Looking for some holiday dance or theater entertainment for the family? There are plenty of “Nutcrackers,” “Christmas Carols” and other shows in O.C. and L.A. to choose from.
DANCE
“Cirque Noel – The Renaissance”: Experience music, mystery and feats of daring during an extraordinary evening of colorful aerialists, singers, dancers and more. This third annual production will feature Renaissance themes and costumes. Dec. 16-18. $10 advance, $15 at door. Mount of Olives Church, 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo. 949-837-7467 or moochurch.orgTEXT BY PAUL HODGINS, PHOTO COURTESY MOUNT OF OLIVES CHURCH ADVERTISEMENT
Anaheim Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: A cast of 50 with full costumes and sets grace this staging under the direction of company cofounder and longtime Orange County dance teacher Sarma Lapenieks Rosenberg. Dec. 10-11. $20-$40. City National Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. 714-712-2700 or ticketmaster.com
“Cirque Noel – The Renaissance“: Experience music, mystery and feats of daring during an extraordinary evening of colorful aerialists, singers, dancers and more. This third annual production will feature Renaissance themes and costumes. Dec. 16-18. $10 advance, $15 at door. Mount of Olives Church, 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo. 949-837-7467 or moochurch.org
Festival Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: This full-length, traditional production is choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s artistic director Salwa Rizkalla, and features a cast of professional dancers and more than 100 Southern California children. Dec. 10-24. $35-$40. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine. 949-854-4646 or tickets@thebarclay.org
The Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: Robert Joffrey’s rendition of the classic story, with its dazzling costumes and imaginative sets by Oliver Smith, became an annual holiday tradition at the Music Center during the company’s residency in Los Angeles; this is the first time since the 1994 season that is has been seen in L.A. Dec. 1-4. $34-$125. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 213-972-0711 or musiccenter.org/events/dance
Laguna Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: Presented by the Laguna Ballet in its fourth season at Saddleback College. Over 75 Orange County students come together each year under the direction of artistic director Shery Gilbert to present this full-length “Nutcracker.” Dec. 15-18. $20-$24. McKinney Theatre, 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo. 949-582-4656 or saddleback.edu/arts
Long Beach Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: Now in is 29th year, the Long Beach Ballet’s version of “The Nutcracker” features a full symphony orchestra, a flying sleigh, a live horse, pyrotechnics, and a cast of more than 200. The scenery was created by former Disney designers Elliot Hessayon and Scott Schaffer, the costumes were designed by Australian artist Adrian Clark, and the special effects are by renowned magician Franz Harary. Dec. 17-18. $24-$85. Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com
Maple Youth Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: Features more than 80 classically trained dancers. The story takes a unique twist when young Clara, an aspiring dancer, is presented with her first pair of pointe shoes by renowned ballet master and magician, Herr Drosselmeyer. Clara dreams that she has become a prima ballerina, dancing with her Nutcracker Prince in the Palace of Sweets Theatre. Dec. 17-22. $22-$50. Northwood Performing Arts Theatre, 4515 Portola Parkway, Irvine. 888-71-Tickets or visit showclix.com/event/mapleyouthballet
Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker”: Acclaimed for exquisite dancing and spectacular sets and costumes, Moscow Ballet’s version of “The Nutcracker” blends whimsical and imaginative storytelling with the richness of Russian classical dance. Now celebrating its 18th annual American tour. Dec. 18 at 2 and 7 p.m. $25-$150. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada 562-944-9801 or lamiradatheatre.com
‘Nutcracker for Kids’: The Pacific Symphony and Festival Ballet present a condensed version for younger audiences. 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 10. Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-556-2787 or scfta.org.
