Theater League's 'Love Sweet Love' takes to the stage
The singing was extraordinary but the production was disappointing
By Cary Ginell soundthink@aol.com
      Theater League's "Love Sweet Love," a new musical based on the songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, hit the local stage last week. The show, another so-called "pop-sical," had its premiere in Arizona only a few weeks ago.
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'Tuna Christmas' rings in the holidays in Southern style
By Sally Carpenter sallyc@theacorn.com
      Put some "Ho ho ho" in your holiday with the hilarious "Tuna Christmas" at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. There's nothing fishy about this play- the title refers to the hick town of Tuna, Texas where the goofy residents confront various crises on Christmas Eve.
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Ventura Harbor hosts parade of lights, fireworks show
      The Ventura Harbor will present the 31st annual Parade of Lights and Fireworks display Fri., Dec. 14 and Sat., Dec. 15. The carnival will begin at 5 p.m., boat light parade at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Friday band performances will include Stinkin' Garbage, a drum line-style group from 5 to 7 p.m., and surf tunes with the Phantom Riders.
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Boxed set DVDs work well as holiday gifts
By Dave Workman The Movie Nut
      Hollywood Holidays For the last few years, I've been touting "boxed set" DVD releases as perfect stocking stuffers. However, given the price of some newer releases- e.g., "The Sopranos" Collector's Set: $600- one might serve admirably as a major holiday gift. For the movie fanatic, there are worse treasures to find under the tree.
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Fundraiser helps orchestral music
      'GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE'- Auctioneer Chris Harrison, left, and New West Symphony music director Boris Brott find encourage higher bids for a diamond ring during the New West Symphony's Dec. 6 Poinsettia Ball at North Ranch Country Club. It was music to the ears of Brott as the bidding amounts escalated.
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Singing for the love of country
      RED, WHITE AND BLUE- Singer Gari Geiselman, winner of this year's Mavric Best Performer in Ventura County award, performs a medley of patriotic songs during the Thousand Oaks Republican Women Federated luncheon at Sherwood Country Club last Thursday. Geiselman will donate proceeds from her "Christmas Lights" CD to an animal rescue organization.
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Gilbert and Sullivan on hand for New Year's Eve
      Comedy Tonight Productions will present "An Evening of Gilbert and Sullivan and More" at 7 p.m. Mon., Dec. 31 at the Washington Auditorium, 96 MacMillan St. in Ventura. The alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration will feature dinner, a musical revue and a reception/dance until midnight.
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NPHS hosts Battle of the Bands
      Newbury Park High School will host a Battle of the Bands at 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 15 at the school's gym, 456 N. Reino Road, Newbury Park. Doors open at 7 p.m. Six local bands will perform- Aces High, Avant Garage, Backline, Girlwater, Massoyer and Shadows of Illusion.
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