Children’s Play Bill

“Peter and the Wolf”

Through Saturday.

A clever boy and a hungry but (thankfully) not-so-bright wolf go head-to-head in this story-theater version of the classic tale. It will be performed by Orange Coast College theater students and features the well-known score by Prokofiev. Recommended for preschoolers and up.

Performances are today at 10 a.m., Friday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Robert B. Moore Theatre at Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. $4-$5. (714) 432-5880.

*

“Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs”

Through Sunday

He’s still big, he’s still bad, but he’s not playing second fiddle anymore. In this Moses Goldberg/Ewel Cornett version, the Big Bad Wolf takes front and center as the glue between two favorite fairy tales. Plumped up by lots of audience participation, this musical morsel from the Saddleback Children’s Festival continues through Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Children’s Festival Theatre in Mission Viejo Mall, 27000 Crown Valley Parkway. $6. (714) 364-2787.

*

“Hello, Dolly!”

Through July 26

Don’t look for the Fullerton Children’s Repertory Theater in the junior’s department. These fifth- through eighth-grade actors often take on shows traditionally performed by adult casts. They may not have Carol Channing, but based on the group’s track record, chances are this “Dolly” will have plenty of charm.

Performances are Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the Fullerton High School Little Theater, Chapman Avenue and Lemon Street. $6. (714) 777-2627.

*

“Wizard of Wonderland”

Through Aug. 2

The roads to Oz and Wonderland merge in Karl Jurman’s whimsical pairing of two classic children’s stories. The Broadway on Tour children’s troupe premiered the musical in 1995, and under director Dan Halkyard they’re bringing it back with extra measures of campy humor and special effects.

Performances are Saturdays at 11 a.m. A pre-show tea with Alice and the Madd CQ Hatter is offered at 10 a.m. for an additional fee (reservations required). Shows are in the Super Sports complex, 2190 N. Canal St., Orange. $6 for show; $8 for tea and show. (714) 282-8148.

*

“Jungle Book”

Through Aug. 3

Kids who have spent summer evenings crafting adventures in their own backyard may find a kindred spirit in Blake Gould. The Saddleback Children’s Festival director says he tried to re-create that “spirit of youthful play . . . where a backyard could be anything or anywhere” in this outdoor staging.

The show, presented by local youth and adults as part of the Saddleback Children’s Festival, continues Thursdays-Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Saddleback Outdoor Festival Theatre on the campus of Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. $5-$6. (714) 364-2787.

*

“Two Years Before the Mast”

Today; also July 26 and Aug. 2

Richard Henry Dana’s chronicle of the life of an 1830s sailor finds an apt setting in the shadow of the brig Pilgrim, a replica of the ship Dana sailed on in 1834 that is moored alongside the Orange County Marine Institute in Dana Point.

The one-man performance by actor Jeffrey Paul Whitman will be presented in OCMI’s the institute’s new Historic Maritime Center, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. $15-$20. (714) 496-2274.

*

“Tom Sawyer”

Friday-Sunday

Mark Twain’s barefoot scamp leads audiences on a romp through Hannibal, Mo., circa 1840 in this adaptation by Dave Barton and Matt Bond. The family show is presented by a mixed generation cast under the direction of Terry Miller Schmidt.

Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the La Habra Depot Theatre, 311 S. Euclid St., La Habra. $8-$10. (562) 694-4264 or (562) 905-9625.

*

“The Music Man”

July 24-Aug. 10

The Fourth is long past, but there’s still plenty of all-American spirit in Brea. This Stagelight Family Production staging of the Meredith Willson musical features a cast of nearly 100 area young people.

Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Curtis Theater, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea. $7.50-$9.50. (714) 990-7722.

*

“The Tale of the Frog Prince”

July 26-Aug. 10

Kids rarely sit still for long at shows by the Paper Bag Players, and that’s just how the players like it. Audience participation plays a major role in this Kathy Hotchner adaptation of the well-loved fairy tale. Director Bunny Lawson invites children to arrive between 11:30 a.m. and noon to eat their lunch and chat with the cast as they put on their makeup for the show; BYO sack lunch.

Show time Saturdays and Sundays is 12:30 p.m. $5. (714) 581-5402.

*

“A Little Princess”

July 31-Aug. 31

Saddleback Children’s Festival summer season wraps up with this stage version of Frances Hodgon Burnett’s story of a young heiress whose life and circumstances change drastically, thanks in part to an unexpected friendship.

The show will be performed Thursdays-Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Saddleback College Outdoor Festival Theater, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. $5-$6. (714) 364-2787.

*

“So You Want to Be in Show Biz?”

Aug. 1-2

This variety revue, which may include anything from vaudeville to show tunes, stars selected students from alternative education high schools countywide who have participated in the 1997 Summer at the Center program at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

Performances will be at 2 and 5 p.m. in OCPAC’s Founders Hall, 650 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. FREE; reservations are strongly recommended. (714) 556-2122, Ext. 236.

*

“Peter Pan” or “The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up”

Aug. 8-Aug. 17

Young actors from the Orange County Children’s Theatre present their version of Sir James Barrie’s 1904 play about the eternal boy and his adventures in Never-Never Land.

Performances are Fridays at 7:30 p.m. (also 1 p.m. on Aug. 15), Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. at Huntington Beach High School auditorium, 1905 Main St. $6-$8; $5 for Aug. 15 matinee. (714) 502-2244.

*

“Show Boat”

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

If you have a yen for a splashy touring show, and a bank account that can bear it, the Orange County Performing Arts Center offers this Tony Award-winning production directed by the legendary Harold Prince. Parents should take note that the story does include such themes as racism and alcoholism. Tom Bosley as Cap’n Andy leads a 61-member cast in this $10-million epic musical.

Performances are Tuesdays-Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. $32.50-$67.50. (714) 740-7878.