Holiday Shows Make Things Merry in Orange County!

With Thanksgiving now in our rear view mirrors, the holiday season has officially begun! In Orange County, several local theaters big and small are presenting a plethora of yuletide-themed shows designed to put you in an even more festive mood-certainly a welcome break from all the parties and all that shopping you'll surely be busy with, of course. There are also many non-Holiday related presentations debuting or playing this month that will make great holiday gifts for the theater lovers in your midst.

Below are a few of the notable stage offerings in the O.C. Whether you're looking for traditional fare or something a bit more quirky and off the beaten path, you will likely find something that will suit your tastes. Get out there and see a live show (or two, or three, or seven)!

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PETER PAN presented by threeSixty° entertainment
The Orange County Performing Arts Center (Costa Mesa)
Now through January 2, 2011

By popular demand, the Southern California stop of threeSixty° entertainment's high-flying, effects-heavy stage production of JM Barrie's PETER PAN has extended its engagement through January 2, 2011. Before moving the show to Atlanta (in late January), the show will now play through the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. The classic story of the gravity-defying boy who refuses to grow up has been re-imagined as an in-the-round theater experience filled with spectacularly clever sets, impressive puppetry, and actors that magically fly high-above the audience, all enveloped by a circular 360-degree screen. For info and tickets, call 714.556.2787 or visit www.ocpac.org.

(Read the BWW review here).

THE SECRET GARDEN
Chance Theater (Anaheim Hills)
Now through December 26

Chance Theater's revival of the Tony Award-winning musical based on an enchanting classic of children's literature focuses on an orphaned 11 year old girl who returns to Yorkshire to live with an embittered, reclusive uncle and his invalid son. Her own personality blossoms as she and a young gardener bring new life to a neglected garden. It features music by Lucy Simon and book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Marsha Norman.

For info and tickets, call 714.777.3033 or visit www.chancetheater.com.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
South Coast Repertory (Costa Mesa)
Now - December 26

South Coast Repertory's annual presentation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL returns with Hal Landon Jr. reprising the role of the miserly curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge (this will be his 31st year playing him)! Recapture the spirit of an old-fashioned 19th Century Christmas in London with this timeless Dickens classic and all your favorite characters-Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come-and, of course, Ebenezer Scrooge himself. For info and tickets, call 714.708.5555 or visit www.scr.org.

DESPERATELY SEEKING SANTA
Presented by MEN ALIVE - THE ORANGE COUNTY GAY MEN'S CHORUS
Irvine Barclay Theatre (Irvine)
December 3-4

In what will surely be a rollicking fun show, the GLEE-ful elves of Orange County's Gay Men's Chorus will present it's camp-tastic yuletide show filled with festive favorites, sensational singing, dazzling dance numbers, colorful costumes, spectacular sets, high-energy skits, and, of course, plenty of hilarious and emotionally touching moments. The show will revolve around the reindeer's desperate search for Santa, who suddenly decides a few days before Christmas to go on a global trek. Luckily, Santa uses Twitter-giving the reindeer crew some much-needed clues to the big guy's whereabouts. Will they get Santa back to the North Pole in time to deliver the toys? Songs will range from original tunes, traditional favorites like "Hark, The Herald Angels Sing," and "Do You Hear What I Hear?" plus contemporary hits like "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and "Silver Bells." For tickets or info, call 949.854.4646 ext. 1 or visit www.MenAliveChorus.org.

DADDY LONG LEGS, A New Musical
Laguna Playhouse (Laguna Beach)
Previews begin November 30
Opens December 4, continues through December 26.

From Tony Award-Winning playwright John Caird (Nicholas Nickleby, Les Misérables) and Tony nominated composer Paul Gordon (Jane Eyre) comes the World Premiere of the romantic musical Daddy Long Legs. Set in the early 1900s, this exquisitely moving story is the vivid account of a young orphan girl named Jerusha as she blossoms into a beautiful, intelligent and vivacious woman. A trustee of the Orphanage offers her a proper education, but the benefactor's only requirements are that Jerusha never know his identity, and that she write him monthly (though he will not respond). She sees him once in shadows and invents a nickname for her mysterious patron-DADDY LONG LEGS. Her letters to him paint a moving portrait of her lonely life in the orphanage, the development of her mind and spirit, and the growing personal relationship that she develops with her unseen benefactor. DADDY LONG LEGS is a Co-Production with Rubicon Theatre Company, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, TheatreWorks, David Elzer and Michael Jackowitz. For tickets or info, call 949.497.2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

(MORE LISTINGS CONTINUED ON PAGE 2)

THE EIGHT: REINDEER MONOLOGUES
Chance Theater (Anaheim Hills)
Now - December 21

The Chance Theater's popular "un-holiday tradition" returns for another season of naughty, twisted laughs, under the direction of artistic director Oanh Nguyen. The theater promises that this year's production will incorporate a rotating roster of performers to insure that the audience won't see the same show twice. The story: 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. When a doe says "No", she means "No Way, Sucka!" For info and tickets, call 714.777.3033 or visit www.chancetheater.com.

