THEATER

OPENING:

"A CHRISTMAS CAROL" -- It's the second greatest Christmas story ever told, with Charles Dickens's beloved Scrooge. 8 p.m. Friday-Dec. 23. Matinees. Hale Center Theater, 225 W. 400 North, Orem. $13.50-$19.50. 226-8600. www.haletheater.org.

"BABES IN TOYLAND" -- Delightful musical comedy featuring Mary Quite Contrary and Tom the Piper's Son. 7:30 p.m. Mon.-Dec. 22. Empress Theatre, 9104 W. 2700 South, Magna. $8.50-$11. (801) 347-7373. www.empresstheatre.com.

"BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER" -- Funniest Christmas show ever. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Dec. 22 (Thurs.-Sat., Mon.) Valley Center Playhouse, Lindon. $5-$6. 785-1186.

"HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS" -- Heartwarming musical revue. Tues.-31. Join holiday buffet. Desert Star Dinner Theater, 4861 S. State St., Murray. (801) 266-2600. www.desertstar.biz.

"PLAID TIDINGS" -- The Forever Plaid Christmas edition. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Dec. 23. SCERA Center. $10-$12. www.scera.org.

CONTINUING:

"MIRACLE ON 42ND STREET -- Give my regards to ... Blitzen. Through Jan. 3. Desert Star Playhouse, Murray. $9.95-$19.95. (801) 266-2600. www.desertstar.biz.

"THE MUSIC MAN" -- Con man comes to town with marching band scam. 7 p.m. through Dec. 28. Egyptian Theatre, Park City. Real "Marion the Librarian," (88-year-old Marian Seely of Provo) attends Nov 21. $16-$30. (435) 649-9371. www.parkcityshows.com. "SIX YEARS" -- He went to war but when everyone else came home, he didn't. Through Dec. 7. Salt Lake Acting Co., 168 W. 500 North, Salt Lake City. $13-$14. www.saltlakeactingcompany.org.

CLOSING:

"INTO THE WOODS" -- Weaves together fairytale stories with special effects. 7:30 p.m. through Sat. Matinees: 12:30 p.m., 4 p.m. Saturday. Hale Centre Theatre, 3333 S. Decker Lake Dr., West Valley. $15-$25. (901) 984-9000. www.halecentretheatre.org.

COMING SOON:

"A CHRISTMAS CAROL" -- Performing Dickens for 24th year. 8 p.m. Dec. 5-23. Matinees. Hale Centre Theatre, West Valley. $16-$27. (801) 984-9000. www.halecentretheatre.org.

"A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL" -- Scrooge with songs! Note new time, date and location because theater closing after "Carol." 8 p.m. Dec. 12-20. Matinee: 2 p.m. Dec. 20. Centennial Middle School, 305 E. 2320 North, Provo. Free. 373-4485. www.csmtc.com.

"LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA" -- Musical about innocent young woman who meets boy in post-war Italy. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-20. Pioneer Theatre Co., 300 S. 1400 East, Salt Lake City. $26-$49. (801) 581-6961. www.pioneertheatre.org.

SISTER'S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM -- Musical comedy with audience interaction. Various times, Dec. 9-14. Wagner Theatre, 138 W. Broadway, Salt Lake City. $25-$37.50. (801) 355-ARTS. www.arttix.org.

"TWELFTH NIGHT" -- One of Shakespeare's most popular plays. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4-12. Black Box Theatre, Gunther Trades Bldg., UVU campus, Orem. $6-$10. 863-8797. www.uvu.edu/theatre.

"WICKED" -- A new musical, the untold story of the witches of Oz. April 8-May 3, 2009. Capitol Theatre. Tickets on sale Dec. 12. www.arttix.org. (801) 355-5502. www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.

DANCE

A PIONEER CHRISTMAS -- Pioneer Heritage Company presents dance performance, A Time for Dancing, in conjunction with Blue Sage Band. 7 p.m. Dec. 6. Church History Museum, 35 N. West Temple, Salt Lake City. Tickets: www.lds.org/events.

BREAKING BOUNDS -- Student dance concert. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3-6. SUU campus, Cedar City. $5-$10. (435) 586-7878.

"CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD" -- International Folk Dancers premiere new Polish dances, Welsh folk songs and Bollywood film craze. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 6. Matinee: 1:30 p.m. Dec. 6. Marriott Center, BYU campus. $12-$25. 422-2981. www.byutickets.com.

