Dinostars
They’ve trampled Tokyo, razed New York City, doubled as bulldozers, gormandized Samuel L. Jackson, battled King Kong, and even chased Ringo Starr, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Dinosaurs have long been a part of movies and television, and there’s still a chance to see how they’ve affected our pop culture at the Natural History Museum. But you’d better hurry — Dinosaurs: Reel and Robotic finishes up its run on the first of January. The exhibition contains the world’s largest collection of original movie posters and models, tracing the history of dinosaurs in the media. Also on hand is a collection of three-quarter sized robotic models created by Kokoro Dinosaurs. (619/232-3821, www.sdnhm.org)
— Ryan Thomas

Uncommon Metal
Through December 30, a collection of 14 artists from across the country will be exhibiting their unique work at the La Jolla Athenaeum Music and Arts Library. Sculptural and conceptual pieces combine in Uncommon Metal: A Look at Contemporary Jewelry and Metalwork to display an uncommon array of metalsmith work, body adornment, and jewelry. From neck ruffs inspired by Queen Elizabeth I that explore ideas of personal space and power to accessories made of paper money as a commentary on society’s obsession with showing wealth through adornment, these objects are not only visually intriguing, but also thought provoking. (858/454-5872, www.ljathenaeum.org) — Kaila Lee

Wonderful Listening
Watching the Jimmy Stewart classic film It’s a Wonderful Life every holiday season is a much-anticipated activity of millions of Americans. Now, Cygnet Theatre is producing the beloved story in radio format December 2-24. It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is set in 1947 and is performed before a live studio audience. We can always count on a talented group of actors at Cygnet, and audiences are promised festive holiday music and live sound effects, as well. The radio drama will be directed by the gifted artistic director, Sean Murray. (619/337-1525, ext. 3#, www.cygnettheatre.com)
— Darlene G. Davies

An American Christmas
Lamb’s Players Theatre presents its lavish An American Christmas, a turn-of-the-century feast and celebration at the Hotel del Coronado, from the 10th through the 30th of this month. Surely, there could be no more enticing holiday setting than that of the Del’s magnificent ballroom. The scene is a 1906 family celebration, which provides three hours of stories, songs, and dance, as well as a five-course gourmet meal. Whether you are already in the Christmas spirit or in search of it, you’ll find joy and laughter at An American Christmas. (619/437-0600, www.lambsplayers.org) — Darlene G. Davies

Legends Revived
Once known for their rivalry on the popular ’80s drama Dynasty, Joan Collins and Linda Evans come to Broadway San Diego to revive their on-stage sparring in the infamous play, Legends! by Chorus Line scribe James Kirkwood. It’s an apt title, considering the play became somewhat legendary from real life feuds back in 1986 when it starred Carol Channing and Mary Martin. Martin ended up quitting the production before it could make it to Broadway, leading Kirkwood to write the cathartic book, Diary of a Mad Playwright, where he chronicles the many mishaps of the production. Now, under new direction and the producing gusto of Ben Sprecher, the play (which was always a solid profit turner despite the problems) finally heads to Broadway. It centers on two movie stars with an intense dislike for each other who agree to work together under the false pretense they will each star opposite Paul Newman. The humorous play opens at the Civic Theater, on January 9, and stays through the 14th. (619/570-1100, www.legendsthecomedy.com) — Alicia Garcia

Culture Calendar

December

Ongoing: Ocean Oasis
This giant-screen film takes viewers on a fascinating journey into Mexico’s Sea of Cort?s and the Baja California desert. Winner of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival and the International Wildscreen Film Festival. San Diego Natural History Museum. (619/232-3821, www.sdnhm.org)

Thru 12/7: Theoretical Realism
Sharp Gallery presents the work of Colorado native Joseph Metcalf, whose art encompasses the ideas about multiple dimensions, the absence of time, and quantum mechanics. (619/546-9546, www.sharpgallery.net)

Thru 12/10: Wet, Or Isabella The Pirate Queen Enters The Horse Latitudes
Moxie Theatre presents a theatrical romantic adventure on the high seas by Liz Duffy Adams. The Lyceum Theatre. (760/634-3965, www.moxietheatre.com)