THE HOLIDAY GEM, A Musical Revue
Presented by One More Productions
at the Gem Theater (Garden Grove)
Now - December 12

THE HOLIDAY GEM, a musical revue filled with traditional holiday favorites features a live on-stage band and a high-caliber cast filled with familiar faces from previous shows presented by One More Productions. The show will also have an appearance by Santa Claus and his elves, as well as many familiar and new holiday tunes. "This is a Christmas show you won't see anywhere else - it's fun, silly, and light with good musical theater elements," says director and artistic director Damien Lorton. "THE HOLIDAY GEM" is a perfect show for families, and really sets the tone and mood for the season. We hope this will become a holiday tradition for years to come." For info and tickets, call 714.741.9550 ext. 221, or visit www.onemoreproductions.com.

A QUEER CAROL
Presented by Theatre Out
The Empire Theatre (Santa Ana)
December 3-14

Theatre Out, Orange County's gay and lesbian theatre, presents the Southern California Premiere of Joe Godfrey's play directed by David C. Carnevale. The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future have much in store for Scrooge in this fabulous re-telling of the Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol.  Set in modern-day New York, Ben Scrooge is a successful interior designer and must reflect on his past filled with distant parents, childhood bullying, coming out of the closet and the death of his lover in order to realize the true spirit of Christmas. Patrons who attend the December 12 matinee performance will also get a chance to meet with the playwright and the cast during a talkback session. For tickets or info, call 714.826.8700 or visit www.theatreout.com.

SISTER'S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM
Laguna Playhouse (Laguna Beach)
November 29, December 6 &13

She's back! Everyone's favorite late-nite nun returns with a holiday show that will keep audiences laughing as they watch Sister tackle the question that has been puzzling historians throughout the ages: What ever happened to the Magi's gold? Think CSI: BETHLEHEM as Sister engages the audience to help solve the mystery through a forensic examination of the nativity scene. Sister hunts under the manger and over camel humps in her quest for clues. Written by Maripat Donovan with Marc Silvia and Jane Morris. The show is directed by Marc Silvia. For tickets or info, call 949.497.2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

BROADWAY UP CLOSE & PERSONAL: A TRIBUTE TO Cy Coleman
The Orange County Performing Arts Center - Samueli Theater
December 9-12

Four of musical theater's brightest talents offer behind-the-scenes tales and the magical music of a true legend. Beloved songs from Cy Coleman's award-winning shows including SWEET CHARITY, CITY OF ANGELS and THE Will Rogers FOLLIES and songs such as "Witchcraft" and "The Best is Yet to Come" will be performed in this heartfelt and personal tribute that features Tony®-winning lyricist David Zippel, who collaborated with Coleman on CITY OF ANGELS; OCPAC favorite Jason Graae, whose special way around a song has taken him to the Metropolitan Opera, the Hollywood Bowl, Birdland and the Rainbow Room; Jenifer Lewis, who has starred in numerous Broadway productions as well as movies and television; and multi-talented local gal Tami Tappan Damiano, who has appeared on stages all over the world. The show is part of the Center's Cabaret Series for 2010-2011. For info and tickets, call 714.556.2787 or visit www.ocpac.org.

PACIFIC SYMPHONY - NUTCRACKER FOR KIDS
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall (Costa Mesa)
December 11 (10 am and 11:30 am)

This abbreviated version of Tchaikovsky's much-loved ballet includes dancers from the Festival Ballet Theatre and is designed just for kids! Add to the experience an old-fashioned sing-along, Musical Carnival activities and Santa Claus-and you have a perfect holiday celebration! For tickets or info, call 714.755.5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

PACIFIC SYMPHONY - HANDEL'S GLORIOUS MESSIAH
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall (Costa Mesa)
December 12

A timeless masterwork that transcends three centuries of fads and fashions, Handel's "Messiah" is an event of joy, reflection and renewal. Thrill to blazing trumpets, thundering timpani and the electrifying, uplifting "Hallelujah" chorus at Orange County's most popular rendition of this cherished holiday tradition. For tickets or info, call 714.755.5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

THE Andy Williams CHRISTMAS SHOW
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall (Costa Mesa)
December 16-18

Still thrilling audiences more than 40 years after his debut, Andy Williams has crooned his way into the hearts of multiple generations.  His quintessential interpretation of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" highlights this Pops Christmas special, which also features other Williams hits including "Moon River" and "Days of Wine and Roses." Richard Kaufman conducts the Pacific Symphony. For tickets or info, call 714.755.5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

PACIFIC CHORALE - TIS THE SEASON!
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall (Costa Mesa)
December 19-20

Welcome the holiday season with Pacific Chorale's annual Tis the Season! concert, a Southern California treat for fifteen years! Featuring Pacific Chorale, the Southern California Children's Chorus and members of Pacific Symphony, the concerts will highlight traditional favorites and timeless classics. There's even a sing-along medley! For tickets or info, call 714.662.2345 or visit www.pacificchorale.org

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Photos: Peter Pan (OCPAC) by Kevin Berne. The Secret Garden (Chance Theater) by Doug Catiller. A Christmas Carol (South Coast Repertory) by Henry DiRocco. Men Alive Chorus by Drew Faber. All other photos courtesy of their respective theater companies.