It was a dreary ending to another sad UCLA season, drizzle slickening a mostly empty Rose Bowl on a night the game-time temperature was 49 degrees.
Cold reality continued to envelope the Bruins on Saturday.
The developments on the field weren’t any more uplifting, UCLA suffering a 28-18 setback against California to complete its fourth straight losing season and second in a row under coach Chip Kelly.
Kelly’s team finished with a 4-8 record one year after going 3-9, hardly the results UCLA’s fan base expected from a coach who had once taken Oregon to four major bowl games in as many seasons.
Kelly said he was not discouraged by the results, describing his commitment to the Bruins as “the same since I’ve been here; it’s been 100%.” He also rebutted media reports that he might head back to the NFL as an offensive coordinator.
“I don’t know where they came from and I have not had any discussions with anybody,” Kelly said of the reports. “We have a banquet tomorrow at 1 o’clock and we’ll see our seniors off in a manner that they should be seen off and then we hit the ground recruiting, so that’s kind of our plan.”
The Bruins (4-8, 4-5) started and ended the season with three-game losing streaks, failing to replicate their late-season surge from a year ago. UCLA’s defense was the primary culprit during the latter skid, giving up an average of 43 points over that span and raising questions about whether defensive coordinator Jerry Azzinaro should be allowed to return in 2020.
Kelly would not discuss whether he was contemplating any changes on his defensive staff.
“You’ve got to look at everything that goes on and we always assess everything after the season — scheme, personnel, everything,” Kelly said. “We’ll look at everything. We’re always trying to improve and trying to make ourselves better. This isn’t the time to talk about anything like that.”
UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson returned from the injury that had knocked him out of the game against USC last week only to absorb more blows and leave after getting hurt again with about four minutes left.
He was constantly on the run, getting sacked five times for 39 yards in losses, while completing 23 of 39 passes for 278 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
The Bruins suffered one final humiliation in the final minute when running back Demetric Felton Jr. was stuffed for a three-yard loss on fourth and one at the Cal two-yard line.
Cal entered the game with the worst offense in the Pac-12 but appeared plenty capable against the Bruins. Golden Bears quarterback Chase Garbers passed for 230 yards and one touchdown against an overmatched secondary and running back Christopher Brown Jr. ran for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
Brown’s spinning 10-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter gave the Golden Bears (7-5, 4-5) a 28-18 lead that provided more than enough cushion on a night the Bruins’ injury-plagued offense reverted to its bad early season form.
Highlights from UCLA’s loss to California on Saturday.
It was an unhappy sendoff for Bruins senior running back Joshua Kelley, who ran for 76 yards and a touchdown in 19 carries in his final college game. Kelley made the game’s first memorable play when he hurdled Cal safety Jaylinn Hawkins near the end of a 20-yard run that pushed him over 1,000 yards for the second consecutive season.
That play ended up being more than a footnote when Thompson-Robinson capped the drive by throwing a 19-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Erwin for the game’s first points.
“It feels pretty cool because there have been so many incredible running backs here,” Kelley said of being the eighth UCLA player to reach that milestone in back-to-back seasons. “You’ve got coach [DeShaun] Foster and Maurice Jones-Drew, you have just so many incredible backs here. And maybe something I’m gonna reflect about it, you know, I know I didn’t win as much as those guys and that’s something I really wish I could do, just contribute to more wins for this program but I think it’s pretty cool that someday I’m gonna see my name listed with some of those guys.”
UCLA’s beleaguered defense held firm until Cal receiver Makai Polk took a screen pass from Garbers late in the first quarter and picked up a couple of nice blocks on the way to a 44-yard touchdown catch that tied the score.
Cal surged ahead 14-7 early in the second quarter when Garbers crossed the goal line on a one-yard quarterback sneak and the Golden Bears never relinquished the lead.
Predictably, there were large expanses of open seats on a night the conditions were less than ideal and the outcome held no real significance.
The announced crowd of 38,102 gave the Bruins a record low for average attendance at the stadium they have called home since 1982. Their average of 43,848 fans for games at the Rose Bowl broke the previous low of 49,107 set in 1995.
Those who did come cheered the 15 Bruins who were introduced beforehand as part of their final college game.
The departing players were flanked by two lines of teammates as they walked to embrace Kelly. Senior linebacker Krys Barnes did not play after suffering a knee injury against USC.
Thompson-Robinson had to play behind two second-string offensive linemen after center Boss Tagaloa went down in the first quarter and left guard Duke Clemens limped off the field in the third quarter. Sam Marrazzo took over at center and Jon Gaines II at left guard.
Another Bruin went down late in the third quarter when receiver Chase Cota caught the ball at Cal’s one-yard line and had to be helped off the field. On the next play, Kelley ran for a one-yard touchdown and the Bruins pulled within 21-18 after Delon Hurt caught a pass in the back of the end zone on the two-point conversion.
There wouldn’t be anything else to celebrate besides the end of the misery.
But Kelly maintained he had seen growth in a team that could return as many as nine starters on offense and seven on defense. Their ranks will be bolstered by a recruiting class that’s currently ranked No. 31 nationally and fifth in the Pac-12, according to 247 Sports.
“I’ve seen young players that played a lot of football for us this year that grew and took advantage of the opportunities they had,” Kelly said, “and you’re excited to come back when we get a chance to get to spring ball and coach these guys up. And I know through the experience they had and how they really progressed during the season that I’m excited about what the future is, to be honest with you.”
The chilly rain that fell most of the afternoon tapered off early in UCLA’s season finale against Cal, but the gloomy atmosphere that had settled over the Rose Bowl never lifted. Even the music played during the pregame recognition of the Bruins’ seniors had a somber tone. It was an odd note to strike during a supposed celebration but a sadly accurate reflection of the state of the program two years into Chip Kelly’s tenure as coach.
The Bruins’ 28-18 loss to Cal on Saturday meant Kelly’s second season ended much as the first one did, with a few details altered. It ended with a losing record (4-8 overall and 4-5 in Pac-12 play) and no bowl game invitation. Not that the Bruins deserved a bowl bid. It had become impossible, anyway, before they produced another disjointed performance against the bowl-bound Bears before an announced crowd of 38,102 diehards.