“Posada Mexicana: A Mexican Holiday Spectacular”: Featuring Costa De Oro Ballet Folklórico with Mariachi Mexicanísimo. Dec. 17 at 2 and 8 p.m. $15-$59. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
THEATER
“A Child’s Christmas in Wales”: Dylan Thomas’ beloved story is set in Wales and includes Welsh music, but it tells the universal tale of Christmas day itself – from its quiet magical beginning, full of thrilling expectations, to the peacefully contented end of the day when children creep up to bed, sated and exhausted by all the merriment of the day. Dec. 3-11. $12-$14. The Lyceum Theater, Vanguard University, 55 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa. 714-668-6145 or vanguard.universitytickets.com
“A Christmas Carol”: South Coast Repertory’s production, now more than 30 years old, features Hal Landon, who has played Ebenezer Scrooge since its inaugural year – one of the longest such runs in American theater. There are plenty of beautiful sets, costumes and special effects as well. Nov. 26-Dec. 24. $25-$62. Segerstrom Stage, South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-708-5555 or scr.org
“A Christmas Carol”: Directed by Jonelle Allen, this is the classic holiday tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from miserly misanthrope to generous, loving soul after a night of discovery prompted by the visit of four spirits. Dec. 2-11. $6-$12. Studio Theatre at Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949-582-4656.
“A Shakespearean Christmas – A Midwinter Night’s Dream”: Shakespeare Orange County presents a warm and evocative remembrance of years past that will include songs, poetry and stories of a simpler time. Enjoy such stuff as dreams are made on through the eyes of Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Clement C. Moore, Robert Frost, e.e. cummings and Ogden Nash, along with traditional carols and personal remembrances. Includes dessert. Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. $32-$34. Waltmar Theatre, Chapman University, Orange. 714-744-7016 or shakespeareoc.org
An Irish Holiday Festival: A Sunday afternoon holiday celebration filled with Irish music, song, storytelling, dance displays, Christmas carolers, strolling musicians, Irish goods for sale. Dec. 11. Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana. 714-567-3600.
“The Eight: Reindeer Monologues”: Accusations, rumors and all-out attacks are flying fast and furious around Santa’s toyshop this holiday season. Go behind the tinsel and hear the truth about Santa straight from the eight reindeer who know him best. Now in its eighth year. Nov. 29-Dec. 20. $30. The Chance Theater, 5552 East La Palma Ave., Anaheim. 714-777-3033 or chancetheater.com
“Inspecting Carol”: A struggling theatre company staging its annual production of “A Christmas Carol” finds out its government grant is on the line. The panicky performers mistake an aspiring actor/accountant for the inspector and let him take over the show, with disastrous and hilarious results. Nov. 25-Dec. 29. $18-$34. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949-489-8082 or caminorealplayhouse.org
“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: This brand new musical shines with classic Irving Berlin hits like “Blue Skies,” “How Deep is the Ocean?” and, of course, “White Christmas.” Two buddies put on a show in a struggling Vermont inn to help their former commanding officer and finding their perfect mates in the process. Dec. 13-Jan. 1. $20-$70. Segerstrom Hall, Segerstom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-556-2787 or scfta.org
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”: Director Frank Capra’s American holiday movie classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Through Dec. 18. $17-$20. STAGEStheatre, 400 East Commonwealth Ave., Suite 4, Fullerton. 714-525-4484 or stagesoc.org
“Last Christmas II – The North Pole Strikes Back”: Based on last year’s holiday show, “Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart But The Very Next Day You Said You Were Gay,” this sequel’s full title is “Episode 2: The North Pole Strikes Back or; The Return of the Magi.” It involves the return of Santa and his band of gay elves as they try to help Holly and Barry’s child overcome her conservative nature and discover the true gayness of the holiday season. Dec. 2-17. $15-$18. The Empire Theatre, 202 N. Broadway, Santa Ana. 714-220-7069 or theatreout.com
“This Wonderful Life”: The virtuosic James Learning portrays George Bailey, Clarence the Angel, Mary, Old Man Potter and 20 more of Bedford Falls citizens in this one-man stage retelling of Frank Capra’s beloved 1940s Christmas movie. Nov. 26-Dec. 24. $30-$65. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach. 949-497-2787 or lagunaplayhouse.com
“White Christmas”: A new musical brings the title song and other Irving Berlin standards to live on stage. Dec. 13-Jan. 1. $25-$85. Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-556-2787 or scfta.org.