DANCING WITH THE STARS -- ABC's No. 1 reality competition program. Dec. 30. E Center, 3200 S. Decker Lake Dr., West Valley. (801) 325-SEAT. www.ticketmaster.com.

"THE NUTCRACKER" -- Get into holiday spirit at several venues: Hot Shots Dance Studio. 7 p.m. Mon.-Tues. Pleasant Grove High School, 700 E. 200 South, Pleasant Grove.$5-$6. 785-5883. Rocky Mountain Repertory Ballet. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9-11. Show Barn, Thanksgiving Point, Lehi. $13-$20. 768-2300. www.thanksgivingpoint.com. Utah Regional Ballet. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13, 18-20. Covey Center. 852-7007. www.coveycenter.org.

ODYSSEY DANCE -- "It's a Wonderful Life" based on classic film. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Dec. 6. Matinees: 2 p.m. Sat. Kingsbury Hall, Salt Lake City. $.20-$40. (801) 581-7100. www.kingsburyhall.org.

LIVE COMEDY

CASTLE OF CHAOS -- Year-round murder mystery production with interactive comedies. "He Died With a Smile." 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Fri./Sat. 120 W. 3300 South, Salt Lake City. (801) 461-4444. www.castleofchaos.com.

COMEDYSPORTZ MAIN EVENT -- National comedy-improvisation franchise. Teams compete for points; audience favors. 8 and 10:15 p.m. Fridays/Saturdays, 36 W. Center St., Provo. $8-$10. 377-9700. www.comedysportzutah.com.

IMPROV COMEDY -- For the entire family. 10:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays. Empress Theatre, 9104 W. 2700 South, Magna. $5. (801) 347-7373. www.empresstheatre.com.

LAUGHTER CLUB -- Laughter yoga is non-political, non-religious, non-competitive. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Sundays. 100 S. 1000 East, Orem. 404-6123. 123@heartprint.net.

THRILLIONAIRES IMPROV THEATRE -- Cheap Thrills (workshop performance group): 8 p.m. Fridays. $5-$7. Improv troupe, 8 p.m. Saturdays. $7-$10. Both shows at: Covey Center for the Arts, 425 W. Center St., Provo. 852-7007. www.coveycenter.org.

WISEGUYS --Comedy Central. Welcomes all ages, no alcohol. 1270 W. 1130 South, Orem. $10. 377-6910. www.wiseguyscomedy.com. Fri.: Bengt Washburn. Sat.: Comedy Hypnosis. Open Mic Comedy, 7 p.m. Dec. 7.

YELLOW NUMBER TWO -- Star performers from ComedySportz's Main Event. Two 30-minute games. 8 p.m. Thursdays. 36 W. Center St., Provo. $3. 377-9700. www.comedysportzutah.com.

MISCELLANEOUS

"ALICE" WORKSHOP -- Ages 6-17 learn about performing arts, Alice in Wonderland workshop. Tues./Thurs. through April. Kaesung Academy, 236 S. Main St., Springville. $49/mo.

BODY WORLDS EXHIBIT -- Gunther von Hagens' exhibit features more than 200 authentic full-body plastinates in life-like poses 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.-Wed.; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. through Jan. 11. The Leonardo, 209 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City. (5 for $75 ticket package, 5-7 p.m. Mondays. www.ksl.com) $16-$22. 1-888-695-0888. More activities: www.theleonardo.org.

CANDY WINDOWS -- "The Night Before Christmas" theme sculpted with candy. Dec. 1-Jan. 5. Downtown Provo at Holladay Furs, Bernina, Mullett-Hoover, Heindselman's, Window Box Gallery, Osaka Restaurant.

"CHRIST, OUR SAVIOR" -- Holiday favorites by South Area Single Adult Choir. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21. Provo Tabernacle, Provo.

CHRISTMAS IN THE ROTUNDA -- "Songs of the Season" artwork. 7 p.m. Dec. 8. AF Library, 64 S. 100 East, American Fork. 763-3081.

CLAY ARTS -- Silent auction funds educational programs with 20 ceramic artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri., Sat. Sugarhouse Garden Center, 1602 E. 2100 South, Sugarhouse. www.clayartsutah.org.

CRECHE EXHIBIT -- Nativities from around the world. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 5-7. LDS church, 166 N. Center, Midway. http://midwaychristmas.com.

