All About Santa, musical matinee series, Birthday, Holiday and Tea Parties, hosted by a gaily costumed Playhouse actors, are available in conjunction with the play for every performance. (310) 394-9779 x2. Santa Monica Playhouse is located, 1211 4th Street, through December 18, (310) 394-9779 ext. 2.
Betty’s Summer Vacation, by Christopher Durang, a Los Angeles premiere, through Nov. 27, The Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave. Venice.
Blue Dahlia, a stage version of Raymond Chandler’s classic screenplay, thru December 18. Performances are Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm. Pacific Resident Theatre, 705 1/2 Venice Blvd. in Venice. Tickets are $20-$27, (310) 822-8392.
Crossing Delancey, Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Road, 2PM at (at Haverford Ave.) in Pacific Palisades, through Decemeber 11, (310) 454-1970.
“The Drowsy Chaperone,” At CTG/Ahmanson Theatre in a pre-Broadway engagement, through December 24, with characters from 1920s musicals, Tickets for are available by calling (213) 628-2772 or online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.
Happy End, Pacific Resident Theatre, written by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Boulevard, (310) 822-8392.
Haywire! Through Sunday, December 4, at the art/works theatre, 6569 Santa Monica Blvd in Hollywood (between Highland and Vine). (323) 960-7744 or visit www.plays411.com/haywire.
The Loud Red Patrick, Long Long Beach Playhouse Mainstage Theatre, through December 17, 5021 East Anaheim Street, (562) 494-1014.
Making Beautiful, music and lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver, through Saturday, December 10 at the Powerhouse Theatre, 3116 Second Street.
Puppetolio, a puppet variety show for ages 3 and up, Santa Monica Puppet and Magic Center, 1255 2nd St., runs indefinitely, (310) 656-0483.
A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings, www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, in person at the Center Theatre Group box office at the Music Center, or two hours prior to performances at the Kirk Douglas Theatre box office. Single ticket prices are $20 (youth) and $40 (adults), through December 18.
When it Comes to Women, through Sunday, December 18. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Tickets are $25 for all performances. For Tickets, please call 310-477-2055 or visit www.odysseytheatre.com.
World Premiere of “J.O.B. The Hip-Hopera” explores the eternal question: ‘Why do bad things happen to good people, yo?’ Stella Adler Theatre in Hollywood. Through December 11, 6773 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood. (323) 960-4420 or go to www.sableandbatalion.com.
Openings
Thursday, December 1
Fowler OutSpoken: An Evening at Mardi Gras with Harry Shearer to celebrate the enduring legacy of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. Harry and friends pay tribute to the citizens and culture of this beloved city. The ¡Carnaval! exhibition will remain open following the concert. This event is a benefit for Tipitina’s Foundation for Hurricane Katrina relief. Suggested donation at the door of $25 per person, cash or check only (make payable to Tipitina’s Foundation). UCLA Fowler Museum, 7 p.m., 310/206-0306.
A Christmas Story, at the Westchester High Theater, one weekend only, through December 3. Thursday and Friday at 7:00, and
Saturday at 2:00 and 7:00. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children/seniors. Contact Music West at 310-692-0006 or visit www.musicwest.org for more information.
Friday, December 2
A Rose For…a dance series inspired by the literature of William Faulkner, picked, prodded, dissected, honored, Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Lodge, Venice, $15/$12, (310) 306-1854.
Holiday Sale, Vessel Studio Gallery, 12473 W. Washington Blvd., 2 – 10 p.m., (310) 398-8500.
International Gem & Jewelry Show, highlighting this season’s holiday look with plenty of crystal stones, cameos, gold hoop earrings and semi-precious stones, through Sunday. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street, (310) 458-8573.
Star of Wonder, a look at possible explanations for the Star of Bethlehem – also December 9 and 16 at Santa Monica College’s popular Friday night astronomy series. 8 p.m. and is preceded by “The Night Sky Show” Drescher Hall, 1900 Pico Blvd. (310) 434-3000.
Breaking Legs, a comedy by Tom Dulack, Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theatre, 5021 East Anaheim Street, through December 17.
Saturday, December 3
The classic 1933 film King Kong will be honored with an evening of special events at the Every Picture Tells A Story, 1311 Montana Ave., (310) 451-2700. On the web at www.everypicture.com.
Healing and Transformation through Art Exhibit, includes free Experiential Educational Programs, a three-week exhibit and educational series that will explore a variety of ways in which art can promote insight and enhance health, with programs like “Art and Drumming,” Gallery Saint Germain, 203 N. Robertson Blvd., through December 18, (310) 452-1439.
Barbara Kerwin’s “Screens” and Kaoru Mansou’ new work, Ruth Bachofner Gallery, Bergamot Station, through January 7, (310) 829-3300.
First Anniversary Celebration, Santa Monica Art Studios, 6 – 9 p.m., also December 4, 1 – 5 p.m., 3026 Airport Ave, (310) 397-7449.
Sunday, December 4
The Breakup Notebook: The Lesbian Musical in previews. Opens on Saturday, December 10, and runs for six weeks through Sunday, January 15 at the Hudson Backstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd in Hollywood. (323) 960-5563.
Fiddler on the Roof, playing as part of Kids’ Flicks at the UCLA Film and Television Archive, 2 p.m., UCLA Campus, James Bridges Theater, (310) 206-FILM.
Fresh Works, Synapse Dance Theater with alumni, Highways Performance Space, 1651 18th Street, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., (310) 315-1459.
Linley Eathorne, “Journeys,” Digital Paintings and Photo Images, Abbot Kinney Art Gallery, 1301 Abbot Kinney Blvd., through December 18, (310) 664-9030.
Mighty Times: The Legacy of Rosa Parks, Museum of Tolerance, 2 p.m., 1399 South Roxbury Drive, (310) 553-9036.
Monday, December 5
Staged Reading of This Is On Me – An Evening of Dorothy Parker Cast headed by Angela Lansbury, Victor Garber, Frances Conroy, Lisa Banes and Harriet Harris. Benefits The Acting Company. Brentwood Theatre – One Night Only, 7 p.m., www.ticketmaster.com or by Ticketmaster phone charge at (213)365-3500.
Publicity, Talent & the Media, a free lecture is part of SMC’s Mary Pickford Speakers Series, held at SMC’s Academy of Entertainment & Technology’s Screening Room, 1660 Stewart St., (310) 434-3777.
Tuesday, December 6
Holiday Salon, artists Jeanne Friscia, Carol Golemboski, George Billis Gallery, through January 14, 2716 S. La Cienega Blvd., Culver City, (310) 838-3685.
Max Liebermann Exhibit, Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 North Sepulveda Boulevard, (310) 440-4500.
PIECES (of ass) – The Roxy Theatre, 9009 West Sunset Boulevard (between San Vicente & Doheny), West Hollywood, 7:00 p.m., (213) 365-3500. www.piecesofass.com.
Wednesday, December 7
The Secret of Michelangelo: Everyman’s Dream, 7 Dudley Cinema, SPONTO Gallery, 7 Dudley Ave, Venice, 310-306-7330, free admission, 8:00p.m., www.81x.com/7dudley/cinema.
