THEATER
Lamb’s Players Theatre presents:
Through Nov. 22 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
When winds of change upend Dorothy’s entire existence, she is forced to form new friendships and fight for all that is dear to her in a strange world on the brink of war. Adaptation, music and lyrics by Jon Lorenz, directed by Kerry Meads.
Dec. 1–Dec. 27 A Festival of Christmas
This year’s script is set in San Diego’s “Little Italy” district in 1949, and the sleepy little neighborhood is on the brink of big changes. A fun-filled show suitable for the whole family.
Coronado Resident Stage Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave. Tickets: (619) 437-6000 or lambsplayers.org
Coronado Playhouse presents:
Through Dec. 20 Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Chaos ensues when middle-aged step-siblings Vanya and Sonia receive a surprise visit from their famous sister, Masha, and her boyfriend Spike. The normally quiet farmhouse is hilariously turned upside-down as they confront deep issues of sibling rivalry, regret and love. Contains strong language.
Coronado Community Center theater.
(619) 435-4856 or coronadoplayhouse.com
Coronado School of the Arts presents:
Nov. 1–8 Chicago
This universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz has one show-stopping song and dance after another. In the CHS Main Stage Theatre.
Dec. 3 & 4 The Rep Company
An entertaining and thought-provoking evening of theatrical vignettes created, directed and acted by CoSA’s Musical Theatre & Drama students. From hilarious to heart-breaking, these unique presentations are all of and by students. In the Black Box Theatre.
Wednesday, Dec. 10 Instrumental Music, Band and Choir Concert
CoSA’s Instrumental Music students, CHS Band and CHS Choir perform holiday favorites.
Coronado High School, 650 D Ave. (619) 522-4050 or cosasandiego.com
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Nov. 14 Sybil Stockdale Memorial
Community-wide memorial service for Sybil Stockdale, long-time Coronadan and wife of celebrated POW James Stockdale, Spreckels Park, 2 p.m., rain or shine. “All are welcome,” said Sybil’s son, Taylor Stockdale. “The service will be casual, uplifting and full of good spirit, just the way she would want it.”
Saturday, Nov. 14 United Through Reading Storybook Ball
The 26th anniversary of United Through Reading’s programs to connect more than 2 million military moms, dads and children through the power of reading aloud comes home to Coronado this year. Business and military leaders, elected officials, corporations, and other United through Reading supporters from San Diego and across the nation will come together to raise critically needed funds to continue the organization’s mission at Coronado Island Marriott. 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception and silent auction; 7 p.m. dinner, dancing and live auction. $175 per person. (877) 722-4283 or StorybookBall@utr.org Note: see story on page 24.
Sunday, Nov. 15 16th annual Silver Strand Distance Classic
Participants can run, walk, skate, hand-cycle or wheelchair either a half marathon, a 10-miler, or a 5K along scenic Silver Strand. Enjoy post-race festivities including live music and beer garden. Kozenterprises.com or (858) 268-1250
Sunday, Nov. 15 The Forest Feast book-signing and food sampling
The Front Porch will host Erin Gleeson, author of “The Forest Feast,” for a book signing and food demonstrations of the vegetarian recipes featured in her cookbook/art book. The book features simple colorful recipes with Gleeson’s own photography, watercolor illustrations and hand-lettering. Gleeson, who worked as a professional food photographer in New York City, moved to a cabin in the woods near San Francisco in 2011, which inspired her book (and blog by the same name). She will release two new books in 2016: “The Forest Feast for Kids” and “The Forest Feast Gatherings.” 10 a.m.-12 noon, The Front Porch, 918 Orange Avenue. (619) 822-2190
Thursday, Nov. 19 “Visions of Coronado” opening reception
The reception will commemorate the first exhibit at the new Community Art Gallery in the North Hall of the Coronado Community Center. The juried exhibit, which will be on display through March, features the work of Coronado artists in a number of media. The five-member jury choosing the works was appointed by the Visual Arts and Film Working Team of the Coronado Arts Commission. Opening reception is free and open to the public. 7-9 p.m., 1845 Strand Way. Coronadoarts.com
Saturday, Nov. 21 FOCUS Christmas boutique
The Friends of Children United Society (FOCUS) annual fundraiser at Coronado Cays Yacht Club will provide holiday shopping opportunities along with gourmet pastries, teas, coffee and champagne. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (619) 252-8469.