Consider this: Cal (7-5, 4-5) had scored more points in only one other game this season. And consider this, too: In the Bruins’ last three games they gave up 129 points — 49 to Utah, 52 to USC and then 28 to the Bears.
Earlier this season, Kelly had said a team was what its record said it was. Reminded of that on Saturday — and of his 7-17 record as UCLA’s coach — he sidestepped the question of who and where the Bruins were after a season that was bracketed by a three-game losing streak at the beginning and another at the saggy, soggy end.
“I think this team is growing. I’ve watched all these guys that have responded to everything that they’ve faced during the season,” he said. “We knew going in the challenges we had. It was going to be a real young team and a lot of kids were going to have to get experience on the run, and I think the guys did that. I watched them … grow as a group, and I think that’s part of what this process is all about.
“It’s obviously not what we want it to be, but I’ve seen improvement with these guys. There’s some young guys here that you’re really excited about what their future is.”
That improvement wasn’t obvious. The Bruins’ offense was slow to get going this season but picked up when conference play began, yet they scored only three points at Utah and only 18 against the Bears. After the Bruins went 3-9 last season, hitting .500 this season would have been considered a success, but they were 1-5 before a sudden surge carried them to three straight wins over Stanford, Arizona State and Colorado. At 4-5, with hopes of a division title still alive, they promptly fell apart defensively and took themselves out of the running for anything but another disappointing season.
Highlights from UCLA’s loss to California on Saturday.
The end of the season was too recent for Kelly to say on Saturday what changes he would implement defensively. “I think you’ve got to look at everything that goes on,” he said, “and we always assess everything after the season — scheme, personnel, everything.”
He plans to be part of that assessment, quashing reports that he would leave for an NFL job. “I don’t know where they came from and I have not had any discussions with anybody,” he said. “We have a banquet [Sunday] at 1 o’clock and we’ll see our seniors off in a manner that they should be seen off and then we hit the ground recruiting, so that’s kind of our plan.”
How long it will take to implement his plans remains unclear, but he must find a way to bring about dramatic improvement next season or the Chip Kelly Era will be brief. “I don’t know what scale you’re looking for,” he said. “I just think I’ve seen young players that played a lot of football for us this year that grew and took advantage of the opportunities they had, and you’re excited to come back when we get a chance to get to spring ball and coach these guys up. And I know through the experience they had and how they really progressed during the season that I’m excited about what the future is, to be honest with you.”
Senior running back Joshua Kelley, who had 76 rushing yards and passed the 1,000-yard mark for the second straight season, also says he sees better days ahead for the Bruins. Sitting beside fellow senior Josh Woods in a postgame interview session, Kelley said he wouldn’t take back anything about his time at UCLA and that being a Bruin helped him grow “as a man, as a person.” He added, “I think it’s gonna be special for the young men coming up the next few years. There’s so many play makers here. It’s gonna be awesome to see. I think it’s great that me and Josh [Woods] were a part of this and that we contributed to something special that’s coming.”
Kelley also said he believed Chip Kelly could turn the program around. “I’ve got a lot of confidence in coach Kelly and what he’s gonna do,” Kelley said. “Defense is gonna be great, there’s a lot of young guys and now they’re gonna be older, they’re gonna be more experienced. “So I have no doubt in my mind…. UCLA’s gonna be great these next two years, I just know it for sure, without a doubt.”
Kelley and Woods left the interview room with their arms resting on each other’s shoulders, a poignant sight that was repeated often Saturday night. After the game ended, many players stayed on the field to pose for photos with friends and embrace one last time this season, or one last time as Bruins. It was a somber ending, one we’ve seen before. It’s up to Kelly to make sure that ending changes next season.
World champion Lewis Hamilton cruised to victory from pole position at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, capping another stellar season with an 11th win and 84th overall.
The six-time Formula One champion is now only seven wins behind seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of 91, which he could realistically overtake next season.
After he made a clean start from a record-extending 88th career pole, Hamilton was untroubled as he won on the Yas Marina circuit for the fifth time – four with Mercedes and once when driving for McLaren in 2011.
He finished about 17 seconds ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in a race bereft of overtaking, except for Verstappen’s clean move on Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari on Lap 33.
Leclerc was third for a 10th podium in a strong first season with Ferrari, which included an F1-leading seven poles – two more than Hamilton and Bottas – and two wins. However, Leclerc was summoned for a post-race investigation because there was a difference between the amount of fuel in the car as declared by the team and the amount actually inside the car.
Leclerc only just held off Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas, who climbed 16 places to fourth after starting last. Sebastian Vettel started fourth and finished fifth in a disappointing end to a season where the four-time F1 champion has won only one race.
Hamilton made a clean start, but Verstappen was overtaken by Leclerc and just held off Vettel behind him on the first lap, which saw Pierre Gasly’s Toro Rosso sandwiched between both Racing Point cars and forced to pit for a new front wing.
After just 10 of 55 laps on the desert circuit, Hamilton had pulled five seconds clear of Leclerc.
Ferrari pitted both drivers for new tires on the 13th lap, but while Leclerc’s tire switch was relatively good, Vettel’s took several seconds too long because the mechanics struggled to fit his front left tire on.
It was the latest basic mistake from Ferrari in yet another season marred by errors following similar blunders in the past two seasons.
Ferrari replaced Maurizio Arrivabene with Mattia Binotto as team principal, but Binotto has not managed to stem the flow of mistakes.
Hamilton pitted about halfway through the race and such was his on-track advantage that he still came out six seconds clear of Leclerc, while Verstappen was in third place and complaining about engine, braking and throttle issues.
Still, the audacious Dutchman then found some extra speed to overtake Leclerc and held the Monegasque driver off as he tried to overtake him back down the right.
Ferrari pitted both drivers simultaneously again on Lap 39, and this time the tire changes were both fairly smooth.
Leclerc finished a massive 43 seconds behind Hamilton but had built up just enough of a lead to hold off Bottas by .9 seconds.
A woman armed with a box cutter slashed the neck of a shopper at a Walgreens in San Diego on Saturday, leaving the victim with a life-threatening injury, police said.
The attack occurred about 9:15 a.m. as the victim was browsing the cosmetics aisle at the drugstore on Camino Ruiz north of Mira Mesa Boulevard, said San Diego police Officer Tony Martinez.
