Escape into the Arts

by Stephanie Jimenez

The holidays can be a time of hustle and bustle with plenty of travel.  With so much to do, and before the calendar gets too booked up, why not “Escape into the Arts” with élite Magazine.  With so many fun and exciting shows during the holidays… indulge in the magic of the season.
Dracula
October 1-29, 2011
This new adaptation brings back the suspense and seduction of Bram Stoker’s classic novel to the stage at the Canyon Theatre Guild. As Dracula begins to exert his will upon the residents of London, they try to piece together the clues of his appearances in an attempt to save themselves.  Rich in both humor and horror, this play paints a wickedly theatrical picture of Stoker’s famous vampire.  This play is not recommended for children.  Performances are at 8 p.m. on October 1, 8, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 and 2 p.m. on October 9, 16.  The Canyon Theatre Guild is located at 24242 Main Street in Newhall.  For more information, please call 661-799-2702.
The Little Prince
October 1-30, 2011
Based on the popular children’s book, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery, this delightful, imaginative play tells a magical story of a disenchanted aviator who has crash-landed in the Sahara.  Colorful and mesmerizing, the world of the Little Prince comes to life on the stage of the Canyon Theatre Guild.  Performances are at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with 6:30 p.m. shows in Sunday, October 9 and 16.  Tickets are $12 for Juniors/Seniors and $15 for Adults.  The Canyon Theatre Guild is located at 24242 Main Street in Old Town Newhall.  For more information, please call 661-799-2702.
Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center – College of the Canyons
Looking for that perfect something to get that special someone?  Each year the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) at College of the Canyons presents a lineup of holiday themed music, theatre and dance performances the entire family can enjoy!  ‘Tis the season for fun, laughter and enjoyment, so be sure to start your holiday at the PAC.  For more information please visit www.canyonsPAC.com or call the PAC box office at 661-362-5304.
Almost Free Family Series – The Mask Messenger – Saturday, October 1, 2 p.m.
Special Event – SCV World Music Series – Te Vaka – Sunday, October 9, 7 p.m.
COC Theatre – The Drowsy Chaperone – Friday & Saturday, Oct 21-22, 28-29, 8 p.m. – Sunday, October 23 & 30, 2 p.m.
Come Fly Away L.A. Premiere!
October 25 to November 6, 2011
The new Broadway musical, Come Fly Away, conceived, choreographed, and directed by Tony Award-winner Twyla Tharp and featuring vocals by Frank Sinatra, will makes its Los Angeles premiere at the Pantages Theatre.  Come Fly Away follows four couples as they fall in and out of love during one song and dance filled evening at a crowded nightclub.  Blending the legendary vocals of Frank Sinatra with a live on-stage big band and 15 of the world’s finest dancers, Come Fly Away weaves an unparalleled hit parade of classics, including Fly Me To The Moon, My Way, and That’s Life, into a soaring musical fantasy of romance and seduction.  Tickets for Come Fly Away are $25 may be purchased online at www.BroadwayLA.org or by phone at 1-800-982-ARTS(2787).  The Pantages Theatre is located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard, just east of Vine Street, and the box office opens daily at 10 a.m.  The performance schedule for Come Fly Away is Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center – College of the Canyons
With this season’s schedule ranging from traditional December favorites like The Nutcracker and the COC Fine and Performing Arts Division’s annual holiday showcases, to astonishing performances by visiting artists like legendary pianist Roger Williams and the Grammy Award-winning ensemble Mariachi Los Camperos, the PAC has something for everyone on your holiday gift list.  Can’t decide what type of show you’d like to see right now? The PAC box office also offers gift certificates from $5 to $100 dollars — which can be redeemed at any time.  For more information please visit www.canyonsPAC.com or call the PAC box office at 661-362-5304.
COC Music – Fall Jazz Band Concert – Friday, November 4, 7:30 p.m.
Almost Free Family Series – Charlotte’s Web – Saturday, November 5, 2 p.m.
COC Music – Symphony of the Canyons – Thursday, November 10, 7 p.m.
In Motion Series – Momix – Sunday, November 13, 7 p.m.
COC Theatre – Black Box – In Arabia We’d All Be Kings – Wednesday to Saturday, November 16-19, 8 p.m. & Sunday, November 20, 2 p.m.
COC Dance – Fall Dance Concert – Wednesday & Thursday, November 30 & December 1, 8 p.m.
Cabaret & Cabernet – A Blast From the Past
Sunday, November 13
Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites you to take a nostalgic step back with Cabaret & Cabernet – A Blast From the Past on Sunday, November 13 at 6 p.m., located at the Hyatt Valencia.  This will be the Chorale’s main benefit for the year.  Enjoy appetizers and a cash bar while you browse silent auction items and purchase raffle tickets to win a seven-day vacation to your choice of several dream destinations.  A buffet dinner – with Cabernet, of course – follows and will feature performances by Chorale members of many of your favorites from days gone by.  Tickets are $100 ($50 – children under 12) and table sponsorships are available.  For tickets or more information, go to www.scmasterchorale.org or call 661-254-8886.
Riverdance
November 15-20, 2011
The original international phenomenon, Riverdance, the thunderous celebration of joyful music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe, will return for one week only to the Pantages Theatre, opening exactly 15 years to the day the show originally premiered at the landmark Hollywood venue.  Composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan, Riverdance – now in its 16th phenomenal year — has played over 10,000 performances and been seen live by more than 22 million people in over 350 venues throughout 40 countries across four continents. Tickets for Riverdance are $25 may be purchased online at www.BroadwayLA.org or by phone at 1-800-982-ARTS(2787).  The Pantages Theatre is located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard, just east of Vine Street, and the box office opens daily at 10 a.m.  The performance schedule for Riverdance is Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The Graduate
November 18 to December 17, 2011
A hit in the West End and a popular show on Broadway The Graduate brings the inspired movie hit of the sixties vividly to life on stage.  Benjamin Braddock, recent college graduate and prodigal son, returns home and promptly becomes embroiled in an affair with the wife of his father’s business partner, one Mrs. Robinson, but soon finds himself falling in love with her daughter, Elaine.  The Graduate will show at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturdays along with 2 p.m. shows on Sunday.  The Hydeaway Lounge will open one hour before each performance.  General Admission is $20 and Student/Seniors Admission in $17 (with Student ID).