Two former dinner theaters in Orange County...

Two former dinner theaters in Orange County that abandoned musical-theater productions earlier this year because of declining business will inaugurate a series of pop and country music concerts in December. The Harlequin in Santa Ana and Southampton in San Clemente, both owned by Al and Barbara Hampton, will begin presenting touring club acts similar to those that appear at the county’s two leading concert clubs, the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano and the Crazy Horse Steak House in Santa Ana. The Harlequin, which has been using the Young Americans Song & Dance Company as floor-show entertainment since September, has booked Buster Poindexter for Dec. 14 and Jack Jones for a New Year’s Eve show. Southampton, which gave up staged musicals in September in favor of banquets, is focusing more on country music with upcoming shows by Zaca Creek (Friday), Asleep at the Wheel (Saturday) and Moe Bandy (Dec. 11) in addition to such pop attractions as Billy Vera (Dec. 10) and Jan & Dean (Dec. 31). Information: (714) 979-5511.