The alleged assailant, a 55-year-old woman, first threatened to hurt the victim, Martinez said. She then grabbed the customer by her hair, pulled her head back and sliced her neck, he said.
Employees and customers inside the store witnessed the attack and disarmed the assailant, detaining her for officers. The woman was arrested on an attempted murder charge. Her name was not immediately released.
The victim, 59, was taken to a hospital. Her condition was not immediately available.
A Los Angeles police officer who was shot during a confrontation with a suspect in Boyle Heights was released from the hospital on Saturday, police said.
Members of the LAPD’s gang unit were on patrol when they approached the suspect near Malabar and North Fickett streets shortly after 7 p.m. Friday, police said. The man pulled out a weapon and fired on the officers.
One of the officers was shot in the arm and taken to the hospital.
“Last night was a sobering reminder of the dangers police officers face when they put on the uniform — but they never shy away from protecting and serving their communities,” the LAPD tweeted Saturday in announcing the officer’s release from the hospital.
The suspect, who was not injured, was arrested and a gun was recovered at the scene, according to police.
Los Angeles County’s annual service for the unclaimed dead will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Los Angeles County Crematory and Cemetery on 3301 E. 1st St. in Boyle Heights.
The ceremony will remember 1,457 individuals cremated in 2016 whose remains have stayed in the county’s possession for the past three years, according to Estela Inouye, manager of decedent affairs at the county morgue, crematory, and cemetery. There are many reasons why the remains go unclaimed: the deceased had no next of kin, they lost touch with their families, their families cannot pay to reimburse the cremation fee.
An interfaith service held by the county provides “a solemn service to recognize that these were human beings, had their own stories, their own families,” said Father Chris Ponnet, director of spiritual care at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, who has been organizing the service for about 15 years.
Faith leaders from different religious backgrounds, including Ponnet, will preside over the ceremony in a variety of languages. In past years, people have paid their respects through readings of poetry and religious texts, including Psalm 23 in Hebrew and in English. One woman sang a Native American song facing each cardinal point.
“We try to represent as diverse a group that could be represented in this group that has died,” Ponnet said. “It’s a reminder of the dignity of each person.”
Information on finding a decedent is available online.
To claim someone, call the Office of Decedent Affairs at (323) 409-7161 or email Estela Inouye at [email protected].
Over the last decade, more than 50 people have died by suicide while admitted to psychiatric facilities in California. The figure paints a bleak picture of the options available for people in the midst of a mental health crisis.
So for families whose loved ones are suffering from suicidal thoughts, is there hope? Can hospitals actually stop people from dying by suicide?
The short answer, experts say, is yes.
Suicide rates have risen in nearly every state in America over the last 20 years. Nationwide, suicide is an epidemic, now the second-leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 35.
Psychiatric hospitals are often seen as a last resort for people who are suicidal. But a Times analysis found that over the last decade, nearly 100 people died while admitted to these facilities in California, mostly due to suicide. A study released last year found that nationwide 49 to 65 people die by suicide annually while in the hospital.
But there is wide variation in suicide rates from hospital to hospital, suggesting some places are keeping patients safer than others. One of the high-performing systems, the Department of Veterans Affairs, offers some clues as to what might work.
In 2007, VA hospitals nationwide adopted a 134-question checklist designed to reduce suicide risks for patients.
Staff members must ensure that pillows and mattresses are free of vinyl or plastic, which could be used for strangulation; that there are no privacy curtains, which can be used for hanging; that all exits and entrances to the building are within the line of sight of the nurses’ station, so patients are easily monitored.
Since the checklist was implemented, suicides in mental health units have decreased dramatically. The suicide rate fell from 4.2 suicides per 100,000 admissions to 0.74 suicides per 100,000 admissions, according to a 2016 paper.
“The trend suggests that the rate of suicide continues to decline since implementation of the checklist,” the paper found.
But outside the VA system, there’s been little progress, experts say.
The Joint Commission, a nonprofit that accredits most of the nation’s psychiatric hospitals, has been trying to reduce suicide rates nationwide for the last decade, to no avail, , said Dr. David Baker, the agency’s executive vice president for healthcare quality evaluation.
Part of the problem is that reliable data weren’t available on the number of suicides in hospitals and how they were taking place. The agency commissioned a study that found that among the roughly 50 suicides per year in hospitals nationwide, 70% were via hanging. Half were in the bathroom and a third in the bedroom, the study found.
In response to the findings, an expert panel made recommendations on how to limit these deaths, including the best way to monitor suicidal patients.
At many hospitals, patients deemed suicidal are put on 15-minute watch, but that isn’t very effective because it doesn’t take long to complete suicide, experts say.
“It’s certainly not the best way to monitor for suicidal ideation,” said Dr. Tyler Jones, clinical associate psychiatry professor at Oregon Health and Science University. “The opportunity can happen pretty quickly.”
The better, though more resource-intensive, option is one-to-one observation, in which a staff member is within arm’s-reach of a patient at all times.
This year, the Joint Commission released new national standards effective July 1 aimed at reducing suicide rates. The requirements mandate widespread suicide screening among psychiatric patients as well as minimizing any anchor points, door hinges or hooks that can be used for hanging.
“I think some people come away thinking that hospitals have not been paying attention to this and I think part of that is due to the lack of clarity,” Baker said. “I think it’s much more clear what they should be doing now.”
For some patients, the hospital can provide a needed respite from their suicidal thoughts — and potentially save their lives, experts say.
When someone wants to die by suicide, they are typically focused on one mode, whether it be jumping off a bridge or overdosing, said Johns Hopkins University psychiatry professor Dr. Paul Nestadt. Without that option, the desire to complete suicide drops dramatically.
In a 1978 study, researchers followed 515 people who attempted to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco but survived. The study found that only 5% of them eventually died by suicide.
The research points to the importance of reducing suicide risk at places where people often kill themselves, such as installing a suicide net under the Golden Gate Bridge. When convenient means of dying are taken away, people become much less likely to attempt suicide, Nestadt said.
“There are people who just keep trying and die, but they are the minority,” Nestadt said. “That contextualizes the role of the hospital … the hospital is there to keep someone from having access to that gun or that bridge or that train so they can be treated and the feeling can pass.”