Thursday, Nov. 26 Coronado Turkey Trot
On Thanksgiving morning, Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary — Coronado will host its second annual 5K run at 8 a.m. along Tidelands Park. $35, adult; $15, children under 18. www.coronadoturkeytrot.com
Nov. 26–Jan. 3 Skating by the Sea
Skating by the Sea returns to Hotel del Coronado for the 10th year. The rink is on the Windsor Lawn, overlooking the Pacific, making for an unparalleled ice skating panorama. Skating sessions are offered daily with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego. (619) 435-6611 or Hoteldel.com
Tuesday, Dec. 1 Light up the Night tree lighting at Loews Coronado Bay Resort
This free community event features pictures with Santa, treats, activities, and fun for the whole family. Silver Strand Elementary students will perform festive holiday songs. 6 p.m. on the Bay Terrace; 4000 Coronado Bay Road (619) 424-4000 or loewshotels.com
Wednesday, Dec. 2
Hotel del Coronado’s Holiday Festival… A Family Celebration
In addition to the outdoor ice rink, there will be hot cocoa, fireworks and performances by Coronado schoolchildren; St. Nick and his elves will be available for photos. Entrance is free. 4-7 p.m. (619) 435-6611 or Hoteldel.com
Friday, Dec. 4 40th annual Coronado Christmas Parade and Holiday Open House Celebration sponsored by Coronado Chamber of Commerce:
3-8 p.m. Snow Mountain at Coronado Ferry Landing
3:20 p.m. Santa arrives at Coronado Ferry Landing
5:30-9 p.m. Open house along Orange Avenue, Eighth Street to R.H. Dana Place
6-7 p.m. Christmas parade down Orange Avenue, Eighth Street to R. H. Dana Place
7 p.m. Lighting of Rotary Park Christmas Tree, Orange at Isabella avenues.
7:15 p.m. Concert at Rotary Park
Saturday, Dec. 5 43nd annual Artisan’s Alley Craft Fair
Held on the playground at Village Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and featuring unique items handcrafted by local artisans. Sponsored by Coronado Band Boosters. Admission, $2.
Dec. 6, 13, 20 & 27 Sunday brunch with Santa
Kids of all ages can visit with jolly ol’ St. Nick in the Crown Room during The Del’s festive Sunday brunch in December. $90, adults; $25 children (6-12), children under 5 are free. Hoteldel.com
Friday, Dec. 11 Mayors’ Dinner at the Del
As the grand finale of the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission’s Year of Coronado Celebrates 125, the Mayors’ Dinner will celebrate Coronado’s three living mayors and all that makes Coronado special — highlighting people, places and events. Held in the Hotel del Coronado’s Ballroom, the event features a live auction with items offered by Coronado Mayor Casey Tanaka, and former mayors Tom Smisek and Mary Herron, and dancing to live music by West Coast Iron Works. 6-11 p.m. Tickets, $125; sponsorship levels available. (619) 522-2633 or coronadoARTS.com
Saturday, Dec. 12 Breakfast with Santa
Join Santa for pancakes, sausages and coffee in the Coronado Community Center Nautilus Room. Sponsored by the Coronado Recreation Department. (Seating by reservation at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.) $11, adults; $9, children under 16. 1825 Strand Way or (619) 522-7342
Wednesday, Dec. 24 Fifth annual Santa Surf-Off
Coronado lifeguards and a few spirited locals take on the waves — dressed head-to-toe as Santa Claus — at “Shipwrecks” (the surf break at the Coronado Shores) 8 a.m. Urturt.com
Wednesday, Dec. 24 Santa Claus delivers presents to good Coronado girls and boys
Santa’s reindeer will whisk Santa from house to house to drop in on wide-eyed tots and leave behind a wrapped present for each good boy and girl between 5 and 8 p.m. Parents can sign up to be on Santa’s schedule by dropping off their wrapped presents, clearly marked with child’s name and address, at the Coronado Fire Department from Dec. 9 to Dec. 23. Santa is assisted by Rotary Club of Coronado; Coronadorotary.org or (619) 435-8334
Thursday, Dec. 31 Hotel del Coronado New Year’s Eve Gala
Hotel del Coronado presents two exciting ways to welcome the new year: The oceanfront Ballroom will be transformed into “Havana Nights” for a black tie reception, five-course dinner, open bar and dancing to an orchestra. $350/person. A disco-chic bash in the Crown Room will feature DJ entertainment and dancing, dessert reception, midnight champagne toast and cash bar; $100/person. (619) 435-6611 or hoteldel.com/holidays
At the Coronado Library
Through Dec. 26 November & December exhibit: Celebrating 125 years of Coronado
A look back at the first 125 years of the Coronado Public Library and the city of Coronado through rare photographs, building plans, historic city council documents, and memorabilia.