"EDUCATING SOUL" -- "Educating the Soul: Our Zion Tradition of Learning and Faith," 9 a.m.-5 p.m. now through 2010. Joseph F. Smith Bldg. Gallery, BYU campus. 422-6687.

FAMILY NIGHT -- First Monday each month at 6 p.m. Springville Museum of Art, 126 E. 400 South, Springville. 489-2727. www.smofa.org. Dec. 6: Artist Marty Ricks; Hobble Creek Singers and art activity.

FESTIVAL OF TREES -- Over 800 decorated trees, wreaths, playhouses on display and for sale. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Dec. 3-6. South Towne Expo, 9575 S. State st., Sandy. Benefits Primary Children's Medical Center. $4. www.festivaloftreesutah.org.

HOLIDAY ARTS/CRAFTS -- Dec. 4-6. Sugarhouse Garden Center. 1600 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City. www.artmarketutah.com.

HOLIDAY MAKE-AND-TAKE -- Craft workshops for age 5-plus. 4-5 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. from Dec. 1-11. SCERA Center, Orem. $10. 225-ARTS.

"ISRAEL: 60 YEARS" -- Exhibit of historical photos. Through Dec. 13. Salt Lake City/County Bldg., 451 S. State St., Salt Lake City. (801) 581-0102. www.shalomutah.org.

LIGHTS -- Two venues: Festival of Lights, 6-10 p.m. Nov. 27-Dec. 31, Canyon View Park, Spanish Fork, $5/car. 798-5068. Holiday Lights, 6-10 p.m. Nov. 28-Dec. 27, Electric Park, Thanksgiving Point, Lehi, $7/car. www.thanksgivingpoint.com.

JOHN MILTON -- Celebrate his 400th anniversary with Professors Douglas Bush and Glade Hunsaker, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9. LDS Church, 500 N. 1200 West, Provo.

NATIVITY SCENES -- Folk Art From Poland with 50 scenes, through Jan. 25. Church History Museum, 35 N. West Temple, Salt Lake City. (801) 240-8376. www.lds.org.

PIONEER CHRISTMAS --Learn about traditional celebrations. 5-9 p.m. Dec. 6. Church History Museum, 35 N. West Temple, Salt Lake City. Free. (801) 240-8376. www.lds.org/churchhistory/museum.

SONOSOPHY -- Alex Caldiero challenges minds in listenfeelknow or "In Tongues: A Study in Sonosophy," 7 p.m. Wed., UVU library, UVU campus, Orem. www.uvu.edu.

STORYTIME/CONCERTS -- Enjoy story read by the illustrator. 11 a.m. Saturdays through Dec. 13. Springville Museum of Art, 126 E. 400 South, Springville. 489-2727. Dec. 6: Greg Newbold reads. Dec. 13: Nathan Hale. Concerts, 5 p.m., Dec. 7: Bell Ringers. Dec. 14: Deseret Chamber Choir.

"TREES OF DIVERSITY" -- Holiday tree, creches, nutcrackers and more from different countries. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. through Jan. 7. Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 South, West Valley. Free. (801) 965-5100. culturalcelebration.org.

YOUTH CAMPS

AF YOUTH THEATER -- K-2nd grade rehearse for "Willy Wonka Junior" beginning Jan. 8. AF Fitness Center, American Fork. Show: April 2, 3, 6. $25 month. 785-2059.

AF YOUTH THEATER -- Youth 3rd grade-plus audition Dec. 13, "Willy Wonka Junior." AF Fitness Center. Rehearse: Jan. 7. Show: April 2, 3, 6. $40 month. 785-2059.

BROADWAY BOUND JR. -- Ages 4-5 trained in singing, dancing, acting by Center Stage. Jan./Feb. Meet in Pleasant Grove. $100. 785-1977.

AUDITIONS

"A FUNNY THING HAPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM" -- Multcultural cast wanted to sing 20 bars from Forum or a Broadway standard. 6-10 p.m. Mon. Egyptian Theatre, 328 Main St., Park City. (435) 649-9371. Show: Feb. 13-March 21.

"ALL SHOOK UP" -- Age 18-plus prepare 32 bars of musical theatre or 1950's rock and roll selection. Dec. 3-4. Hale Center Theater, Orem. 226-8600. Show: Feb. 19-April 4.

"THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS" -- Five men, five women of various ages, prepare two contrasting vocal selections of 32 bars. 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 6. Grand Theatre, 1575 S. State St., Salt Lake City. (801) 957-3322. Show: March 4-14.

"TAMING OF THE SHREW" -- Two women, two men needed. Prepare two monologues, one Shakespeare, one contemporary. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 6. Covey Center, 425 W. Center St., Provo. 226-7876.

CALL FOR ENTRIES

EXHIBIT PROPOSALS -- Exhibits of original fine art displayed monthly, from individuals or groups. Due: Dec. 31. (801) 651-3937. utahartsalliance@yahoo.com.

VISUAL ARTS

EVENTS:

"CURIOSITIES OF NATURE" -- Maryann Webster. 6-8 p.m. Fri. Kimball Art Center, Park City. www.kimball-art.org.

GALLERY STROLL --Exhibits 6-9 p.m. Dec. 5. Provo. Many galleries including Covey Center; Utah Co. Gallery, Health/Justice Bldg. Free. 852-7007.

'IN THE FIELD" -- By Ron Russon. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 5. Utah Artist Hands, 61 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City. (801) 355-0206.

"NATIVE SPECIES" -- William Morris. 5-7 p.m. Dec. 4. Kimball Art Center, Park City. www.kimball-art.org.

SLC GALLERY STROLL -- 6-9 p.m. Dec. 5. Includes Sandi Olson, Hafen Gallery, 1409 S. 900 East; Red and Green Show, Local Colors, 535 S. 700 East.

EXHIBITS:

ALICE GALLERY -- 617 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City. (801) 236-7555. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. arts.utah.gov. Through Dec. 31: "Interiors," Utah State Fine Art Collection.

BRIGHAM CITY MUSEUM-GALLERY -- 24 N. 300 West, Brigham City. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Fri., 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sat. (435) 723-6769. Through Dec. 6: "Through the Infrared Lens."

BYU EARTH SCIENCE MUSEUM -- 1683 Canyon Road, Provo. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., noon-4 p.m. Sat. 422-3680. http://cpms.byu.edu/ESM. On display: Torvosaurus Tanneri, a carnivorous dinosaur, mounted skeleton of 120-million-year-old sauropod dinosaur and more.

BYU MUSEUM OF ART -- BYU campus. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri., noon-5 p.m. Sat. 422-827. http://moa.byu.edu. Permanent collection through Feb. 2011: "American Dreams." Through Jan. 3, 2009: "Demise of Modernism, Rebirth of Meaning." Through Jan. 17: Japanese Woodblock Prints. Dec. 5-June 6: "Metaphysical Musings," by Dan Steinhilber.

BYU MUSEUM OF PEOPLES AND CULTURES -- 700 N. 100 East, Provo. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon., Wed., Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues., Thurs. Tours available. 422-0020. mpc.byu.edu. "Traditions of Casas Grandas."

CENTRAL UTAH ART CENTER -- 86 N. Main St., Ephraim. (435) 283-5110. www.cuartcenter.org. Through Dec. 10: Images of Manti Temple.

COVEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS -- 425 W. Center St., Provo. 852-7007. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Through Sun.: "Vital Terrain." Dec. 5-Jan. 5: "Season of Joy."

GALLERY EAST -- College of Eastern Utah library, 451 E. 400 North, Price. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. (435) 613-5327. Through Dec. 9: Prints from Saltgrass.

HOPE GALLERY -- 151 S. Main St., Salt Lake City. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. M-F. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. (801) 532-1336. www.hopegallery.com. "The Forgotten Treasures," features original masterpieces that span 500 years. Also galleries at: 268 Main St., Park City, (435) 645-7180; 4801 N. University Ave., Provo, 373-1473.

KIMBALL ART CENTER -- 638 Park Ave., Park City. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays; noon-5 p.m. weekends. Closed Tuesdays. (435) 649-8882. www.kimball-art.org. Through Jan. 8: "Native Species," by William Morris. Through Jan. 8: "Curiosities of Nature," by Maryann Webster.

B.F. LARSEN MAIN GALLERY -- HFAC, BYU campus. 422-2882. Through Fri.: Visionism by Hagen Haltern.