Here is a list of theater openings, Critics’ Choices, etc., for Dec. 1-8. Capsule reviews are by Charles McNulty (C.M.), Philip Brandes (P.B.), F. Kathleen Foley (F.K.F.), Margaret Gray (M.G.) and Daryl H. Miller (D.H.M.).
Openings
Church Discipline: Christmas It’s Santa vs. Krampus in a holiday edition of this comedy show; for ages 16 and up. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group. 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sun., next Sun., 8:30 p.m. $16. (818) 202-4120. ZombieJoes.com
Julius Caesar Warriors for Peace Theatre stages Shakespeare’s tragedy about the ill-fated Roman ruler. Hudson Backstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Sun., next Sun., 2 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 22. $15, $25. warriorsforpeacetheatre.com
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas The musical group’s annual holiday celebration returns. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Sun., 7 p.m. $59 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella Classic musical based on the beloved fairy tale. Rose Center Theater, 14140 All American Way, Westminster. Sun., next Sun., 2 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; ends Dec. 15. $20-$27. (714) 793-1150. rosecentertheater.com
Safe Harbor Three woman caught up in the shadowy world of sex trafficking strive to make better futures for themselves in Tira Palmquist’s new drama. Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave., L.A. Sun., next Sun., 3 and 7 p.m.; Mon., Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 15. $20, $29. (951) 566-6413. eventbrite.com
An Unforgettable Nat King Cole Christmas Evan Tyrone Martin pays tribute to the legendary entertainer. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Sun., 3 p.m. $15-$47. (562) 944-9801. lamiradatheatre.com
The Living Room Series Staged reading of Chelsea Dutton’s “Falling Sad Slanted & Crazy.” The Blank’s 2nd Stage Theatre, 6500 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Mon., 8 p.m. $15 suggested donation. (323) 661-9827. theblank.com
Turning Limitations into Opportunities: An Evening with Ali Stroker The Tony winner (“Oklahoma”) and wheelchair user shares her story. USC’s Bovard Auditorium, 3551 Trousdale Parkway, L.A. Mon., 7 p.m. Free; reservations required. visionsandvoices.usc.edu
From Gershwin to Gaga — A Holiday Special: Celebrating the Legendary Tony Bennett Chris Mann salutes the beloved crooner in this cabaret show. Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. Tue., 8:30 p.m. $25-$60; food and drink minimums apply. (866) 466-2210. catalinajazzclub.com
Independent Writers Lab Readings of four new plays. Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., L.A. Tue., 7 p.m.; Wed., 7 and 9 p.m.; Thu., 7 p.m.; Free. Reservations at [email protected]
A Christmas Carol David Mynne plays all the roles in this solo adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. Wed.-Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 and 7 p.m.; next Sun., 2:30 p.m. $25. (310) 746-4000. TheWallis.org
Dark Dark Ride Ride: Holiday Edition All-new holiday horror attraction; for ages 18 and up. Zombie Zoe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Wed.-Sat., 8 to 11:45 p.m., with entry every 15 minutes; ends Dec. 21. $35 (up to two people per ticket). (818) 202-4120. ZombieJoes.com
Dixie’s Tupperware Party Southern belle turned saleswoman Dixie Longate returns in Kris Andersson’s interactive solo comedy. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Wed.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 2 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m. $39 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Enceladus Theatre Company presents this adaptation of Frank Capra’s 1946 holiday fable starring James Stewart. Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, 6760 Painter Ave., Whittier. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $15, $20. (562) 907-4203. shannoncenter.org
The K-Tel All-Stars: Super Hits of the 70s Musical revue celebrates classic AM radio tunes. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $22-$27. (805) 583-7900. simi-arts.org
Little Black Dress: The Musical BFFs share life’s ups and downs in this mix of comedy, drama, music and improv; contains strong language and adult themes. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends Dec. 15. $25 and up. (213) 628-2772. LittleBlackDressTheMusical.com
Risk! Live Storytelling series returns with a holiday edition and a new location; David Crabb hosts. The Virgil, 4519 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Wed., 8 p.m. $12, $15. (323) 660-4540. nightout.com
A Christmas Carol With Charles Dickens Independent Shakespeare Co.’s David Melville re-creates a performance of the holiday favorite by the author himself; for ages 8 and up. Independent Studio, 3191 Casitas Ave., #130, Atwater Village. Thu.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Dec. 22. $25-$45. (818) 710-6306. www.iscla.org
Peter Pan and Tinkerbell: A Pirates’ Christmas Family-friendly musical comedy/adventure tale based on characters created by J.M. Barrie and performed in the style of a traditional British holiday panto; with John O’Hurley. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Thu.-Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat.-next Sun., noon and 4 p.m.; ends Dec. 29. $41-$76. (949) 497-2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
Sugar Plum Fairy Writer-performer Sandra Tsing Loh returns in her autobiographical holiday comedy about a young girl who dreams of dancing a lead role in “The Nutcracker”; Bart De Lorenzo directs. East West Players, David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso St., L.A. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Dec. 22. $25-$50; opening night only, $80-$90. (213) 625-7000. eastwestplayers.org
Crimson Cabaret The Unmarked Door presents this immersive, interactive mystery drama/variety show. Secret location, address provided to ticket holders, Glendale. Thu.-next Sun., 7:30 p.m.; ends Dec. 29. $95-$145. theunmarkeddoor.com
Things to do
A Christmas Carol: The One-Man Play Gus Krieger plays multiple roles in his stage adaptation of Dickens’ fable; presented by the Porters of Hellsgate Theatre Company. The Whitmore-Lindley Theatre Center,11006 W. Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri., 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 15. $15-$30. (818) 325-2055. portersofhellsgate.com
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!) A company of actors tries to pull together the mother of all holiday shows in this family-friendly comedy. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2:30 p.m.; ends Dec. 29. $25-$45. (626) 355-4318. sierramadreplayhouse.org
Frozen A young woman and her companions go on a quest to break the wintry spell of her big sister, the Snow Queen, in this stage adaptation of Disney’s hit 2013 animated musical featuring music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. Hollywood Pantages, 6233 Hollywood Blvd. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends Feb. 2. $39 and up. (800) 982-2787. .hollywoodpantages.com
