Looking for something to do this weekend? The Santa Monica Mirror has you covered with local events, live music, theater, and art gallery listings.
Click here for Live Music Calendar Dec. 16 to Dec. 22
Click here for Art Gallery Calendar Dec. 16 to Dec. 22
Last Chance
Jane Austen Unscripted, they look like Jane Austen characters, dress like them, and they even talk like them. But these improv experts are likely to ad-lib scenes that would make modest Jane blush through Dec. 18. The Broad Stage. Tickets $42. 1310 11th Street. 310.434.3200, thebroadstage.com
Stations: A Los Angeles Holiday Story. Five bus stops. Five stories. Five paths that come together on a bleak December night in L.A. This Miles Playhouse production offers all generations a modern-day alternative to the familiar holiday repertoire through Dec. 18. Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. $25 general, $15 children and students with valid ID. Miles Memorial Playhouse, 1130 Lincoln Blvd. 800.838.3006, milesplayhouse.org
Seussical, join in for the adventures of Horton the Elephant, along with a host of characters from Dr. Seuss’s beloved classics, such as The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, The Whos down in Whoville and Circus McGurkus through Dec. 17. If you believe in helping a friend, in not giving up, in keeping a promise and the power of pure imagination, this is the show for you and your whole family. Tickets $25. Saturdays and Sundays 2 p.m. No performance Dec. 11. Morgan-Wixson Theatre. 2627 Pico Blvd. 310.828.7519, morgan-wixson.org
Alice and the Wonderful Tea Party, the internationally acclaimed Rudie-DeCarlo Family Theatre musical comedy, performed on three continents over the past 20 years, celebrates part two of the Santa Monica Playhouse’s 50th anniversary year with lovely audience participation that helps Alice set a topsy-turvy Wonderland right in this zany musical comedy for kids ages 2 to 102. Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. through Dec. 18. Adults $12.50, kids 12 and under $10.50. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth St. 310.394.9779 ext. 2, santamonicaplayhouse.com
Sylvia, a comedy by A.R. Gurney, directed by Gary Imhoff, extended through Dec. 18, $34.99, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., 5 p.m. on Sundays, Edgemar Center for the Arts, 2437 Main St., 310.392.7327, edgemarcenter.org
THIS WEEK
Friday, December 16
30 Open Doors, Bergamot Station comes alive with “30 Open Doors,” a colorful open house celebration of art from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The evening features the work of more than 50 artists, performances, and refreshments, in honor of the art complex’s fabulous past, present, and future as the centerpiece of West Coast art. Valet Parking: Free for each donation of children’s art supplies. 2525 Michigan Ave. 323.3006132, bergamotstation.com
Judith Owen & Harry Shearer Holiday Sing-Along, whether for Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Festivus, the westside warms to the holidays with The Broad Stage’s silly seasonal sing-along at 7:30 p.m. Join singer/songwriter Owen and her husband Shearer for their family-friendly holiday debauch, which is sure to offer up a who’s-who of local faves and quirky guests. Guest celebs are Jane Lynch (Glee), Christopher Guest (Spinal Tap), Julia Fordham, CJ Vanston, Richard Thompson, and Joe Satriani. Tickets $47-$75. 1310 11th St. 310.434.3200, http://thebroadstage.com/Judith-Owen-Harry-Shearer-Holiday-Sing-Along
“Amahl And The Night Visitors,” a one-act Holiday Opera will be presented by the Pacific Lyric Association at the Santa Monica First Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m. “Amahl and the Night Visitors” was the first opera specifically composed for television in America and was performed by the NBC Opera Theatre on Dec. 24, 1951, in New York City. Suggested donations at door: Adults $15; Seniors/Students/Children $10. 1220 Second St. 877.319.1279, pacificlyricassociation.com
Musical Theatre Workshop, the Santa Monica College Musical Theatre Workshop presents “The House Upon the Hill,” a haunting selection from some of Broadway’s most infamous musicals such as “The Rocky Horror Show,” “Wicked,” and “Sweeney Todd.” Today at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. Theatre Arts Studio Stage, 1900 Pico Blvd. Tickets are $10, plus a $1 service fee. 310.434.4319, smc.edu/theatre
“Babes in Toyland,” the Aero Theatre presents this film at 7:30 p.m., also known as “March of the Wooden Soldiers,” from 1934. The Victor Herbert operetta was adapted as a musical comedy vehicle for funnyman duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, and it remains as fantastically fresh and entertaining as when it was first released. General tickets $11. 1328 Montana Ave., americancinemathequecalendar.com
Saturday, December 17
3rd Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl, participating locations will offer drink and food specials as part of the festivities from 5 p.m. This year, crawlers are asked to pay a $10 donation/entrance fee for a special wristband, which allows access to the drink and food specials at each official location, entrance to the Official After Party, and entry into a massive raffle to win dozens of amazing prizes. The Pub Crawl will include bars on Wilshire, Fourth St., Broadway, Main St, the Pier and the Third Street Promenade. 323.330.9559, santamonicapubcrawl.com
