“Cut Up/Cut Out” exhibition opens at the Bedford Gallery December 18

"Untitled" by Karen Margolis

For the exhibition “Cut Up/Cut Out” at the Bedford Gallery, more than 50 local, national and international artists employed road maps, laser paper, metal, plastic, rubber and other media to explore various methods of cutting and piercing.

December 18, 2016-March 5, 2017. Opening reception for the artists, 3-5 p.m., Sunday, December 18. (The gallery will be closed December 23-January 2, 2017.) 

Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. (925) 295-1417, www.bedfordgallery.org. See website for admission prices.

"Winter in the City" by Claire Brewster

“Haciendo Papel Picado/Making Paper Cutouts,” (1998), by Carmen Lomas Garza






"Artforum 50 Hindsight, Mask Series," (2014) by Francesca Pastine

"Coringa," by Margaret Griffith

42nd Street Moon presents "Scrooge in Love," December 7-24

With its holiday presentation, "Scrooge in Love!," starring Jason Graae, 42nd Street Moon ponders what happens after "A Christmas Carol." 

Taking place one year later, it follows Scrooge's quest to find Belle, his lost love. Jacob Marley and new spirits help him along the way.

Marines' Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter St., S.F. Tickets: (415) 255-8207, http://bit.ly/2giUaJq

Smuin Ballet's "The Christmas Ballet" December 7-24 in SF and more

Smuin Ballet’s “The Christmas Ballet” offers a fun alternative to the typical holiday show.

"Magnificat"       

"Christmas in New Orleans"

"Christmas Island"

December 7-11: Mountain View Center for the Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. (650) 903-6000 and December 15-24 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard St., S.F. (415) 912-1899 http://bit.ly/2d6dIR3

Images courtesy of Smuin Ballet

"Fashion in Flight" exhibition at SFO Museum through Jan 8

Excited to write my first fashion story for The Chronicle's Style section. Check out this fun exhibition:

http://www.sfchronicle.com/style/article/SFO-exhibit-puts-flight-attendant-fashions-on-view-10658648.php?ipid=gsa-sfgate-result#photo-11875361

The African-American Shakespeare Company’s, “Cinderella,” December 22-24, in S.F.

The African-American Shakespeare Company presents “Cinderella,” which it co-produced with the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company. 

If you have not seen this delightful production of "Cinderella," don't miss it this holiday season.

Samantha Williams plays Cinderella in the 2016 production from the African-American Shakespeare Company, co-produced by the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company.

December 22-24, in S.F. Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F. (415) 392-4400, http://bit.ly/2giqyJR

"Irving Berlin's White Christmas," the musical, December 14-24 in S.F.

Kailtlyn Davidson (left) and Jeremy Benton (right) from "Irving Berlin’s White Christmas"

Trista Moldovan (left) and Kaitlyn Davidson (right) from “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”

Cast members from “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”

December 14-24. SHN Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St., S.F. 888-746-1799, http://bit.ly/2fQhL5Q

Photos: Kevin White 

 

Anthropologie, Walnut Creek

Anthropologie’s first concept store emits its eclectic, Bohemian chic vibe throughout 30,000 square feet on two floors, complete with outdoor balconies lush with plants.

It intermingles vignettes of whimsical, thoroughly modern living spaces, decor accents for the home and women's fashions. You'll also find succulents and garden-themed wares from Terrain and bridal gowns from BHLDN Weddings, both sister brands.

With this store, Anthropologie has created an imaginative interior and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that encourages browsing and lingering.

Anthropologie & Company, 1149 South Main St., Walnut Creek. 

(925) 932-0112, www.anthropologie.com

Cirque du Soleil's "Luzia" opens November 17 in S.F.

Cirque du Soleil’s “Luzia” takes you on a fantastical journey through Mexico. A celebration of the country’s rich culture, grand architecture and magnificent landscapes, the production features performers dressed as hummingbirds, Monarch butterflies and other creatures.

Acrobats take to the silks, acrobatic wheels and more in a dreamy world of light and rain. The show derives its name from the words luz and lluvia, which mean light and rain in Spanish. 

Nov. 17-Jan. 29, 2017

Beneath the Grand Chapiteau (Big Top)

Ticket prices $49 and up

AT&T Park-Parking Lot A

Corner of Third and Channel streets, S.F.

www.cirquedusoleil.com/luzia

Images courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

San Francisco locations featured in Alfred Hitchcock's film "Vertigo"

Alfred Hitchcock loved San Francisco and the Bay Area. Today it's still easy to find locations featured in his films including "Vertigo." 

The English director set one of the most dramatic scenes from the film at Fort Point. Although when Madeleine Elster (Kim Novak) falls into the water, and is rescued by John Ferguson (Jimmy Stewart), it's actually a set at Paramount Studios in Hollywood.

Another scene takes place in the cemetery of Mission Dolores.

Madeleine Elster (Kim Novak) also visits a gallery in the California Palace of the Legion of Honor.

Douglas Morrisson Theatre presents, “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” December 1-11

Welcome the holidays with the beloved story of George Bailey and the profound events that occur in his hometown of Bedford Falls on a life-changing Christmas Eve. Directed by Kendall Tieck, the play is performed as a radio broadcast set in the 1940s by cast members Andrea Lea Martzipan, Danny Martin and Alicia von Kugelgen. Adapted by Joe Landry from the screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra and Jo Swerling. “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” opens Thursday, December 1 at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre in Hayward.

Andrea Lea Martzipan, Danny Martin and Alicia von Kugelgen in “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre in Hayward. Photo by Terry Sullivan.

The Castro Valley Public Library also offers a sneak peek of the production 7-8 p.m., Tuesday, December 6. Watch a scene from play and then talk with the actors about the show. Attendees of this event will receive a two-for-one coupon for a full performance of the show.

December 1-11. $15-$29. Douglas Morrisson Theatre, 22311 N. Third St., Hayward. Discounts available for theatre goers younger than 30, older than 60s, H.A.R.D. residents, TBA, KQED members and groups of 10 people or more. Box office: 510-881-6777, www.dmtonline.org

Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley. 510-667-7900