A&E News Briefs

Long Beach Symphony’s Broadway Holiday POPS! concert on Saturday, Dec. 10, features Ana Gasteyer, Broadway star and Saturday Night Live alumna, with veteran conductor and arranger, Larry Blank, for a cabaret-style evening of holiday tunes and high-spirited banter at the Long Beach Arena. The program is a roster of award-winning Broadway hits mixed with time-honored holiday pop favorites, many of which have been specially arranged for Gasteyer’s symphony debut. Tickets to the symphony’s classical and POPS! concerts start at $25. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the symphony’s website at www.longbeachsymphony.org or call (562) 436-3203.

Coast City Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” Dec. 17, 7 p.m. and Dec. 18, 2 p.m. at Huntington Beach Historic Theater. Chrystyn Fentroy from Dance Theater of Harlem and dancers from throughout California will come together to present the story of Clara and her beloved Nutcracker in this family friendly production. The Nutcracker Preview, a production specially designed to introduce children and teens to the beauty of classical ballet in a professional theater setting will be presented Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. Marvel in the excitement of this enchanting fairy tale ballet; experience the magic of dance. Info: www.coastcityballet.com.

Golden State Pops Orchestra presents “Holiday POPS Spectacular!” on Dec. 17, 8 p.m. at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro. It features Bill Rogers (Voice of Disneyland) narrating “The Night Before Christmas,” Flautist Sara Andon performing A Charlie Brown Christmas and music from Home Alone by John Williams, Elf by John Debney, Polar Express by Alan Silvestri, The Santa Claus by George S. Clinton and Christmas with the Kranks by John Debney, plus selections from the Nutcracker, Sleigh Ride, White Christmas and a special Christmas Sing-Along. Tickets range from $30 to $60 Receive 15 percent off with code GSPOWeb when ordering online www.GSPO.com or call (310) 433-8774.