New Year’s: a Multiple-Choice Fest

Slightly sinful, saintly or somewhere in between, there’s bound to be a New Year’s Eve celebration to suit all souls, what with the varied events offered around town Tuesday.

Gotta gamble? Play blackjack (for prizes) at Irvine Barclay Theatre.

Gotta boogie? Plenty of places to do that.

Gotta family? First Night Fullerton, an alcohol-free street fair, has clowns, a petting zoo and fireworks. Knott’s Berry Farm’s Praise ’97 delivers contemporary Christian singers.

Here’s the info on an array of activities, which range in price from nothing to $125 per person.

Party Hearty:

New Year’s Eve Bash at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Ten tables for blackjack and one for craps (prizes include gift certificates and free hotel stays), a magician, a midnight buffet breakfast and dancing onstage to a DJ. Proceeds benefit the theater’s outreach program. 9 p.m., Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive. $75. (714) 854-4646.

Laugh-In:

“Orange Lang Syne ’97.” The Orange County Crazies comedy troupe presents favorite past skits plus improvisation. Nibbles and drinks at 8:30 p.m. Show runs from 9:30 p.m. to after midnight, with one intermission and a pause to ring in the New Year. Proceeds benefit the troupe’s outreach programs. Orange County Crazies Theatre, 115 E. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana. $35. (714) 550-9900.

Family Fare:

First Night Fullerton. An alcohol-free, kid-friendly street fair throughout downtown Fullerton. Some 100 offerings include the Torquays (a ‘60s surf band); dancing to the eclectic Doctor’s Band and recorded disco; Cindy Layne, the “Ultimate Hypnotist”; storytelling; a petting zoo; clowns; carnival rides; and midnight fireworks. Downtown Fullerton, bounded by Lemon Street and Malden, Chapman and Amerige avenues. 7 p.m. to midnight. $8-$12. (714) 738-6545.

Knott’s Berry Farm. All the usual rides, shows and attractions, midnight fireworks, and Praise ‘97, featuring contemporary Christian music performed throughout the park. Acts include Audio Adrenaline, Susan Ashton, Third Day, Rebecca St. James, Supertones, Cheri Keaggy, The Kry and Driver Eight . 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park. $22 in advance, $24 on Dec. 31. (714) 827-1776.

Dance the Year Away:

Richard Jones (RJ’s) Pit BBQ. Country dancing to recorded music from 7 p.m. to closing. Lessons throughout the night. Dinner, from 6 to 8 p.m., includes smoked prime rib or chicken, Caesar salad, veggies, potatoes and cheesecake. $30 per person, which includes champagne at midnight, balloons and noisemakers. $10 for dancing only. 10830 Warner Ave., Fountain Valley. (714) 963-9664.

JC Fandango. Latin music, dancing and food from 6 p.m. to closing. Main room features live and recorded music. $40. Second room, DJ only. $20. Admission includes party favors and midnight champagne, but not dinner. Advance tickets are available at the door or in advance, Thursday through Sunday, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. 1086 N. State College Blvd., Anaheim. (714) 758-1057.

Metropolis. Two dance floors and two DJs. $15 per person or $25 per couple includes a buffet, champagne and party favors. Advance tickets, which guarantee admission, available every night after 9 except on Monday and Wednesday, at Metropolis, 4255 Campus Drive, Irvine. (714) 725-0300.

Twin Palms. Swing into the New Year with the 14-piece Balboa Beach Big Band. $125 admission includes dancing, party favors, a midnight champagne toast and a four-course supper featuring a choice of prime rib, swordfish, capon or duck. Black tie optional. Reservations recommended. (714) 721-8288.

The Queen Mary. Indecisive? Try nearby Long Beach. Seven parties on board feature dancing and live country, disco, oldies, pop, classic rock and jazz. Midnight fireworks. 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. $45 includes parties, parking, party favors. South end of the 710 (Long Beach) Freeway on the water in Long Beach. (310) 435-3511.

Just Music:

Little Feat, 7 p.m. and 11 p.m., the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. $25-$52. (714) 496-8930.

Cecilia Coleman Quartet with Willie Jones III, Danton Boller and Chuck Manning, 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., Steamers Cafe, 138 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton. Dinner served until 1 a.m. No cover. (714) 871-8800.

Berlin, 7 and 9:30 p.m., Galaxy Concert Theatre, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd. Santa Ana, (714) 957-0600. $21.50-$52.

Gotta Stay Home?

KOCE Channel 50 kicks off a night of music at 8 p.m. with “Bobby McFerrin Presents: Loosely Mozart.” This “Great Performances” features McFerrin, Yo-Yo Ma, Chick Corea and the St. Luke’s Orchestra.

9:30 p.m.: “Voices in Harmony, More Keep America Singing.” Mitch Miller celebrates four-part harmony with barbershop champs singing folk songs, Broadway tunes and patriotic melodies.

10:30 p.m.: “Jerry Herman’s Broadway at the Bowl,” another “Great Performances” with the Los Angeles Philharmonic performing such Herman scores as “Hello Dolly” and “Mame.” Stars Carol Channing, Angela Lansbury and Michael Feinstein.