New Year’s Eve Galas Take Center Stage

Anyone with a mind to whoop it up theatrically as the ‘80s wind down is in luck. New Year’s Eve celebrations take center stage at several theaters around town, with shows and extra goodies to help audiences ring in the new.

Here’s a sampling:

At the Los Angeles Theatre Center it’s a champagne toast at 7:30 p.m. and special ticket prices for the 8 p.m. performances of Raymond J. Barry’s dark comedy, “Once in Doubt” or August Strindberg’s “The Dance of Death” or the “Latins Anonymous” comedy troupe. LATC’s “Two for 1990” ticket offer allows theatergoers two tickets for $19.90 (they’re usually $22 each), subject to availability; (213) 627-5599.

Jerry Mayer’s cruise ship comedy, “Aspirin and Elephants,” will have two New Year’s Eve performances--at 6:45 and 9:30 p.m. at the Santa Monica Playhouse. Both will feature champagne, party favors and refreshments. The late show includes a midnight party with the cast. Tickets are $35 each for the first show; $45 each for the second; (213) 394-9779.

Caryl Churchill’s widely acclaimed “Cloud Nine” celebrates its final performance New Year’s Eve at Hollywood’s West Coast Ensemble with a post-show champagne-and-goodies-reception. Tickets for this uncommon exploration of sexuality are $20. Show starts at 8 p.m.; (213) 871-1052.

“Dale Gonyea: An American in Pasadena,” ends at the Pasadena Playhouse’s Balcony Theatre, with a champagne reception and a special New Year’s Eve edition of his one-man musical satire at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets for both shows are $35; (818) 356-PLAY.

For $55 a ticket, Hollywood’s Groundlings Theatre serves up a New Year’s Eve Gala preview of its new comedy improv show, “Worship the Groundling You Walk On,” with a champagne reception at 9 p.m. and supper with the cast after the show; (213) 934-9700.

“Buck,” Ronald Ribman’s macabre comedy at the Heliotrope Theatre, about a murder re-enactment TV show, closes New Year’s Eve with an 8 p.m. performance, buffet dinner and dancing on the set. Tickets: $30; (213) 466-1767.

And at 8 p.m. at the Cast Theatre in Hollywood, audiences can see either of two outrageous comedies: Justin Tanner and Andy Daley’s “Zombie Attack” or Tanner’s “Happytime Xmas,” and indulge later in a beer-and-pretzel celebration at no extra cost. Tickets: $10; (213) 462-0265.