Fantastic Five

A listing of special events to entertain you through the weekend and

beyond.

TODAY

The hills are alive! Continuing its “Year of the Musical,” the Costa

Mesa Civic Playhouse presents “The Sound of Music” through Dec. 17.

Performances are 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.

The Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse is at 611 Hamilton St. $15. (949)

650-5269.

SUNDAY

To thine own self be true. Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” will be performed

through Dec. 3 at Vanguard University of Southern California’s Lyceum

Theater, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. Times are 8 p.m. Saturdays, with 2

p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. $8, but discounts are available.

(714) 668-6145.

MONDAY

Oh, tannenbaum. The 18th annual tree-lighting ceremony at The Offices

of South Coast Plaza will take place at 6 p.m. in Town Center Park at the

corner of Bristol Street and Anton Boulevard in Costa Mesa. Free. (714)

435-2100.

TUESDAY

The legacy continues. The Newport Harbor Nautical Museum presents the

first comprehensive exhibition of paintings by Rex Brandt since the

Southern California artist’s passing in March. His collection of more

than 40 oils and watercolors, “Wind, Water & Light, the Legacy of Rex

Brandt,” will show in the Museum’s Grand Salon through Feb. 28. The

museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays on board

the Pride of Newport, 151 E. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Free. (949)

673-7863.

WEDNESDAY

Bah, humbug. “A Christmas Carol” will open 7:30 p.m. at South Coast

Repertory’s Mainstage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. The play will

close Dec. 24. $17-$41. (714) 708-5569.