Briefly in Datebook

Rehearsals begin for new drama

South Coast Repertory has started rehearsals for the world premiere of

Jose Rivera’s “References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot,” which opens on

its Second Stage on Jan. 28.

The play is a contemporary drama set in Barstow, Calif. It runs through

Feb. 27. Tickets are $18 to $45.

South Coast Repertory is at 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. For ticket

information, call (714) 708-5555.

OCC announces new season of plays

OCC’s Theater department is gearing up to present seven productions this

spring, including a festival of works by David Mamet and a children’s

play, “Wish I Could Meet Mr. Washington and Mr. Lincoln.”

The Mamet festival, which runs Feb. 5, 6, 12 and 13, kicks off the spring

season. Also slated in upcoming months are Don Nigro’s “Tainted Justice,”

a production of Shakespearean works, and the musical “1776.”

OCC is at 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. For ticket information, call

(714) 432-5640.

Applicants sought for city arts panel

The city of Costa Mesa has formed a Cultural Arts and Historical

Resources Committee and is seeking letters of interest from residents who

would like to serve on it.

The goal of the committee is to make recommendations to the City Council

in matters related to arts, culture and historical resources.

Individuals interested are requested to submit a resume and a letter

explaining their reasons for wanting to serve. The council is at P.O. Box

1200, Costa Mesa 92628-1200.

Newport library site for book center

The Newport Beach Public Library has been designated a regional site for

The Center for the Book in California, an organization developed by the

Library of Congress for the promotion of reading-oriented culture.

The California Center for the Book is based at UCLA and includes

satellite centers at the Fresno County Library, Los Angeles Public

Library, San Francisco Public Library and elsewhere.

The Center strives to heighten public interest in books, encourage

literacy and promote the study of print and electronic culture.

The Center to host educators’ meeting

The Orange County Performing Arts Center will host a meeting of the

National Education Directors Jan. 24 through 26.

Education directors from 65 major performing arts institutions will

attend the meeting, including representatives of The Kennedy Center, the

Metropolitan Opera and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

The purpose of the meeting, which is held every three years, is to

facilitate collaboration between arts groups and to evaluate the state of

arts education.

UC Irvine physicist Gordon Shaw, keynote speaker for the meeting, will

discuss the effects of classical music on young people.

The Center is at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Performing arts showcase comes to Center

Showcase 2000, an annual international showcase of performing arts for

young people, will come to the Orange County Performing Arts Center Jan.

26 through 29.

The event is intended to help arts educators -- many of whom will be in

town in connection with The Center’s meeting for arts education directors

-- experience a range of artistic programs for children. It will feature

48 performances, artists and productions.

The Center is at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.