The Play's the Thing: Santa Cruz Fall/Winter Theater Guide

Isn’t it the absolute worst to find out about a show after all the tickets have been sold? Do not be left out in the cold this fall/winter season, there are plenty of theatrical performances and plays to see in Santa Cruz County this year. The following are a selection of plays, musicals and ballet performances that start in November/December and whose tickets are on sale now. Pictured: Tandy Beal’s Nutz RE-Mixed! The Nutcracker for the 21st Century, featuring the live vocal music of SoVoSói. Photo by Steve DiBartolomeo via Nutz Re-MIxed Facebook.

Isaac's Eye (Nov 6-21)

Downtown Santa Cruz

Playwright Lucas Hnath pits a young Newton against his real-life adversary Robert Hooke in a race to define the new rules of modern science and uses Isaac's early and little understood experiment as a springboard to explore themes of science, ambition, and the nature of truth in an original and often darkly hilarious style. Presented by SideReal Theater at Center Stage.

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It's A Wonderful Life (Nov 7-21)

Aptos

World premiere of Kaufman and Perri’s modern-day rendition of the beloved Christmas classic. Re-imagined for a new generation of theatre-goers, the production features 18 original gospel, reggae, rock, ballad and show tune song and dance numbers. Presented by Cabrillo TheatreArts at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater in Aptos.

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Guys & Dolls (Nov 12-Dec 6)

Santa Cruz

A musical fable of Broadway based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon. Music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. Book by Jo Swerling & Abe Burrows. Presented by the Jewel Theatre Company at their new home at The Colligan Theater at the Tannery Arts Center in Santa Cruz.

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The Last Noel (Nov 20-Dec 3)

Santa Cruz Mountains

Murder and mayhem rock the Seattle Christmas caroling community in this comic, film noir spoof. Sam Chase is framed for murder when his ex-wife is bludgeoned to death with a giant candy cane. Attempting to clear his name, Sam encounters a corrupt underworld of femme fatales, killer snowmen, and the hunt for a mysterious, ancient carol-the Christmas Hymn of Malta. Presented by the Mountain Community Theater at Park Hall in Ben Lomond.

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Tandy Beal's Nutz RE-Mixed (Nov 20-Dec 6)

UC Santa Cruz

Tandy Beal's dynamic and colorful Nutcracker-inspired show is back. Featuring folklorico, hip-hop, ballroom and madcap high-speed acrobatics, aerial acts, contortion, comedy juggling and live vocal music by the ensemble SoVoSó. Breath-taking entertainment for all ages with circus, acrobats, dance, and music for the whole family.

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The Nutcracker (Dec 18-20)

Downtown Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre presents, The original Santa Cruz Nutcracker, a favorite holiday tradition at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Maestra Pamela Martin conducts the Ballet Orchestra, and guest artists while 70 local dancers perform choreography by Robert Kelley. On Opening Night, guests are alumna Lauryn Winterhalder and Richard Smith, principal dancers with Sacramento Ballet. Guest starring Saturday and Sunday: alumna Melody Mennite and Connor Walsh, principal dancers with Houston Ballet. Guest starring alumnus Gabriel Williams every performance.

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