Playing at the Civic Theatre through Dec. 4 under the auspices of Broadway San Diego, the touring production of the 2014 Tony Award-winning rock musical, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” is touted as way ahead of its time, and indeed it was when produced at New York City’s Jane Street Theater in 1998. Written by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask, “Hedwig” was named top musical of 1998 by Time magazine. Hedwig (Euan Morton) was rendered transsexual by a botched operation, leaving the child, who became a rock singer, to grow up very angry with only an inch of his male member intact. Having emigrated to the U.S. Hedwig meets up and falls in love with Yitzhak (Hannah Corneau), who becomes a huge rock star due to Hedwig’s stylistic influence. Now, Hedwig is intent on setting the record straight. “Hedwig” was produced and directed locally by Cygnet Theatre’s Sean Murray in 2003, at their former Rolando Theatre. It starred Jeremiah Lorenz, the brother of Jon Lorenz, who wrote the score for San Diego Musical Theatre’s world premiere production of “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play,” which is seen through Dec. 23 at the Horton Grand Theatre. Other Holiday Productions Meanwhile, J. Bernard Calloway holds forth once again at the Old Globe through Dec. 26, playing the title role in “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” At least six productions of “The Nutcracker” abound in December, and other theatrical productions include San Diego Musical Theatre’s “White Christmas,” through Dec. 4 at the Spreckels and also “Miracle on 34th Street, through Dec. 24 at the Horton Grand Theatre; “A Christmas Carol” at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town through Dec. 24; “A Snow White Christmas Panto” at San Diego Repertory Theatre through Dec. 24; and “The 1940s Radio Hour” at New Village Arts through Dec. 31. And don’t forget, Lamb’s Players presents two annual productions, “An American Christmas,” replete with feasting, at the U.S. Grant Hotel Dec. 14 to 24, and “The Angel’s Arms” by Kerry Meads, at Lamb’s Players Coronado through Dec. 24. Sing Along Messiah Led by David Chase, La Jolla Symphony & Chorus presents the annual Christmas Messiah Community Sing at Carlsbad’s St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, Dec. 11 at 4 pm. They provide the soloists. You may bring, borrow ($5) or buy ($12) a score and sing along. Admission $10 to $18, Lajollasymphony.com or 858-534-4637. Add to these several one-night or one-weekend events, and your Christmas feast is at hand. Afterwards, to be thoroughly steamrolled, you might consider “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” one night only at the Civic Theatre, Dec. 28. Broadwaysd.com or 619-570-1100. Playhouse Musical News Named one of the nation’s ten top regional theaters by Fodor’s, La Jolla Playhouse has announced four world premiere productions for season 2017-18, including an untitled Donna Summer musical to be directed by Playhouse Director Emeritus Des McAnuff in November. Meanwhile, the Playhouse-originated “Come From Away” recently played at Gander, Newfoundland, where it is set. Currently seen though Jan. 8 in Toronto, “Come From Away” opens in previews on Broadway Feb. 18. Well wishes to the company and director Christopher Ashley, artistic director of the Playhouse since October 2007.