LOGE GALLERY -- Inside Pioneer Theatre Co., 300 S. 1400 East, Salt Lake City. (801) 581-6961. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-noon Sat. Through Dec. 31: "My Compliments to You, Red and Green Show."

MONTE L. BEAN LIFE SCIENCE MUSEUM -- BYU campus. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 422-5051. mlbean.byu.edu. Butterfly exhibit, Shell exhibit, World's Most Complete Collection of Waterfowl, Pheasants, "Ecosystem Dioramas," "Africa: A Diverse Continent," "Synoptic Collections of Vertebrate Animals." Gallery shows daily.

MUSEUM OF CHURCH HISTORY AND ART -- 45 N. West Temple St., Salt Lake City. Hours: 9 a.m. -9 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat. and Sun. (801) 240-3310. Tours: Mon.-Sat.; call (801) 240-4615. Current exhibits: Early Photographs of Church Headquarters (1853-1941); Through Jan. 11: Salt Lake Tabernacle. Through Jan. 11: I Am a Child of God.

MUSEUM OF PEOPLES, CULTURES -- 700 N. 100 East, Provo. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. MWF. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues./Thurs. 422-0020. mpc.byu.edu. Exhibits: "Touching the Past: Traditions of Casas Grandes," "Kachinas of the Southwest: Dances, Dolls and Rain."

RED KILN POTTERY STUDIO & GALLERY -- 393 E. 1700 South, Salt Lake City. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat. (801) 484-4016. www.redkiln.org. Through Jan. 14: "A Different Spin: Clay Objects," by Charles Arceneaux.

SALT LAKE ART CENTER -- 20 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Thurs.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Closed Sun., Mon., holidays. (801) 328-4201. www.slartcenter.org. Art activities, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 13, Jan. 10. Through Sat.: "Getting Stronger" video by Miranda July. Dec. 6-Jan. 10: "Regarding the Pain ..." by Steve Reinke.

SPRINGVILLE MUSEUM OF ART -- 126 E. 400 South, Springville. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wed.; 3-6 p.m. Sun. 489-2727. www.smofa.org. Through Feb. 1, 2009: Clyde Retrospective. Through March 22, 2009: "Sowing and Reaping." Through Dec. 28: "Unbound: Original Picture Book Art" by Utah Illustrators. Spiritual and Religious Art. Through Sun.: Photos by John Telford. Dec. 6-28: Christmas Lamb Show. Dec. 6: Feb. 1: K-12 Educators Exhibition.

TERRA NOVA GALLERY -- 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 41 W. 300 North, Provo. 374-0016. www.terranovagallery.com. Photography by Frank Keele. Through Dec. 24: Religious Art.

UTAH ARTIST HANDS -- 61 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City. Hours: noon-7 p.m. Mon.-Fri., Noon-5 p.m. Sat.. (801) 355-0206. www.utahands.com. Through Dec. 5: "In the Field," by Ron Russon.

UTAH ARTS ALLIANCE GALLERY -- 127 S. Main St., Salt Lake City. 4-8 p.m. Tues.-Fri. 1-5 p.m. Sat. (801) 651-3937. Through Fri.: Secondary Education Art Teachers. Tues.-Jan. 3: "Reflections," by Marv Poulson.

UTAH COUNTY ART GALLERY -- 151 S. University Ave. (inside Health and Justice Bldg.), Provo. 754-0125. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Free. Mon.-Dec. 26: "Angels and Art."

UTAH MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS -- 410 Campus Center Dr., University of Utah campus, Salt Lake City. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Weds.; 11 a.m. -5 p.m. weekends; closed Mondays. (801) 581-7332, www.umfa.utah.edu. $2-$4. Through Feb. 8: Art Since 1960. Through Jan. 11: Changing Identity. Through Feb. 8: Art Since 1960. Through Feb. 15: "An Innermost Journey," by Shauna Cook Clinger.

UTAH MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY -- 1390 E. Presidents Cir., (200 South), University of Utah Campus. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. (801) 581-6927, www.umnh.utah.edu. Through Feb. 22: "Wild Birds of the American Wetlands," 40 photos by Rosalie Winard. Through Jan. 11: Works of William Utermohlen. Dec. 15-Jan. 13: Wrapped in Pride.

WEST LIGHT IMAGES GALLERY -- 738 Main St., Park City. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.-Wed. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. (435) 645-8414. www.westlight.net. "Polar Bears of the Wapusk," by David C. Schultz.