the class can be audited for $15 in advance; $20 at door; drama@thechurchatrb.org.

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 two years. The year-round program includes clinics, field trips and concerts. The group meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. There is a $40 monthly fee (or $10 per session); 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; 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.

MiraCosta Oceanside Jazz Orchestra ---- MiraCosta College's music department is launching a new jazz repertory big band, nicknamed MOJO, under the direction of Steve Torok that will concentrate on the music of the great big band-era jazz arrangers, including Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Gil Evans and Mel Lewis/Thad Jones, along with contemporary composers. The band will form in the spring 2010 semester and will hold weekly rehearsals from 6:30 to 9:15 p.m. Tuesdays; Concert Hall, Building 2400, MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside; 760-757-2121, ext. 6438, or contact Torok at jazzband@miracosta.edu.

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; 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 Wednesday 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 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.

RB Chorale ---- The choir led by Pat Bean is seeking members; rehearsals are at 7 p.m. Tuesdays; Westwood Elementary School, 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; the choir rehearses every Feb. 16 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; 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.