Best Bets Orange County HERE AND NEAR

TODAY

Noon-4pm and 6-8pm

Last Chance

Kids from 5 to 92 can have fun searching for bug-eyed extraterrestrials aboard a space station, learn the laws of physicsas a Newtonian pinball wizard, and search for clues in the mysterious disappearance of the dinosaurs, among other adventures, at “Beakman’s World on Tour,” a hands-on family science exhibit on view through Sunday at the Fullerton Museum Center. Based on the Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning TV series “Beakman’s World,” the show gives visitors a chance to explore the mysteries of physics, biology and chemistry in 13 manipulatory, wacky and humorous displays and activities.

* “Beakman’s World on Tour,” Fullerton Museum Center, 301 N. Pomona Ave., Fullerton. Noon-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today. Noon-4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. $1 to $3. (714) 738-6545.

TODAY

8pm

Last Chance

The Huntington Beach Playhouse production of “The Rainmaker,” N. Richard Nash’s romantic comedy about a con man who claims he can end the drought paralyzing a small farming town, closes Sunday at the Huntington Beach Library & Cultural Center. “The magical aura of Nash’s play is faithfully and affectionately reproduced in Jack Millis’ staging,” critic T.H. McCulloh wrote for The Times, noting Roxie Lee’s lovely performance as the spinster who steals the heart of the affable grifter.

* “The Rainmaker,” Huntington Beach Playhouse at the Huntington Beach Library & Cultural Center, 7111 Talbert Ave. 8 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday. 2 p.m. Sunday. $5 to $13. (714) 375-0696.

TODAY

8pm

Dance

Winner of four 1996 Tony Awards (including best director and best choreographer), “Bring In ‘Da Noise, Bring In ‘Da Funk” chronicles 400 years of African American history in blazing rhythms and music. The innovative 1995 musical was conceived and directed by the Joseph Papp Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival producer George C. Wolfe. The brilliant Savion Glover created the choreography.

* “Bring In ‘Da Noise, Bring In ‘Da Funk,” Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Also Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. $21-$52.50. (714) 556-2787.

TODAY

7pm

Family

Sesame Street turns the big 3-0 this year, but its perky residents show no signs of slowing up. Witness Sesame Street Live’s “When I Grow Up,” a splashy, musical/Muppet lovefest for preschoolers.

The 90-minute, interactive stage show revolves around Sesame-ites Elmo, Telly Monster, Oscar and others as they act out their dream jobs. Ticket holders for the 10:30 a.m. show Friday get an extra treat: a kids’ career fair with the characters and local fire, police and park personnel. (Fair starts at 9 a.m.)

Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim. Also Friday, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 and 4:30 p.m. $9.50 to $14.50; limited VIP seating available for $20. (714) 740-2000.

TODAY

8pm

Pop Music

John Hammond, the dean of acoustic bluesmen, is a reliably passionate and kinetic performer with a knack for making the standard repertoire his own. He tops an all-acoustic bill that also features solo performances by Michael Ubaldini, the Mystery Train bandleader whose next album will delve into acoustic folk, and blues singer-guitarist K.K. Martin.

John Hammond, with Michael Ubaldini and K.K. Martin. Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 8 p.m. $13.50 to $15.50. (949) 496-8930.

FRIDAY

8pm

Dance

Ballet Pacifica’s Shawn Pace dances the role of Puck in Molly Lynch’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (music by Mendelssohn) to close the company’s current season. The program will also include Trey McIntyre’s “Poulenc Variations,” Rick McCullough’s “In the Ruins” (Part) and the premiere of Jamey Hampton’s “As Is, Is Us” (compiled score), which was developed in the Irvine company’s 1998 summer choreographers’ project.

* Ballet Pacifica will dance Molly Lynch’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and other works to close the season at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. 8 p.m. Also Saturday, 2:30 and 8 p.m. $17 to $20. (949) 854-4646.

FRIDAY

all day

Movie

Helena is mad for Demetrius, who is smitten with Hermia, who’s hopelessly in love with Lysander, who loves her back. In the nearby enchanted forest, Oberon, king of the fairies, is devoted to Titania, the queen, but she falls for . . . an ass? Such is the cavorting in Shakespeare’s most lighthearted and whimsical comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which writer-director Michael Hoffman has transplanted to late 19th century Tuscany. The starry ensemble cast includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Kevin Kline, Rupert Everett, Christian Bale, Stanley Tucci, Calista Flockhart and British actress Anna Friel.

* “William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” rated PG-13 for sensuality and nudity. Opens Friday in general release.

