A Christmas wonderland of stage cheer
A Christmas Carol: James Carpenter returns as Ebenezer Scrooge in ACT’s version of Charles Dickens’ definitive tale of yuletide redemption. Previews begin Nov. 30. Runs Dec. 4-24. $20-$95. American Conservatory Theater, 415 Geary St., San Francisco. (415) 749-2228. www.act-sf.org.
A Christmas Carol: Also: San Jose Repertory Theatre, adapted and directed by Rick Lombardo, begins previews Nov. 21; runs Nov. 28-Dec. 23; $29-$74; 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose; (408) 367-7255; www.sjrep.com. Center Rep, Dec. 6-16, $27-$49; 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek; (925) 943-7469. www.centerrep.org. Northside Theatre Company, Dec. 5-23; $15-$20; 848 E. William St., San Jose; (408) 2887820. www.northsidetheatre.com.
A Christmas Carol, the Musical: Adapted by Alan Menken, Lynn Ahrens, Mike Ockrent. Dec. 14-23. $10-$25. Curtain Call Performing Arts, San Leandro Performing Arts Center, 2200 Bancroft Ave., San Leandro. (510) 909-9516. www.curtaincallperformingarts.org.
A Christmas Carol — the
New Musical: Adapted by Blanca Florido and Andrew Klein. Nov. 26-Dec. 17. $10-$18. Novato Theater Company, 484 Ignacio Blvd., Novato. (415) 883-4498. www.novatotheater company.org. The Christmas Revels: The 27th annual Winter Solstice celebration takes on a 16th century Adriatic flavor. Dec. 7-16. $20-$55. Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. (510) 452-8800. www.californiarevels.org. A Christmas Story: The Jean Shepherd holiday classic about the boy who wants a Red Ryder BB gun, adapted by Philip Grecian. Friday-Dec. 16. $17-$35. Coastal Repertory Theatre, 1167 Main St., Half Moon Bay. (650) 726-0998. www.coastalrep.com. Beach Blanket Babylon: Special holiday edition of Steve Silver’s wacky musical revue. Wednesday-Dec. 30 (New Year’s Eve special Dec. 31, $65-$190). $25-$134. Club Fugazi, 678 Green St., S.F. (415) 421-4222. www.beachblan ketbabylon.com. Bell, Book and Candle: John Van Druten’s 1950s Christmas Eve comedy with bewitched, bothered and bewildered lovers. Previews begin Dec. 4. Runs Dec. 8-Jan. 19. $30-$70. San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Post St., S.F. (415) 677-9596. www.sfplayhouse.org. Big Band Christmas Surprise: A different ensemble at each show sings arrangements of holiday standards and tells seasonal tales. Nov. 30-Dec, 16. $10-$35. Tabard Theatre, Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 N. San Pedro St., San Jose. (800) 838-3006. www.tabard theatre.org.