The Fruit Cake Follies 2019 This send-up of 1970s-era holiday TV specials returns. Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat.-next Sun., 1, 4 and 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 22. $35, $40. (800) 838-3006. brownpapertickets.com
Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn Musical Theatre West stages this tune-filled Broadway show based on the 1942 Bing Crosby-Fred Astaire movie. Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 1 and 7 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6 p.m.; ends Dec. 15. $20 and up. (562) 856-1999. musical.org
La Virgen De Guadalupe, Dios Inantzin The Latino Theater Company presents this annual site-specific reenactment of the Virgin Mary’s visitations with peasant Juan Diego in 16th-century Mexico; in Spanish with English supertitles. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple St., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m. Free; reserved seating, $45. (866) 811-4111. thelatc.org
The Man Who Came to Dinner An injury forces a radio host to overstay his welcome at a local factory-owner’s home in Moss Hart- George S. Kaufman’s classic farce; for ages 7 and up. The Group Rep, Lonny Chapman Theatre, Main Stage, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Jan. 12. $20, $25. (818) 763-5990. thegrouprep.com
Miracle on Anaheim Street Held2gether performs improv, sketches and musical numbers in this annual benefit. Long Beach Playhouse, Studio Theatre, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Fri., 8 p.m. $20. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.org
Anne of Green Gables Musical based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic children’s novel about a red-haired orphan living on Prince Edward Island. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Dec. 29. $25-$49; discounts available. (888) 455-4212. ChanceTheater.com
A Christmas Carol Dickens’ classic holiday fable about a miser shown the error of his ways. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 22. $14-$27. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.org
A Christmas Carol Hal Landon Jr. takes his 40th and final turn as Ebenezer Scrooge when South Coast Rep’s annual presentation of the Dickens classic returns; children under 6 not admitted. South Coast Repertory, Segerstrom Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Sat., 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., noon and 4 p.m.; ends Dec. 24. $38 and up. (714) 708-5555. scr.org
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Ensemble Theatre Company presents this adaptation of Frank Capra’s 1946 holiday fable starring James Stewart. The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Dec. 27. $25-$77. (805) 965-5400. etcsb.org
Levi Kreis: Home for the Holidays The Tony winner (“Million Dollar Quartet”) performs seasonal favorites in this cabaret show. L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Renberg Theatre, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood. Sat., 8 p.m. $35, $40. (323) 860-7300. lalgbtcenter.org
The Magic of Christmas starring the Young Americans The multimedia-enhanced, family-friendly musical revue returns. La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; ends Dec. 15. $23, $65. (562) 944-9801. lamiradatheatre.com
North Pole Now Online Pasadena Civic Ballet’s Showtime Theater Ensemble presents this family-friendly holiday tale. AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Performing Arts Center, 2495 E. Mountain St., Pasadena. Sat., 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 4:30 p.m. $15, $25. agbupac.org
Room by the Sea Coin & Ghost Theatre Company presents a staged reading of John Guerra’s drama inspired by the myth of Icarus and Daedalus. A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Sat., 7:30 p.m. $10-$20. (626) 356-3121. anoisewithin.org
Santasia — A Holiday Comedy This variety show featuring musical parodies, stop-motion animated movies and more is back for a 20th year. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Fri.-next Sun., 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 28. $30, $40. santasia.com
Scissorhands: A Musical Inspired by the Film Reimagining of Tim Burton’s 1990 fable starring Johnny Depp. Rockwell Table & Stage, 1714 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz. Sat., 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 12:30 p.m. $25-$45. (323) 669-1550. rockwell-la.com
The Tony Martini Variety Hour The Vegas-style music-and-comedy show returns. Three Clubs Cocktail Lounge, 1123 Vine St., Hollywood. Sat., 8 p.m. $20. (323) 866-9994. tonymartinihour.com
Story Pirates Musical sketch comedy show for ages 5 and up. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Promenade Terrace, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. Next Sun., 11 a.m. Free. (310) 746-4000. TheWallis.org
Critics’ Choices
Andy Warhol’s Tomato In this deftly staged debut, Vince Melocchi’s two-hander imagines an encounter in 1946 Pittsburgh between 18-year old Warhol (only an aspiring commercial artist at that point) and a blue-collar barkeep harboring secret dreams of becoming a writer. Carefully researched factual accuracy notwithstanding, the play isn’t so much a biographical portrait as a touching exploration of cultural division bridged by a fundamental human need to create. (P.B.) Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Blvd., Venice. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Dec. 15. $25-$34. (310) 822-8392. pacificresidenttheatre.com
Bob’s Holiday Office Party This long-running yuletide parody of small town eccentricity thrives on the qualities that has made it a staple of the L.A. theater scene for over two decades — it’s irreverent, crude, and devastatingly funny. (P.B.) Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., L.A. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Dec. 22. $25, $35. (800) 838-3006. bobsofficeparty.com
A Christmas Carol Amid many worthy area stagings of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic, this deftly performed, meta-theatrical edition stands out for fidelity to text, witty stagecraft and heartfelt embrace of message. There are fleeting oddities, but only a die-hard humbug could remain unmoved by so charming a Yuletide treat. God bless us everyone. (David C. Nichols). A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Dec. 23. $25 and up; student rush, $20. (626) 356-3100. anoisewithin.org
Department of Dreams Preeminent Kosovar playwright Jeton Neziraj’s dystopian fable concerns a repressive system in which citizens are forced to “deposit” their dreams at a monolithic government agency in an ongoing campaign of intimidation and terror. The fact that the play is a world premiere represents a real coup for director Frédérique Michel and designer Charles A. Duncombe, the movers and shakers behind City Garage for almost 35 years now. They do full service to Neziraj’s surreal vision, an Orwellian portrait of a mad world in which all individuality is suppressed by a totalitarian state. Sometimes abstruse to the point of the incomprehensible, this is not an easy play. But is in an important play by a world-class playwright who challenges our complacency at every twist and turn. (F.K.F.) City Garage, Bergamot Station, building T1, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica. Sun., next Sun., 3 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 8. $20, $25; Sundays: pay what you want, at the door only. (310) 453-9939. citygarage.org
