December 3, 1999
by Berenice Cisneros
"Encanto Romances"
Encanto is a new line of bilingual romances for Hispanic women "OnFire/Al Rojo Vivo," written by Silvia Mendoza which is on sale now. The paperbacks are part of a new line of bilingual romance novels called Encanto Romances that come in either a bilingual format featuring consecutive texts written in English and Spanish or in Spanish-only editions. The books cost $5.99 and $3.50 for Spanish-only. On Fire/Al Rojo Vivo, will also be available on audio tape, narrated by Mexican soap opera star Kate Del Castillo.
Philippine Parol Festival
The PASACAT Asian Pacific Arts Company will display a variety of Parols, the five-point star-lanterns, at their Parol Festival on Saturday, December 4, 1:00-5:00 PM, at St. Rita's School Auditorium, corner of Euclid and Churchward. The five pointed star-lantern represents the star of Bethlehem which as the New Testament tells, led the Three Kings to the Child Jesus lying in a manger.
There is a fascination with the continuous flame that flickers like a candle. This flame, which first guided Filipino Catholics to churches at dawn for the Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster) was placed inside the star-shaped paper lantern called parol. Admission is free. There will be entertainment - Philippine folk songs and dances, native food (pancit, lumpia, cuchinta and pandesal). There will also be activities for the children.
Blues Back to San Diego
Keb' Mo' again takes his listeners to the Mississippi delta when he makes a tour stop Sat., Dec. 4 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. His December appearance at The Center is his second San Diego concert this year, and his acclaimed "bluesical," "Thunder Knocking on the Door," hit the stage of the Old Glove Theatre this summer. Tickets are priced from $16 to $32 and may be purchased by calling 1-800-988-4253.
Battle Day
San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park's annual Battle Day is near. This year will mark the thirteenth year the California State Parks and volunteers will perform Battle Day in the park. Southern California visitors will be able to see this event on Sunday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event focuses in the Re-Enactment and the commemoration of the Battle of San Pasqual. The day will also include period crafts demonstrations, entertainment, military and mountain man encampments, children's activities, and two Battle Re-Enactments. Witness the life in the 1840s.
La Virgen del Tepeyac
Carlsbad Playreaders will present two performances of La Virgen del Tepeyac, a bilingual holiday musical playreading by Agustin Castañeda on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2 pm at Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave., Carlsbad; and 7 pm at the new Carlsbad Library's Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Dove Lane (west off El Camino Real just north of Aviara).
The Tin Soldier
The Theatre School at North Coast Repertory Theatre presents the North American premiere of The Tin Soldier, opening Dec. 4 and running through Dec. 19. An unlikely hero, the Tin Soldier is smaller than his comrades and he has only one arm, but his heart is whole and bold. In love with a paper dancer, he sets out on an epic adventure to win her heart. Join this indomitable hero for an imaginable and enthralling experience. The Tin Soldier is recommended for children aged four and older. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children. For more information, call (888) 776-NCRT.
Riverdance - The Show
Single tickets for the San Diego return of the international hit Riverdance - The Show are now on sale. The show plays Dec. 7-12. River-dance - The Show is a celebration of Irish music, song and dance. The show focuses on the evolution of Irish dance and its similarities with, and influences on, other cultures. This phenomenon draws upon Irish traditions and combines the richness of the music with the magic and sensuality of the dance. Tickets range in price from $26-$75 and may be purchased by calling 570-1100 or 220-TIXS.
"One-Stop Holiday Shop"
On Thursday, Dec. 9 from 5 to 9 p.m. the Park's cultural organizations will set up booths in the Museum of Man's Evernham Hall, showcasing lots of wonderful gift items, from the artsy to the zany. A sampling of the items for sale include Star Wars, Myth of Magic apparel, children's books and toys, amber jewelry from Poland, designer watches and hand-made tree ornaments, from the San Diego Museum of Art. Hand-made gifts like mola art from Panama and textiles with Native American designs will also be featured. Admission is free. For further information, call 239-2001.
"The Nutcracker"
The Snow Queen prepares with her attendants to dance in
honor of Clara in "The Nutcracker" performed by San
Diego Civic Youth Ballet.
Audiences of all ages enjoy the holiday fantasy that brings Clara and an array of colorful characters to life when they experience The Nutcracker. The City Ballet presents its popular production December 10-12 at the beautiful Spreckels Theatre, downtown San Diego. The beautiful staging, compli-mented by the lavish sets and costumes designed by world class designer David Heuvel, transports us all to another time and place. Enduring for over 100 years, the magical story of Clara and her nutcracker-turned-prince reminds us that dreams still can come true.
Five performances will be offered Friday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 11 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and on Sunday, December 12 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets range from $17 for balcony seating to $30 for orchestra seating with group rates of 10 or more available. A ticket in the special priority section of the orchestra with an On-stage Reception for the Saturday night performance is available for $50.00 Children can meet the Nutcracker characters at the free Matinee Parties on Saturday and Sunday. To order priority tickets call (858) 272-8663. For performance tickets call TicketMaster 220-TIXS.
Sweet Charity
The San Diego School of Creative and performing Arts will present the Neil Simon/Cy Coleman/Dorothy Fields musical, Sweet Charity, on Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:00pm and Dec. 11 and 18 at 2:00pm in the Florence Johnson Grand Theatre, 2425 Dusk Drive, San Diego.
This bright and sophisticated musical comedy takes a tender and poignant look at the (mis) adventures of Charity Hope Valentine, a girl who just wants to be loved. Ticket prices range from $5-$7. Call the SCPA Box Office at 470-0555, x232.
"Home for The Holidays"
To help celebrate the holiday season, the San Diego Symphony has invited the San Diego Master Chorale, the San Diego Children's Choir and the Crusader Bells to perform during three old-fashioned holiday concerts on December 10-12. Titled "Home for The Holidays," the programs will be in the traditional Holiday Pops format on December 10 & 11 plus a special Family Festival matinee on December 12. Matthew Garbutt will be the guest conductor for all concerts.
A one-hour concert, with no intermission, the Sunday matinee Family Festival will present a shortened version of the Holiday Pops program. Favorite childhood songs, such as Frosty the Showman, Little Drummer Boy and Santa Claus is Comin' to Town will be mixed with the classic seasonal songs like It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas and Silver Bells for an entertaining and fun concert. Concerts are scheduled for 8 p.m. on Dec. 10 and 11. Single tickets range from $10-$45. The Family Festival Holiday concert will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 12. Single tickets prices range from $10-$20. To purchase tickets call 235-0804.
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