Events--Inside and Out

The flowers that bloom in the spring offer a prime excuse to get the clan out of doors this month. But don’t stay out there too long; you’ll also want to save time for the many other family-friendly events taking place in the coming weeks. Here’s a sampling.

Friday

Lessons in teamwork get served up piping hot in “Bits and Pieces of a Purple Pizza,” an original comedy by the Children’s Repertory Theatre. Performances are Friday at 7:30, Saturday at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. through March 13 in the Historic Maritime Center of the Orange County Marine Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. $5-$10. (949) 857-0171.

“Grease” is the word, Broadway on Tour is the place. The children’s theater stages a version of the ‘50s musical through March 28. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 4 p.m. at 2190 N. Canal St., Orange. $6-$8. (714) 282-8148.

Saturday

Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain” will be featured in Pacific Symphony’s “Star Burst” family concert today at 10 and 11:30 a.m. at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. $10-$12. (714) 740-7878 or (714) 755-5799.

Disneyland crowd pleasers the Side Street Strutters blow a family-friendly program of Dixieland jazz at 8 p.m. at Orange Coast College’s Robert B. Moore Theatre, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. $21 to $24 in advance; $27 at the door. (714) 432-5880.

March 12

Who wins a smooch from dreamy rock ‘n’ roll star Conrad Birdie? For the answer to this and other musical questions, see “Bye, Bye Birdie” staged through March 21 at Saddleback College’s McKinney Theatre, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. $10-$11. (949) 582-4656.

March 13

The swallows are winging their way back to Mission San Juan Capistrano. March 13 and 19, the tiny birds are welcomed back from their winter home in Argentina at special Swallows Day fetes with music, entertainment and other hoopla. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free with mission entry: $4 to $5; visitors younger than 3 enter free. (949) 248-2048.

Mother/daughter storytellers Nancy and Erin McQuillan spin folk tales at the Children’s Museum at La Habra, 301 S. Euclid St., today at 11:30 a.m. Free with gallery admission of $4. (562) 905-9793.

Raise a cheer for St. Paddy at a performance by Doyle’s Irish Cabaret. The touring company features the Mae Crean Dancers (whose school spawned several members of the “Riverdance” cast), the band Celtic Force and comedian Noel V. Ginty. Performances are tonight at 8 p.m. at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (12700 Center Court Drive). $29-$44. (800) 300-4345. Also, March 20 at 8 p.m. at Orange Coast College’s Robert B. Moore Theatre (2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa). $24-$27. (714) 432-5880.

“Alice in Wonderland” and “Puss in Boots” take to their toes in performances by Ballet Pacifica at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. and March 14 at 10 a.m., noon, 2 and 4 p.m. at the Festival Forum Theatre (650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach). $8-$11. (949) 851-9930.

March 15

“Gypsy Caravan: A Celebration of Rroma Music and Dance” showcases the history of the Rroma--or Gypsies--through the ages. Recommended by its producers for middle school students through adults, this Philharmonic Society of Orange County presentation is at 8 p.m. at the Irvine Barclay Theatre (4242 Campus Drive). $24-$28. (949) 854-4646.

March 17

Known for its thrilling, a cappella harmonies performed everywhere from “Sesame Street” to Johannesburg, Ladysmith Black Mambazo alights at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (12700 Center Court Drive) for a single performance at 8 p.m. $22-$37. (800) 300-4345.

March 18

Pontius Pilate gives audiences his own take on the trial of Jesus Christ in “Tribunal.” Playwright Franklyn Paul Soldo says he researched biblical and historical sources and discovered a more complex and human side of Pilate. Soldo says the musical, which features contemporary tunes by Eric Abrahamson, is appropriate for ages 10 and up. Performances are March 18-20 at 8 p.m. and March 21 at 2 p.m. at the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse, 662 Hamilton Ave. Also runs April 8-10 at 8 p.m. and April 11 at 2 p.m. at the Huntington Beach Library theater, 7111 Talbert Ave. $12-$15. (714) 993-6466.