Try these theatrical treats to fill your San Diego stocking

TOAST THE HOLIDAYS WITH A PLAY! "A Christmas Carol" at Cygnet means new music and an "reimagined"telling of the holiday classic, adapted and directed by Sean Murray.

 

TWO THEATERS OFFER

UNIQUE SPINS ON

FAVORITE FARE

Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick in

the movie version of "The Rocky Horror

 Picture Show." Cygnet presents the play.

(Part two of our theater piece.)

Cygnet Theatre. Cygnet's name was inspired by the Old Globe's moniker. Deciding against naming itself after that other famous Elizabethan playhouse, the Swan, the Old Town based company took instead the name Cygnet. Now the "young swan" has matured into a full fledged member of the theatrical community. Versatile director-actor Sean Murray (exemplary in "Sweeney Todd," "Man of LaMancha," "My Fair Lady" and more) directs the holiday classic, "A Christmas

See La Jolla Playhouse and San Diego Rep 

Cygnet Theatre in Old Town is a pleasant venue for a 

afternoon or evening of entertainment. "A Christmas Carol"

is up next, with a lively season through mid-June.

Carol," which he also adapted. The beloved Dickens tale of hope and redemption is "re-imagined" as Cygnet offers new music, live sound effects and puppetry, all marked by Cygnet's original stamp. It opens the day after Thanksgiving for a run through Dec. 27.

Cygnet's eclectic mix of musicals and drama continues with "When the Rain Stops Falling," Jan. 14-Feb. 14; the campy "Rocky Horror Show" (the movie is celebrating its 40th anniversary) March 10-May 1, and "Stupid F**king Bird," May 19-June 19. The recent Noel Coward double-header of "The Vortex" and "Hay Fever" featured a gifted cast in repertory.

 http://www.cygnettheatre

Holiday audiences will visit Pottersville and hear

from a host of familiar characters from the movie

"It's a Wonderful Life," in a one-man staged take.

NORTH COAST Repertory Theatre may be relied upon for finely staged work,

Actor James Leaming brings his

popular "This Wonderful Life"

back to North Coast Rep.

presented in a small, creative venue. What could be more creative than taking the beloved holiday film, "It's a Wonderful Life" and offering a one-man, staged tour de force. "This Wonderful Life" features actor James Leaming returning to North Coast Rep with his winning one-man tour-de-force based on the perennially favorite film, Frank Capra's "It’s a Wonderful Life." Lauded for his physical and verbal virtuosity, Leaming brings to life over 32 familiar characters from the beloved film.  His Jimmy Stewart-inspired George Bailey leads the cast of Bedford Falls folks, including Clarence the Angel, Mary, Zuzu, and others who rely on George to save them from the greedy Mister Potter. The run is Dec. 8-27.

NORTH COAST Repertory, founded in 1982, celebrates life, love and laughter in its 34th season with David Ellenstein at the helm as artistic director.

North Coast Rep's fine work is staged in a small, creative space.

Following the holiday hit, the gifted director and actor Ellenstein directs "Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Great Nome Gold Rush" which takes the famous sleuth north to Alaska.

A lively Georges Feydeau farce, "Now You See It," runs Feb. 24-March 20, and then Ellenstein directs a pair of works -- "Way Downriver" based on a William Faulkner story, "Old Man," April 13-May 8, and Henrik Ibsen's time honored "Hedda Gabler," June 1-26,   http://www.northcoastrep.org/

Consider the gift of theater tickets during the holiday season, particularly for a friend or relative who has everything.  A play or musical is always welcome! All our theaters offer gift certificates.

A tom turkey in his full, puffed up glory. This one was spared.

UP NEXT: Talking turkey.  How did this bird with the goofy looking neck become the focal point of our holiday feast -- popular this Thanksgiving week and into New Year's at millions of households around the world. We'll find out Saturday. And I'll share a favorite family recipe for "turkey wiggle," a noble way to use those delicious left-overs.  Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us weekends and as the spirit and adventures move us.