A Christmas Carol
Through Dec. 27. Christmas isn’t complete without seeing the production of the Charles Dickens’ classic about Christmas spirit, the joy of generosity and caring for those around us. Nineteenth-century London comes to life with all the familiar Dickens characters–Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, the Fezziwigs and old Ebenezer Scrooge himself. See website for showtimes. $22-$47. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
A Snow White Christmas
Dec. 2-27. The high-spirited and interactive family musical appeals to fairy tale fans of all ages. This British holiday tradition dating to the 1700s mixes classic fairy tales, family-friendly magic and modern pop songs. See website for showtimes. $20-$80. Special family 4-pack pricing available. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
The Madwoman in the Volvo
Jan. 3-24. A comedic tale of debauchery unfolds as women going through menopause decide to turn their mid-life crisis into midlife madness. See website for showtimes. $53. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
Act 3
Jan. 6-31. A long-married couple are holding secrets from each other, then their secrets collide. See Rita Rudner and Charles Shaughnessy star in the U.S. premier of the new play. See website for showtimes. $20-$51. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
Red
Jan. 22-Feb. 21. A Tony Award-winning play about the nature of art and artists. An abstract expressionist and living legend converts a gym deep in New York City’s Bowery to an art studio where he begins work on the biggest commission in the history of modern art—and everything is at stake. See website for showtimes. $25-$60. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
Pinocchio
Feb. 5-21. The world’s favorite little wooden boy comes to life like never before in this new, highly theatrical adaptation of a family favorite. Four actors play all the roles to tell the story of the misbehaving puppet on his way to becoming a real boy. See website for showtimes. $26-$31. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org