Nov. 6, 13 & 20 Brown Bag Piano Concert Series
Bring your own lunch for a free piano concert from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Winn Room.
Tuesday, Dec. 1 Library decorating day
Children make two ornaments, one to take home and one to decorate the tree in the Children’s Library. 3 p.m. in the Ruby Room.
Friday, Dec. 18 Santa story hour
Children can listen to stories, sing songs, and sit on Santa’s lap. 10:10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. in the Winn Room
(619) 522-7390 or coronado.ca.us/library
ACROSS THE BAY
Dec. 4 & 5 Balboa Park December Nights
Celebrating its 38th consecutive year on Friday, Dec. 4 from 3 to 11 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 5 from noon to 11 p.m., the event brings families and friends together to learn more about the cultural value of Balboa Park and enjoy food, shopping and entertainment from around the world. Participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5 to 9 p.m. New this year, a Children’s Interactive Area will invite families to creatively contribute to a giant coloring book page that will be on display in the park through the holiday season, as well as crafts and games. Balboapark.org/decembernights
Sunday, Dec. 13 & Dec. 20 45th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
A parade of lavishly decorated boats will light up San Diego Bay. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. and passes by the Ferry Landing at approximately 7:30 p.m. sdparadeoflights.org
Wednesday, Dec. 30 Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade
Marching bands, floats, drill teams, and a procession of enormous balloons will make their way down Harbor Drive and be broadcast to a nationwide television audience as part of the annual Holiday Bowl celebration. Parade begins at 10 a.m., followed by a Battle of the Bands on the Broadway Pier at 11:45 a.m. sandiegobowlgames.com/parade
San Diego Symphony highlights: Dec. 18–20 Holiday Pops featuring Cirque Musica
This year’s Holiday Pops edition features a “Holiday Spectacular” from popular Summer Pops performers Cirque Musica: familiar classical and Christmas tunes accompanied by feats of strength, balance, daring and sheer beauty. Sing along to holiday hits performed by the symphony orchestra and the voices of the San Diego Master Chorale and Children’s Choir. (619) 236-5403 or sandiegosymphony.org
Broadway San Diego presents:
Nov. 3–8 Annie
A new incarnation of the iconic original, this production includes such unforgettable songs as It’s the Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You, plus the eternal anthem of optimism, Tomorrow.
Nov. 24–29 Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
This classic musical love story is filled with enchanted and enchanting characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers. (619) 570-1100 or broadwaysd.com
Lamb’s Players Theatre Presents:
Extended through Nov. 22
Mixtape, The Greatest Hits of the 80s
Sing along to the treasured songs of the decade in this popular production. Horton Grand Theatre, 444 4th Ave.
Extended through Nov. 23 Boomers — the Music Revue of a Generation
Seven multitalented performers accompanied by a band take you on a ride through the biggest hits and most memorable events of the Baby Boom decades. Featuring great music from the ‘60 & ‘70s. Horton Grand Theatre, 444 4th Ave.
Dec. 17–26 An American Christmas
The Marshall family — played by 30 Lamb’s Players Theatre performers — welcomes you to the ballroom of the US Grant Hotel for an interactive lavish feast and celebration set in the year 1915. Beginning with hors d’oeuvres, the Marshalls entertain their guests with stories, songs, dance and laughter, all woven around a four-course yuletide dinner. lambsplayers.org or (619) 437-6000
The Old Globe presents:
Nov. 7–Dec. 26 Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
For the 18th consecutive year, the Old Globe is transformed into a snow-covered Whoville. 11 a.m. matinee performances open to all ages; lap-children under two are free; a “sensory-friendly” performance is offered Dec. 12 at 10:30 a.m. (619) 234-5623 or theoldglobe.org