Eight Nights Sharply written, expertly performed and staged with breathtaking emotional impact, Jennifer Maisel’s new play explores the refugee experience and its repercussions through the deeply personal story of a concentration camp survivor and her descendants. (P.B.) Antaeus Theatre Company, Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center, 110 E. Broadway, Glendale. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Dec. 16. $35. (818) 506-1983. Antaeus.org
Elijah Set in a Texas TGI Fridays during raging hurricane Elijah, Judith Leora’s play commences on a deceptively polemical note, as the pro-and-anti death penalty activists who had gathered at a nearby prison for the execution of a notorious serial slayer are forced to shelter in place for the duration. In this case, patience is a virtue. Leora’s initial didacticism deepens into a beautifully realized, classically structured drama that subtly illustrates what can occur when individuals are forced out of their ideologically ossified “tribes” to seek a common humanity. Never striking a false note, director Maria Gobetti takes us on a journey that accelerates to a shattering emotional whirlwind. Among the superlative performers, Molly Gray particularly stands out in her raw portrayal of a woman coping with a sad and shocking legacy that will forever define her. (F.K.F.) The Big Victory Theatre, 3326 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank. Sun., next Sun., 4 p.m.; Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 15. $28-$40. (818) 841-5421. thevictorytheatrecenter.org
The Great Leap BD Wong, who starred in two previous productions of Lauren Yee’s exhilarating, witty, heartbreaking play about Chinese-American relations seen through the lens of basketball, directs its L.A. premiere at the Pasadena Playhouse. Unbeknownst to many Americans, basketball is huge in China, and Yee uses this shared affinity between our otherwise clashing cultures as a mutual way in. This lavish coproduction with East West Players features four dazzling performers, including James Eckhouse (of “Beverly Hills 90210”) as you’ve never seen him before. (M.G.) Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Ends Sun., 2 and 7 p.m. $25 and up. (626) 356-7529. PasadenaPlayhouse.org
JitneyRuben Santiago-Hudson’s Tony-winning revival of August Wilson’s “Jitney,” a triumphant melding of acting and drama, puts the audience in the unique position of eavesdroppers on the colloquial music of life. This early Wilson play, the first to be written in his 10-play cycle exploring the 20th century African American experience, takes place in the 1970s at a gypsy cab station threatened by the city’s urban renewal program. Wilson takes us inside the drivers’ lives to reveal the way history has challenged and changed their destinies. What was once dismissed as a minor Wilson drama is now considered major. And it’s not because our standards have plummeted. Rather, it’s that the play, when fully realized by a company of actors working in communal concord, satisfies our growing hunger for complex and compassionate character truth. (C.M.) Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m., Sat., 2:30 and 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 29. $25-$110. (213) 628-2772. centertheatregroup.org
Key Largo A stage version of John Huston’s 1948 classic film noir starring Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall and Edward G. Robinson, is asking for trouble. To begin with, who can compete with the soul-weary charisma of Bogie and Bacall? But this world premiere adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher and actor Andy Garcia, sensationally directed by Doug Hughes, takes a different route to success. Garcia’s high-voltage portrayal of mobster Johnny Rocco infuses the play with crackling vitality. Taking on the role that Robinson played with his imitable tough-guy swagger, Garcia paints a gangster portrait more along the lines of those created over the years by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Garcia’s performance, a strong supporting cast and a topnotch design team allow “Key Largo” to live anew. (C.M.) Geffen Playhouse, Gil Cates Theater, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. Sun., next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; Tue.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 10. $30-$145. (310) 208-5454. geffenplayhouse.org
Here is a list of classical music performances in L.A. for Dec. 1-8:
Camerata Pacifica Bach’s “A Musical Offering” and Beethoven’s String Quartet in C-sharp Minor. Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St., Ventura. Sun., 3 p.m. Also at The Huntington, Rothenberg Hall, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Tue., 7:30 p.m.; Zipper Hall, The Colburn School, 200 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Thu., 8 p.m.; and Music Academy of the West, Hahn Hall, 1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara. Fri., 7:30 p.m. $58. (805) 884-8410. cameratapacifica.org
Dudamel Conducts Rachmaninoff & Stravinsky Gustavo Dudamel leads the LA Phil in Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with pianist Seong-Jin Cho. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Sun., 2 p.m. $90-$255. (323) 850-2000. laphil.com
LACMA’s Sundays Live Harpist Cristina Montes Mateo and friends play works by Haydn, Saint-Saëns, Florent Schmitt and Jean Cras. St. James’ in the City, 3903 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Sun., 6 p.m. Free. (323) 857-6234. lacma.org
The Magic Flute Performers interact with projected animations as LA Opera reprises it staging of Barrie Kosky’s take on Mozart’s fantastical romantic fable; sung in German with English subtitles. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Dec. 15. $19 and up. (213) 972.8001. LAOpera.org
Messiah Sing-along Audience participation is encouraged in this 10th-annual presentation of Handel’s oratorio. St. Cross Episcopal Church, 1818 Monterey Blvd., Hermosa Beach. Sun., 3 p.m. By donation. stcross.org
Brentano String Quartet Pieces by Beethoven and Martin Bresnick. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tue., 8 p.m. $29 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
Sheku Kanneh-Mason The young British cellist performs works by Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, et al., accompanied by his sister, pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason. Colburn School, Zipper Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Tue., 8 p.m. $95, $130. (213) 622-7001. laco.org
Glendale Noon Concerts Violinist Nancy Roth and pianist Lorenzo Sanchez perform Bartok’s Violin Sonata No. 1. Glendale City Church, 610 E. California Ave., Glendale. Wed., 12:10 p.m. Free. (818) 244-7241. glendalenoonconcerts.blogspot.com