Thru 12/10: Sawdust Art Festival 2006 Winter Fantasy
The 16th annual Winter Fantasy features 175 artists and craftspersons and their handmade creations including fine jewelry, art glass, paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and more. (949/494-3030, www.sawdustartfestival.org)

Thru 12/12: Michael Fenton Exhibit
Galerie D’Art International in Solana Beach presents the surrealist art of New Yorker Michael Fenton, as well as recent mini-sculptures from Lithuanian artist Joseph Lipas and photographs by Nicolas Roberti. (858/793-0316, www.galerieartint.com)

Thru 12/17: Hank Williams: Lost Highway
San Diego Repertory Theatre presents a musical by Randal Myler and Mark Harelik, with a cast including Van Zeiler; Stephen G. Anthony, Charles W. Bevel, Margaret Bowman, Patricia Dalen, H. Drew Perkins, Mike Regan, Regan Southard, Myk Watford, and Russ Weaver. The Lyceum Stage. (619/544-1000, www.sandiegorep.com)

Thru 12/17: Ancient Stories: Fine Art Photographs By John D. Clark
Ordover Gallery’s Solana Beach location features photographs by John D. Clark, a masterful black and white exhibition of ancient ruins, cave drawings, and rock formations from the Southwest. (858/720-1121, www.ordoverproject.com)

Thru 12/21: Abstraction And Essence: The Art Of Victor Angelo
Modern & Contemporary Fine Art Gallery presents kaleidoscopic paintings on canvas by internationally-recognized San Diego artist Victor Angelo. His unique vision and technical mastery speak wonders through harmonious merging of lush color. (619/846-1921, www.victorangelo.com)

Thru 12/24: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
America’s favorite holiday fable returns for its ninth incredible year, and again jumps right off the pages of the classic Dr. Seuss book and onto the Old Globe stage. (619/23-GLOBE, www.theoldglobe.org)

Thru 12/30: All I Want For Christmas Lamb’s Players Theatre’s Festival of
Christmas is a play cycle that presents a different original Christmas play each December. This year’s featured script is set in the San Diego of 1949. (619/437-0600, www.lambsplayers.org)

Thru 12/30: Michael Berman: Under A Dry Moon And Laszlo Layton:
Cabinet Of Curiosities And Pictorial Zoology
Joseph Bellows Gallery. (858/456-5620, www.josephbellows.com)

Thru 12/30: The Glory Of Christmas
Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove presents an ensemble cast of more than 100 soloists and dancers performing to a pre-recorded orchestration by the London Symphony Orchestra, as well as an array of live animals and whimsical angels soaring high atop the all-glass cathedral ceiling. (714/54-GLORY, www.crystalcathedral.org)

Thru 12/30: Celebration 3
La Jolla Fiber Arts presents a celebration of small art quilts by Pacific Quilt Artists. (858/454-6732, www.lajollafiberarts.com)

Thru 12/31: Deep Sea
Deep Sea transports audiences below the ocean surface to swim with some of the most exotic creatures on the planet Narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. (619/238-1233, www.rhfleet.org)

Thru 1/7: Mexico: The Revolution And Beyond-Photographs By Agustin Victor Casasola, 1900-1940
The Museum of Photographic Arts presents more than 90 sepia-toned images that document daily life during and after the Mexican Revolution. (619/238-8777, www.mopa.org)

Thru 1/7: Guercino: Stylistic Evolution In Focus
An exhibition exploring the dramatic shift in the artistic style of 17th century Italian artist Giovanni Francisco Barbieri, Timken Museum of Art in Balboa Park. (www.balboapark.org)

Thru 1/7: Alison Shaw: Until I Saw The Sea
The Ordover Gallery at the San Diego Natural History Museum features Shaw’s photos of Martha’s Vineyard. (858/720-1121, www.ordovergallery.com)

Thru 1/14: The Roads Most Traveled: Photographs Of Migration By Don Bartletti
The Museum of Photographic Arts presents an exhibition of images by the Pulizter Prize-winning photojournalist from the Los Angeles Times. (619/238-7559, www.mopa.org)

