72 HOURS

1. ‘Tis the season for carnivals. The St. John the Baptist Church and

School Carnival 2001 will open its doors at 5 p.m. today, offering rides,

music and prizes. The carnival will run until 10 p.m., then opens from

noon to 10 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday at the church, 1015 W. Baker

St., Costa Mesa. Free. (714) 513-8463.

2. Will the real Will Shakespeare please stand up? “The Beard of

Avon,” an Amy Freed play about William Shakespeare and the writers

thought to be the real authors behind his works, will be presented

through July 1 at South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa

Mesa. The show will be staged at 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2:30

and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays. $28-$49. (714)

708-5555.

3. Mexico meets Newport Beach. The Boudreau-Ruiz Gallery, which

specializes in art from Mexico, will exhibit the work of Heriberto Juarez

from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through July 1 at 3000 Newport Blvd.,

Newport Beach. Free. (949) 675-4766.