Kiss 1990 Goodby With ‘Murder’ and the Dead

From “Auld Lang Syne” to a champagne toast, the heart of New Year’s Eve hasn’t changed much over the years. Whether it’s a quiet evening with a loved one or a blowout party alongside strangers, ringing in a New Year is not only a joyful event but a time when the past and future collide into one celebration.

A number of Valley entertainment venues plan special New Year’s Eve celebrations. This is a sampling:

* “Murder on the Air,” this year’s play by Neal Sullivan, is a comedy-mystery set in 1944 in which the audience is privy to KGRT radio station’s live New Year’s Eve broadcast.

“It’s a wonderful ensemble piece,” said director Mareli Mitchel of North Hollywood. “There’s singing, dancing, audience participation and a murder to be solved.”

“We get a lot of regular patrons on New Year’s Eve,” said Craig Alpaugh of The Group Repertory Theatre about its fourth annual New Year’s Eve fund-raising performance. “It’s great to see them supporting us along with those who just want to do something a little out of the ordinary.”

Proceeds for the one-time show pay actors’ salaries throughout the year and assist with structural maintenance of the building.

The cast features Jay David Moeller as Dix Doubletree and Bonnie Snyder as Georgette Gornette, the “singing star you love to hate.” The evening, which runs from 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. and costs $30, includes a buffet dinner, champagne, dancing, party favors and a raffle. The theater is at 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. For reservations, call (818) 769-PLAY.

* “There’s a certain warmth about a New Year’s Eve audience,” said Larry Dean, 35, rhythm guitarist of Larry Dean & The Shooters. “Everyone’s there because they really want to be. They know you and like the music.” Dean and his five-piece band will perform at the Longhorn Saloon’s New Year’s Eve party.

The Canoga Park resident, who formed the group 10 years ago, plays original country music in the traditional style of Merle Haggard. Dean’s 1990 album, “Outside Chance,” produced two singles on the Nashville charts.

“They’re a popular band,” said veteran Longhorn bartender Phil Walters. “They really make everyone feel comfortable, from the younger country set to rodeo circuit cowboys and couples who like dancing the two-step.”

Music begins at 8 p.m. Admission--$15 for reserved seating, $12.50 at the door--includes a midnight buffet, noisemakers and champagne. The Longhorn Saloon is at 21211 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, (818) 340-4788.

* The Iguana Cafe offers an artistic yet nonalcoholic celebration.

“Our mix, New Year’s Eve or not, is pretty eclectic,” said Tom Ianniello, who opened the cafe in 1989. “Lately, things are really picking up steam around here. We’re popular with the recovery crowd as well as local poets and acoustic musicians. And since we don’t serve alcohol, we get all ages.”

This year’s event, which begins at 10:30 p.m., features the acoustic music of Brad Banyon, Hisao Shinagawa, Spyder Blue, Raspin Stewart and Kira & Casey, with surprise artists performing spoken word pieces and poetry.

The $5 admission charge includes coffees, teas, sodas and eggnog until 4 a.m. The cafe is at 10943 Camarillo St., North Hollywood, (818) 763-7735.

* At “L.A. Cabaret Comedy Club’s New Year’s Eve Party,” J.R. Horsting will host a lineup featuring the Darling Twins, Bernie McGrenahan and Irv Burton, among others. The evening begins at 5 p.m. with dinner. The show and party run from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Admission is $65 for the show only and an additional $20 for dinner. L.A. Cabaret is located at 17271 Ventura Blvd., Encino, (818) 708-0563.

* At The Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City, Don Randi & Quest, the club’s house band, will play their usual blend of R&B;, funk and traditional jazz. Music begins at 10 p.m. Admission is $50. (818) 980-1615.

* “Awesome New Year ‘91” will be held at Knights of Columbus, 21433 Strathern St., Canoga Park. Presented by “Awesome Entertainment,” the evening includes dinner, champagne, party favors and singer Laurie Street, who toured with Mickey Rooney’s “Sugar Babies.” Admission is $75 at the door, $55 in advance. (818) 769-7136.

* The Warner Center Marriott Hotel, 21850 Oxnard St., Woodland Hills, will offer several package deals in its restaurants and nightclubs, with entertainment, dinner, dancing, champagne and noisemakers. Prices range from $20 to $100 per person. For specific details and reservations, call (818) 887-4800.

* If staying at home with a roomful of psychedelic cowboys sounds good, then KPFK’s “The Dead New Year’s . . . Live” is the answer.

“Invite your friends and groove to the Grateful Dead,” said Bob Young, co-host of the radio station’s weekly Dead show, “Thursday Lunch.” “They’re the band that lives to party.”

Performing from the Oakland Coliseum, the concert is broadcast live via satellite feed, beginning at 7 p.m. Special guests include New Orleans’ Rebirth Brass Band, Branford Marsalis and “whoever else shows up.” Also joining the Dead for his last scheduled appearance is pianist Bruce Hornsby. The station can be found at 90.1 FM.

Satellite coverage of the concert runs until 2 a.m. But Dead and not so Dead music continues with host “Uncle Bob” (Young) and “Cousin Tom” (Tom Norton) until 8 a.m.