Stage presents

Post-holiday blues can be hard to shake, so why not spring for tickets for someone on your list this year to the deliriously uplifting Broadway revival of “Hello, Dolly!” that arrives at the Hollywood Pantages on Jan. 29?

This is the Jerry Zaks production that earned Bette Midler a Tony for her vamping, vaudeville-esque turn as Dolly Levi. Betty Buckley, musical theater royalty and an actor who never fails to put her own distinctive stamp on a role, will be sashaying down the staircase of the Harmonia Gardens restaurant to the fanfare of everyone thrilled to have this majestic performer back where she belongs.

Need a gift for a theater lover who prefers more cutting-edge drama? Tracy Letts, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning “August: Osage County,” has a play opening at the Mark Taper Forum beginning Jan. 9. “Linda Vista” is a dark comedy about a 50-year-old in the midst of a divorce who seeks a new start in the San Diego community that gives the play its title. The premise seems ripe for Letts’ twisted hilarity, which is another potent prescription for beating the winter doldrums.

“Hello, Dolly!” Hollywood Pantages, 6233 Hollywood Blvd. Jan. 29- Feb. 17. Tickets, $49 to $155 (subject to change). (800) 982-2787 or hollywoodpantages.com.

“Linda Vista,” Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave. Jan. 9-Feb. 17. Tickets, $30-$109 (subject to change), (213) 628-2772 or centertheatregroup.org