Solstice: Illuminating the Light Within The National Children’s Chorus performs works by Lauridsen, Whitacre, et al. Royce Hall, UCLA, 10745 Dickson Court, Westwood. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $46 and up. (800) 745-3000. nationalchildrenschorus.com
Beethoven’s Seventh Carl St.Clair leads Pacific Symphony in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, the world premiere of Elliot Goldenthal’s “October Light” (Adagio for Orchestra), and Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with pianist Vadym Kholodenko. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m. $25 and up. (714) 755-5799. PacificSymphony.org
Kaleidescope Chamber Orchestra Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 and Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf,” plus works by Viet Cuong and Jessie Montgomery. Beckman Auditorium at Caltech, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Thu., 10 a.m. Also at Ivy Substation, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. Sat., 11 a.m.; Music Academy of the West, Hahn Hall, 1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara. Sat., 7 p.m.; and First Presbyterian Church, 1220 2nd St., Santa Monica. Next Sun., 2 p.m. Free; suggested donation, $40. kco.la
Beethoven’s “Eroica” Principal guest conductor Susanna Mälkki leads the LA Phil in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 plus Oliver Knussen’s Violin Concerto with violinist Leila Josefowicz. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., next Sun., 2 p.m. $20-$200. (323) 850-2000. laphil.com
Colburn Community Chorale The ensemble is joined by special guests for its annual holiday concert. Colburn School, Zipper Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Fri., 8 p.m. Free. (213) 621-2200. colburnschool.edu
Dawson City: Frozen Time Live! L.A.-based contemporary ensemble Wild Up and Tonality’s women’s choir perform Alex Somers’ score to accompany a screening of filmmaker Bill Morrison’s documentary, consisting of silent-era found footage, about a Gold Rush town in the Yukon. The Theatre at Ace Hotel DTLA, 929 S. Broadway, downtown L.A. Fri., 8 p.m. $28 and up. (310) 825-2101. cap.ucla.edu
First Fridays at First! Organist Namhee Han performs. First Lutheran Church and School, 2900 W. Carson St., Torrance. Fri., 12:15 p.m. (310) 316-5574. palosverdes.com
Joy! ’Tis the Season The Village Voices Chorale is joined by the Covenant Ringers Handbell Choir for holiday favorites. Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 p.m. $27. (800) 745-3000. ticketmaster.com
La bohème: AKA “The Hipsters” Pacific Opera Project reprises its update of Puccini’s tragedy, transposing the tale of struggling artists from 19th-century Paris to present-day downtown L.A.; sung in Italian with projected English titles. The Highland Park Ebell Club, 131 S. Avenue 57, Highland Park. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 14. $15-$30; tables, $60, $180. (323) 739-6122. pacificoperaproject.com
South Bay Chamber Music Society The New Hollywood String Quartet performs an all-Beethoven program. Los Angeles Harbor College, Music Department Recital Hall, 1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington. Fri., 8 p.m. Also at Pacific Unitarian Church, 5621 Montemalaga Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes. Next Sun., 3 p.m. Free. sbcms.net
St. Matthew’s Music Guild Holiday concert features Baroque-era works including William Boyce’s Symphony No. 4 and the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah. St. Matthew’s Church, 1031 Bienveneda Ave., Pacific Palisades. Fri., 8 p.m. $10, $35. (310) 573-7422. MusicGuildOnline.org
Things to do
Behzod Abduraimov The pianist plays Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” plus pieces by Debussy and Chopin. Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo. Sat., 8 p.m. $45-$75. (949) 480-4278. soka.edu
Angel City Chorale: Starry Starry Night Holiday Concert & Sing-Along The ensemble performs film-score selections, classic songs and seasonal favorites backed by a live orchestra. Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 3300 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Sat.-next Sun., 7:30 p.m. $35-$90. (310) 943-9231. angelcitychorale.org
Festival of Carols Composer Eric Whitacre conducts the Los Angeles Master Chorale in sacred and secular favorites, plus the world premiere of “The Gift of the Magi,” Whitacre’s setting of O. Henry’s classic tale. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; also Sat., Dec. 14, 2 p.m. $29-$139; children under 6 not admitted. (213) 972-7282. lamasterchorale.org
Gideon’s Suitcase: 100th Birthday Jacaranda salutes Gideon Klein, the Czech composer-pianist known for organizing concerts at the Terezin concentration camp during WWII, with a program featuring pianist David Kaplan, Lyris Quartet and Jacaranda Winds and works by Klein, Mozart, Schoenberg and Janacek. First Presbyterian Church, 1220 2nd St., Santa Monica. Sat., 8 p.m. $25, $45. jacarandamusic.org
Kontrapunktus Baroque Ensemble: Stylus Fantasticus Rare chamber-music works by Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber, Dieterich Buxtehude and Girolamo Frescobaldi. Culver City Seventh-day Adventist Church, 11828 W. Washington Blvd., L.A. Sat., 7:30 p.m. Also at Trinity Lutheran Church, 997 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Next Sun., 2 p.m. Free. kontrapunktus.com
Handel’s Messiah Orange County-based vocal ensemble Meistersingers performs with a period-instrument ensemble. Claremont United Church of Christ, 233 W. Harrison Ave., Claremont. Sat., 4 p.m. Also at Anaheim United Methodist Church, 1000 S. State College Blvd., Anaheim. Next Sun., 3 p.m. $15, $25. meistersingers.net
The Many Actual Moods of Christmas: Holidays for the Slightly Harried The Orange County Women’s Chorus opens its season with works by Eleanor Daley, Joan Szymko and more. Newport Harbor Lutheran Church, 798 Dover Drive, Newport Beach. Sat., 7 p.m. Also at St. Wilfrid of York Episcopal Church, 18631 Chapel Lane, Huntington Beach. Next Sun., 3 p.m. (949) 451-8590. $15-$30. (949) 451-8590. ocwomenschorus.org
Symphonies for Youth: The Rite of Spring The LA Phil presents a kid-friendly exploration of the Stravinsky classic. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Sat., 11 a.m.; also Dec. 14. $25, $29. (323) 850-2000. laphil.com
The Choir of Saint James: An Advent Procession of Lessons and Carols The ensemble performs works ranging from Gregorian chant to the present day. St. James Episcopal Church, 3903 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Next Sun., 4:30 p.m. Free. stjla.org
A Christmas Celebration The Los Angeles Concert Orchestra, the Chancel Choir and the Mark Twain Bell Ringers perform. First United Methodist Church, 1008 11th St., Santa Monica. Next Sun., 7:30 p.m. Recommended donation, $10-$20. (310) 393-8258. santamonicaumc.org
Handel’s Glorious Messiah Guest conductor Robert Istad leads Pacific Symphony, Pacific Chorale and guest soloists in the holiday favorite. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Next Sun., 3 p.m. $25 and up. (714) 755-5799. PacificSymphony.org
Handel’s Messiah The Dream Orchestra, the Cathedral Choir, the Opera Chorus of Los Angeles and guest vocalists perform. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple St., L.A. Next Sun., 7 p.m. $20-$40. dreamorchestra.org
