the eight: reindeer monologues Dec. 1-19. The un-holiday tradition is back. Go behind the tinsel and hear the truth about Santa from the eight reindeer who know him best. Chance Theater, 5552 La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills, 714.777.3033 Map G10

Winter wonderettes Through Dec. 20. Set to 1960s holiday tunes. The girls celebrate the season even when Santa goes missing. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787 Map G15

a christmas carol Through Dec. 26. The classic Christmas tale features Hal Langdon Jr. as the country’s longest-running Scrooge. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555 Map J13

Xanadu Dec. 15–27. Hit musical follows Kira, who travels to Earth to help struggling artist Sonny find his voice, discover true love and build the world’s first roller disco. Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13

ordinary days Jan. 3–24. Four young New Yorkers are intricately connected through a series of funny and fortuitous events, proving that ordinary days can often become extraordinary. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555 Map J13

Hershey felder as George Gershwin alone Jan. 12–Feb. 21. Internationally acclaimed actor-pianist personifies “America’s Composer” and paints an intimate portrait of the musical legend. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787 Map G15

fences Jan. 22–Feb. 21. Chronicles the black experience during 20th Century America by following a hardworking 1950s family man through life’s trials and tribulations. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555 Map J13

annie Jan. 29–31. The classic tale of Little Orphan Annie includes musical favorites “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street” and the ever-optimistic “Tomorrow.” Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13

THE Music of andrew lloyd webber Feb. 16–21. A cast of Broadway vets, backed by an on-stage symphony, performs memorable tunes from The Phantom of the Opera, Cats and more. Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13

monsieur chopin Opening Feb. 25. Acclaimed actor/pianist Hershey Felder portrays Frédéric Chopin. The one-man play centers on a piano lesson given in Chopin’s Paris salon just days after the 1848 revolution. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787 Map G15