FRIDAY

2 am

Retro TV

Jed Clampett’s due to get $25 million dollars for his oil-soaked land. Should he move out of the hills? he asks in the first episode of “The Beverly Hillbillies,” from 1962. “Look around you,” says Cousin Pearl. “You’re eight miles from your nearest neighbor, you’re overrun with skunks, possums, coyotes, wildcats, you use kerosene lamps for light, you cook on a wood stove summer and winter, you’re drinking homemade moonshine, washing with homemade lye soap, and your bathroom is 50 feet from the house.” It gets Jed thinking. “I reckon you’re right,” he tells her. “A man would be a danged fool to leave all this.” But she talks him into going--to Californy, where there are swimming pools, movie stars--and smog (small hogs, they figure). Their arrival doesn’t go well, which is a good reason to set a spell, take your shoes off and come back for another episode.

“The Beverly Hillbillies’ ” first episode, TBS. 2 a.m.

SATURDAY

11am

Jazz

It’s an unbeatable combination: smooth jazz and bay breezes. And that’s exactly what the annual Newport Beach Jazz Festival offers, two days of smooth and fusion jazz acts including saxophonists Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum and Najee, guitarists Lee Ritenour and Larry Carlton, the Rippingtons, trumpeter Rick Braun and a host of others over two days on two stages on the golf course of this beautiful bayside resort.

* Sixth Annual Newport Beach Jazz Festival, Hyatt Newporter, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach. $30 daily, two-day pass $50, VIP tickets (includes backstage access and reserved seating) $125. (949) 650-5483.

SATURDAY

7pm

Books

Is astral projection real? Can anyone have a so-called “out-of-body experience”? Albert Taylor claims to have the answers in “Soul Traveler,” which chronicles his own out-body trips and offers instructions for those who want to have similar experiences. Taylor says his background as an engineer and scientist helped him evaluate his astral experiences from a “neutral, nonprejudicial position.” You be the judge.

Taylor will discuss his book at a signing.

Albert Taylor at Borders Books and Music, 429 S. Associated Road, Brea. (714) 672-0120.

SATURDAY

10am

Beach Fest ‘99, a charity event in a park along the Long Beach waterfront, annually presents a chance to sample a wide swath of the local music scene. Among the 50 acts playing on four different stages at the two-day festival are such quality attractions as the Vandals, Dial-7, Hed(pe), the Ziggens, Common Sense, Mr. Mirainga, Hepcat, Burnin’ Groove, Busstop Hurricanes, 00Soul, Cirrus, El Centro and Tub. Profits go to Surfrider Foundation, Boy Scouts of America and Project Future for the homeless.

Beach Fest ‘99, with 50 musical acts plus games, rides and arts and crafts booths. Shoreline Marina Green, Shoreline Drive at Pine Ave., Long Beach. $12 to $15 per day. Also Sunday, 11 a.m. (714) 550-4636, Ext. 3378 (taped information) or (714) 740-2000 (Ticketmaster).

SATURDAY

9:30pm

Pop Music

Curtis Salgado’s credentials as a soul-influenced R&B; singer and harmonica player include hitches during the 1980s with the Robert Cray Band (before they hit it big) and Roomful of Blues. In the 90s, Salgado has pursued a solo career; his fourth and latest release is “Wiggle Outta This.”

Curtis Salgado, Blue Cafe, 210 Promenade, Long Beach. 9:30 p.m. $10. (562) 983-7111.

SUNDAY

3:30pm

For the Family

Just try to tell Sam-I-Am that you do not like opera! The texts of two Dr. Seuss’ classics have been turned into family operas by Robert Kapitow. The composer leads the L.A. Chamber Orchestra in 20-minute operas of “Green Eggs and Ham” and “Gertrude McFuzz.” Critics find the music sophisticated yet zany--perfect for little attention spans. Sam-I-Am and Gertrude are played by a 10- and 11-year-old respectively; the performance is recommended for ages 6 and older.

* “Two by Seuss: ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ and ‘Gertrude McFuzz,’ ” Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive. 3:30 p.m. $7.50 children; $15 adults. (562) 916-8500 or (800) 300-4345.

SUNDAY

all day

For the Family

Gentle people, start your engines and head out to Fullerton for the Muckenthaler Cultural Center’s Motor Car Show and Vintage Race Tour. The daylong event is kicked off by the “race,” a new element and a chance to see the wheels turn and hear history passing by. The parade starts at the Four Points Sheraton and ends at the museum, where a collection of classic and experimental cars and motorcycles will be on view alongside current Indy cars. The event--with free entertainment and refreshments for sale--is held in conjunction with the museum’s current “Planes, Trains and Automobiles . . .” exhibition.

* Motor Car Show and Vintage Race Car Tour, Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Parade, 11 a.m. $12; children younger than 12 free. (714) 738-6595.