MUSIC
“Blue Suede Christmas: The Ultimate Elvis Holiday Bash”: Elvis impersonators serve up holiday favorites in The King’s signature style. 3 p.m. Dec. 11. $30-$65. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. 800-300-4345 or cerritoscenter.com.
“Canadian Tenors Holiday Show”: The pop-opera vocal group will perform songs from their chart-topping Christmas album “The Perfect Gift” plus other seasonal standards. 8 p.m. Dec. 14.
“Colors of Christmas”: Grammy winners and Broadway stars Peabo Bryson, Jennifer Holliday, Lea Salonga and Ben Vereen join together to celebrate the holidays. 8 p.m. Dec. 10. $50-$100. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. 800-300-4345 or cerritoscenter.com.
“Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2011″: The smooth-jazz saxophonist gets together with fellow musicians Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler, and Candy Dulfer for annual holiday show. 8 p.m. Dec. 16-17. $54-$90. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. 800-300-4345 or cerritoscenter.com.
“Handel’s Messiah”: The Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale present the timeless holiday piece with its historically soaring choruses. 3 p.m. Dec. 11. $25-$125. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-556-2787 or scfta.org.
“Handel’s Messiah Sing-along”: The Yorba Linda Arts Alliance, the Handel Society and California Choirs present a special performance of the masterpiece, in which audience members are invited to join in. Baroque period clothing is encouraged. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Nov. 27. Free (donations accepted and scores for sale for $10). Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda. 714-996-1960 or www.messiahsing.org.
“Holiday Doo-Wop”: The Crystals, Johnny Tillotson and Kenny Vance & The Planotones perform a mix of seasonal standards and their classic hits. 8 p.m. Dec. 2. $45-$85. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. 800-300-4345 or cerritoscenter.com.
“A Hula Christmas”: The group Na Leo Pilimehana, accompanied by hula dancers, presents a holiday show with island flavor. 8 p.m. Dec. 3. $30-$75. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. 800-300-4345 or cerritoscenter.com.
“Johnny Mathis Christmas”: The legendary singer performs an evening of holiday favorites. Gary Mule Deer opens the show. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4. $52-$110. Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-556-2787 or scfta.org.
“Keb’ Mo’ – Home for the Holidays”: The acoustic blues artist commemorates the season with holiday tunes.8 p.m. Dec. 7. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. 800-300-4345 or cerritoscenter.com.
“The Letterman Christmas Show”: The Hall of Fame vocal group that has sold more than 100 million records performs a holiday matinee. 3 p.m. Dec. 4. $28-$60. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. 800-300-4345 or cerritoscenter.com.
“The Magic of Christmas”: The Young Americans The present a show about Christmas in the northern mountains, snow, and a small town, featuring ice-skating, building a snowman and cutting down a Christmas tree. 8 p.m. Dec. 9, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 10, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 10. $22-$52. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada 562-944-9801 or lamiradatheatre.com.
“The Ronnie Milsap Trio Holiday Show”: The country music legend will delve into his hits along with seasonal selections. 8 p.m. Dec. 9. $30-$62. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. 800-300-4345 or cerritoscenter.com.
“Sounds of the Season – A Choral Celebration”: The Orange County Choral Society will perform holiday classics, with members of the audience invited to sing along. 7 p.m. Dec. 10. St. Wilfrid of York Episcopal Church, 18631 Chapel Lane, Huntington Beach. ocsoundsoftheseason.eventbrite.com
“‘Tis the Season”: The Pacific Chorale presents its annual holiday performance, with the Southern California Childrens Chorus and members of the Pacific Symphony. $20-$135. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-556-2787 or scfta.org.
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