Thru 3/31: Guatemala! Celebrations Of Weaving
At the Museum of Man, this exhibit showcases textiles made by women of the Mayan villages in Guatemala, and includes examples selected from 30 villages located throughout the country. (619/239-2001, www.museumofman.org)

12/1: The All American Rejects
iPayOne Center at the Sports Arena (intimate half house setting). (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

12/1-3, 14-17: Amahl And The Night Visitors
Common Ground Theatre presents a contemporary opera written by Gian Carlo Menotti. St. Paul’s Cathedral Center for the Performing and Visual Arts. (619/263-7911)

12/2: Holiday Cirque On Ice
Enjoy the holidays as the stage becomes an ice rink and you are transported to a winter wonderland on ice. Concert Hall at California Center for the Arts, Escondido. (800/988-4253, www.artcenter.org)

12/2-10: Yours, Anne
J*Company Youth Theatre presents a musical based on the classic Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl. David and Dorothea Garfield Theatre. (858/362-1348, www.lfjcc.org)

12/3-23: La Pastorela
In Teatro Máscara Mágica’s acclaimed holiday musical, glorious archangels battle evil devils for the souls of humanity in the traditional Mexican-flavored Christmas musical. (619/23-GLOBE, www.theoldglobe.org)

12/5-10: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy comes to San Diego Civic Theatre. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

12/7: Aimee Mann’s First Annual Christmas Show With Guests
The Belly Up. (858/481-8140, www.bellyup.com)

12/8-17: The Nutcracker
City Ballet of San Diego presents its 12th annual award-winning production of The Nutcracker. Spreckels Theatre. (619/272-8663, www.cityballet.org)

12/9: Panic! At The Disco With Bloc Party And Jack’s Mannequin
iPayOne Center at the Sports Arena. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

12/9-2/3: 3 Way
Distinction Artist Studios and Gallery presents an exhibition featuring the work of Josh Clay, Josh Taylor, and Caia Koopman. An opening reception with live music will take place on December 9 from 5-9pm. (760/781-5779, www.distinctionart.com)

12/10: Andrea Bocelli
International superstar Andrea Bocelli will lend his voice to help children with vision problems by teaming up with Vision of Children, the San Diego-based charity dedicated to finding a cure for hereditary childhood blindness. Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim. (858/799-0810, www.visionofchildren.org)

12/11, 18: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Cygnet Theatre, in collaboration with the San Diego Black Ensemble Theatre, presents a staged reading of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom by the late playwright August Wilson. (619/337-1525, www.cygnettheatre.com)

12/16: Fiesta Navidad: Mariachi Los Camperos De Nati Cano
The most acclaimed mariachi ensemble in the Southwest returns to California Center for the Arts, Escondido for this fully-staged production, featuring authentic holiday traditions of Mexico. (800/988-4253, www.artcenter.org)

12/16-24: The Nutcracker
California Ballet and the San Diego Symphony present a holiday favorite at San Diego Civic Theatre. (858/560-6741, www.californiaballet.org)

12/17: Handel’s Messiah
San Diego Chamber Orchestra presents the sounds of the holidays at California Center
for the Arts, Escondido. (800/988-4253, www.artcenter.org)

12/21-1/14: Within The Landscape
The Ordover Project presents fine art photographs by Lew Abulafia and Donna Cosentino, which showcase two varying points of view in landscape photography. Abulafia’s color images explore the majestic and sublime found in dramatic light, magnificent form, and grand mountain peaks. Cosentino’s subtle black and white photographs convey the gentle light and grace found in the natural world. An opening reception will take place on Thursday, December 21 from 6-8:30pm. (858/720-1121, www.ordoverproject.com)

12/22: Buck-O-Nine and Skanic
The Belly Up. (858/481-8140, www.bellyup.com)

1/6-2/10: Postcards From The Edge
Marcos Ramírez, one of the preeminent artists in Baja California, exhibits works that combine photos and text at the Athenaeum. A reception for the artist will take place on January 5, and an A List event will be held in conjunction on January 25. (858/454-5872, www.ljathenaeum.org)