Cool Yule –The Manhattan Transfer Swings the Holidays, how better to celebrate the season than with the uplifting pop sounds of The Manhattan Transfer? The internationally renowned 12-time Grammy-winning super group is sure to put audiences “in the mood.” Today at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets $65-$110. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St. 310.434.3200, thebroadstage.com
Santa Monica Rugby Club, hold its Youth Rugby Registration and Demonstration Day for the 2012 Season from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by an exhibition match of SMRC men versus Huntington Beach Unicorns. New players welcome, no experience necessary, boys and girls aged 5-18. Webster Middle School, 11330 Graham Pl., Los Angeles. 310.572.6010, santamonicarugby.com/youth
Heal the Bay Santa Monica Volunteering, join Lifecrowd and Heal the Bay at 12 p.m. for its monthly efforts to make Santa Monica’s beaches safe, healthy, and clean. Volunteers must register on Lifecrowd in order to be confirmed and receive important logistical information. lifecrowd.com/activity/volunteer-heal-the-bay-santa-monica
Santa Monica Authors’ Book Signing at Kitson, meet Santa Monica authors Natasha Burton, Julie Fishman, and Meagan McCrary as they sign copies of their dating guide “The Little Black Book of Big Red Flags: Relationship Warning Signs You Totally Spotted… But Chose To Ignore.” The free event will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Kitson, 395 Santa Monica Place. facebook.com/bigredflags
Sunday, December 18
“Up!” Screening And Discussion At The Aero, actor Ed Asner will attend a matinee screening of Disney’s “Up!” and be involved in a discussion following the 2 p.m. screening. General tickets $11. 1328 Montana Ave., americancinemathequecalendar.com
Jazz Forum Holiday Party, will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a special performance by Suzy Williams and Her Solid Senders. Members $8, Non-members $10. The Lodge 1600 Ocean Park Blvd.
Winter Break Create-A-Play Theatre Camp, three five-day workshops are offered with the first from Dec. 18 to 22. In these lively theatre arts camps, young actors aged 6 to 14 collaborate in an incredible week-long adventure in creativity, joyfully diving into all aspects of play production. $345 for the week. 310.394.9779 ext. 3, SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com
Mt. Olive’s Classical Music Series, add your voice to the 2nd Annual Handel’s “Messiah” Sing-Along at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church at 3 p.m. Seven choruses will be sung with pianist Pat Maimone, concluding with the famous “Hallelujah” on pipe organ. 1343 Ocean Park Blvd. Free parking, freewill offering, and refreshments available. 310.452.1116, mtolivelutheranchurch.org
Monday, December 19
Drop and Shop, Art Innovators offer art workshops for children so parents can shop from Dec. 19 through Dec. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon. Children aged 5-10 can enjoy a safe, comfortable, and creative art classes. Daily rate of $45, or $113 for mini-workshop (Wed-Fri) or $188 for a week (Mon-Fri). Euclid Park, 1525 Euclid Street. 310.458.2239, artinnovatorswestla.com
Tuesday, December 20
Chanukah Menorah Lighting, Downtown Santa Monica will celebrate the Chanukah season with a traditional menorah lighting every evening at sundown today through Dec. 27. Third Street Promenade Center Court. http://iceatsantamonica.com/winterlit.html
Rosti Santa Monica, will feature the Santa Monica High School choir who will sing holiday carols outside its restaurant from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 931 Montana Ave. 310.393.3236, RostiTuscanKitchen.com
Give Back Tuesdays, shop at ZJ Boarding House between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the store will give 15 percent of your purchase to the local school of your choice. Just say the name of the school to the cashier and a donation will be made following the promotion. 2619 Main St. 310.392.5646, zjboardinghouse.com
Wednesday, December 21
Montana Avenue Branch Book Group, a free discussion of Craig A. Monson’s “Nuns Behaving Badly” will be held at 7 p.m. Witchcraft. Arson. Going AWOL. Some nuns in 16th and 17th Century Italy strayed far from the paradigms of monastic life. Montana Branch Library, 1704 Montana Ave. 310.458.8682, smpl.org
Thursday, December 22
“Elf”/“Fitzwilly” at the Aero Theatre, this double feature starts at 7:30 p.m. with general tickets $11. Will Ferrell is at his hilarious best as Buddy, a human who has been raised among Santa’s elves at the North Pole in “Elf.” In “Fitzwilly,” Dick Van Dyke stars as Claude Fitzwilliam, the head butler to philanthropist Miss Vicki. When it becomes apparent that his beloved employer is completely broke, Fitzwilliam concocts a scheme to steal from the rich and give to Miss Vicki. 1328 Montana Ave., americancinemathequecalendar.com/content/elf-fitzwilly
