Fantastic Five

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

beyond.

TODAY

On art, critics and the power of love. “The Countess,” a first play by

Gregory Murphy that became New York’s biggest off-Broadway hit last

season, will play through Sunday at South Coast Repertory’s Second Stage,

655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Show times are 2 and 7:45 p.m. today

and Sunday. $26-$47. (714) 708-5555.

SUNDAY

Dance the night away. KLAC-AM (570) will present “The Big Band Bash”

from 7 to 11 p.m. Sunday at the Hilton Hotel, 3050 Bristol St., Costa

Mesa. The Doc Anello Orchestra and the John Peace Super Band will

entertain crowds. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Free, but everyone is invited

to bring a new children’s book to be donated to the Children’s Hospital

of Orange County. (818) 550-4136.

MONDAY

Art talk. Los Angeles-based artist Christina Fernandez will give a

free lecture about her work at 7:30 p.m. Monday in Room 116 of OCC’s Fine Arts Building. An exhibition of her black and white photo montages will

be on display through Dec. 14 at Orange Coast College’s Photo Gallery,

2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. The exhibit is titled “Excerpts From

Recent Work.” The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. (714)

432-5520.

TUESDAY

Rhymes and rhythms. Poets and musicians will share the stage at 8 p.m.

Tuesday at the Gypsy Den Cafe and Reading Room, 2930 Bristol St., Costa

Mesa. Poets Matthew Niblock and Lee Mallory will read. Free. (714)

549-7012.

WEDNESDAY

Oh no, a toy-napping! Newport Harbor High School will present “The

Rescue of the Snow Queen,” a holiday-themed play for children of all

ages, at 6 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the school’s Robert B. Wentz

Theater, corner of Irvine Avenue and 15th Street, Newport Beach. $2.

(949) 515-6341.