Holiday Concert The American Youth Symphony Chamber Ensemble performs. Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. Next Sun., 4 p.m. Free. schoolofmusic.ucla.edu
Holiday Lights Santa Clarita Master Chorale performs Lauridsen’s “Lux Aeterna” and more. College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Next Sun., 4 p.m. $11-$29. scmasterchorale.org
A Joyful Noise! Los Robles Master Chorale sings holiday favorites. Carpenter Family Theater, Westlake High School, 100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road, Westlake Village. Next Sun., 4 p.m. $5-$35. (805) 526-7464. losroblesmasterchorale.org
La Cenerentola The Opera Buffs present a concert performance of Rossini’s comic take on the Cinderella story. Zipper Hall, the Colburn School, 200 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Next Sun., 2 p.m. $15-$65. (323) 356-0047. operabuffs.org
Le Salon de Musiques The intimate chamber-music series presents “Passionate Romances,” a program of works for voice, strings and piano by Schumann, Mendelssohn and Robert Kahn. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 5th Floor Salon, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. Next Sun., 4 p.m. $45, $95. (310) 498-0257. lesalondemusiques.com
Los Angeles Children’s Chorus: A Ceremony of Carols The ensemble performs the Britten classic interspersed with works by Lauridsen, Brahms, et al., plus traditional songs and more. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Next Sun., 7 p.m. $17-$45. (626) 793-4231. lachildrenschorus.org
Unto Us a Child Is Born The St. James Chancel Choir, the Kirk Singers and the St. James Early Music and Jazz Ensemble perform works by Respighi, Mendelssohn, et al., plus holiday carols. St. James Presbyterian Church, 19414 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. Next Sun., 4 p.m. Free; donations accepted. (818) 345-2057. stjamespres.org
Here is a list of dance concerts in L.A. for Dec. 1-8:
The Nutcracker Inland Pacific Ballet presents its locally touring production of the holiday favorite. Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga. Sun., next Sun., 2 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; ends Dec. 8. $39 and up; discounts available. ipballet.org (Also in Riverside, Dec. 14-15; and Claremont, Dec. 21-22)
The Nutcracker Los Angeles Ballet’s annual locally touring production sets the holiday tale in the City of Angels circa 1912. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos. Sun., 1 p.m. Also at Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Sat., 6 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m. $34-$109; 10% discount for students, children, seniors and military. (310) 998-7782. losangelesballet.org (Also in Westwood, Dec. 13-15; Hollywood, Dec. 20-24; and Redondo Beach, Dec. 28-29)
The Nutcracker Westside Ballet of Santa Monica performs the holiday favorite with a live orchestra and special guests including New York City Ballet soloist Savannah Lowery. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Sun., next Sun., 1 and 5 p.m.; Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 1 and 5 p.m.; ends Dec. 8. $45. (800) 595-4849. westsideballet.tix.com
The Nutcracker Suite American Contemporary Ballet puts its own spin on the holiday favorite in this intimate and immersive show. Metropolis Los Angeles, Upper Level, 877 S. Francisco St., downtown Los Angeles. Sun., next Sun., 2 and 5 p.m.; Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 5 p.m.; ends Dec. 24. $55-$137. acbdances.com
So You Think You Can Dance Live! 2019 Finalists from the TV dance competition perform. Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Fred Kavli Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Sun., 7:30 p.m. $44-$74. (805) 449-2787. civicartsplaza.com
Great Russian Nutcracker Moscow Ballet’s touring company performs the Tchaikovsky favorite. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. Wed., 7 p.m. $29-$109. (800) 745-3000. nutcracker.com (Also in L.A., Dec. 21-22)
Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker The Debbie Allen Dance Academy is joined by Raven-Symone, Tichina Arnold and others for Allen’s update of the holiday favorite. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 E. Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. Thu.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 1 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m. $40-$110. thehotchocolatenutcracker.com
CalArts Winter Dance: Repertory Right Now! Works by Wayne McGregor, Danielle Agami and others. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8:30 p.m. $18, $22. (213) 237-2800. redcat.org
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake The British choreographer’s acclaimed reimagining of the Tchaikovsky dance fable returns. Ahmanson Theater, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 7 p.m.; ends Jan. 5. $35-$145. (213) 972-4400. CenterTheatreGroup.org
Merry-Achi Christmas Holiday show with Sol de México de José Hernández, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles and Danzarts Sabor Mexico Dance Company. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 7 p.m. $35-$86. (562) 916-8500. cerritoscenter.com
Solo Fete Dancers from Pasadena Civic Ballet perform. AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Performing Arts Center, 2495 E. Mountain St., Pasadena. Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 5 p.m.; next Sun., 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. $15. agbupac.org
The Nutcracker Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is joined by Encino’s Los Angeles Youth Ballet and guest dancers from around the world for the holiday favorite. Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m. $49 and up. (818) 677-3000. thesoraya.org
The Nutcracker Festival Ballet Theatre performs with guest dancers from San Francisco Ballet, Ballet West and Joffrey Ballet. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. Sat., 7 p.m.; next Sun., 1 p.m.; ends Dec. 24. $45-$90. (949) 854-4646. thebarclay.org
The Nutcracker Marat Daukayev Ballet Theatre performs. The Luckman Theatre, Cal State LA, 5151 State University Drive, L.A. Sat., 2 and 7 p.m.; next Sun., 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. $42-$64. (800) 838-3006. maratdaukayev.com
Nutcracker for Kids Pacific Symphony and Festival Ballet Theatre present a 45-minute version of the holiday favorite for ages 5-11. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Sat., 10 and 11:30 a.m. $50 and up. (714) 755-5799. PacificSymphony.org
Iron Women Donna Sternberg & Dancers present this site-specific work inspired by the exhibit “The Medea Insurrection: Radical Women Artists Behind the Iron Curtain.” The Wende Museum, 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City. Next Sun., 3 p.m. Free. (310) 260-1198. dsdancers.com
Noche de Triana Lakshmi “La Chimi” Basile, Misuda Cohen, Timo Nuñez and Bianca Rodriguez are the featured dancers in this Forever Flamenco presentation. The Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., L.A. Next Sun., 8 p.m. $30-$50. (323) 663-1525. fountaintheatre.com