48 HOURS

Joyce Rudolph

A chance to see some of La Crescenta’s most beautiful homes decorated

for the holidays is offered today through a fund-raising home tour

benefiting Crescenta Valley High School’s Prom Plus.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. visitors can see four homes while enjoying

entertainment by the school’s choral students, refreshments made by the

home economics department, Korean food and ceramics created by the arts

classes.

At one of the homes, says fund-raising chairwoman Marian Mirskyguests

will take a step back into time, viewing a remodeled home filled with

antiques from around the nation and flower arrangements by Montrose

Florist.

Another home, built in 1999, will feature singing in the morning by

the Charismatics, a local musical ensemble. Finishing the holiday motif

will be flowers by Melody Florists and scrip will be sold at this venue.

The third home has a whimsical waterfall and rock garden enhancing the

landscape with finishing touches by She’s Florists. Korean food will be

available to taste here.

The final stop has been famous for its fund-raising events over the

years. In addition to its warm decor, accented with arrangements by

Crescenta Valley Flower Mart, a veranda is available for outdoor

entertaining and a view of Santa Catalina island. Baked goods will be

available for sale and a drawing will be held for baskets filled with

goodies.

Tickets, at $10 each, are available at the homes. For addresses, call

248-2242, 236-3808, 957-6541 or 249-3197.

This is the largest fund-raiser for CV High’s Prom Plus Commitee. Prom

Plus has hosted a post-prom event for the last seven years at the

Crescenta-Canada YMCA. The event offers seniors and their guests, for a

nominal charge, a variety of activities such as a full casino, sumo

wrestling and a Velcro wall on which seniors can practice their mountain

climbing techniques.

“It’s our way of giving seniors an alternative to unchaperoned

activity,” says longtime volunteer Mirsky. “Senior Prom and graduation

are the two most dangerous nights in the life of a senior.”

Mirsky says it’s really a magical night for students because there is

so much to do. The Prom Plus committee raised $20,000 to cover expenses

and a lot of items were donated by local merchants and food

establishments.

“Last year, we had 400 students attend, and they didn’t want to go

home,” she says.

There are cash prizes awarded, food, and merchandise, like CD players,

televisions and microwave ovens, and breakfast served the next morning.

And the house tour is fun too. Mirsky says it’s a real favorite of the

ladies.

“They go through the tour, then go out for lunch,” she says.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Haydn’s ‘The Creation’ is orchestra’s holiday gift

The internationally renowned conductor Helmuth Rilling and the Los

Angeles Chamber Orchestra will perform Haydn’s oratorio “The Creation” as

its holiday offering tonight at 8 at The Alex Theatre in Glendale.

Soloists for the oratorio are Donna Brown from Canada, Swiss-born

tenor Rolf Romei, making his United States debut; popular award-winning

bass Eric Owens, and the USC Choral Artists, under the direction of

William Dehning.

The public can learn more about the history surrounding Haydn’s great

masterpierce during Concert Conversations with Dr. Alan Chapman,

presented one hour before each concert and free to all ticket holders.

The Alex is at 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Tickets are from $13 to

$50 with discounts for students, seniors and groups, subject to

availability. Tickets are available at the box office before the

performance.

Barbershop group hosts ‘Winter Wonderland’ concert

The Crescenta Valley Chapter of barbershop singers will present

“Winter Wonderland” at 3 p.m. today at Forest Lawn Memorial Park,

Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive.

Groups featured are the Crescenta Valley Highlanders Chorus, directed

by John Odhner and assistant director Frank Bescos, the Santa Monica

Sweet Adelines Chorus, directed by Laura Pallas, the Chapter Quartets,

The Chime Choir and The Sunshine Chorus of Walter Reed Middle School.

Ticket donation is $7 for adults and $5 for children under 12.

Mormon Choir to perform free concert

The Southern California Mormon Choir will present a free concert, “The

Joyous Sounds of Christmas” at 7:30 tonight at The Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter-day Saints, 1101 N. Central Ave., Glendale.

The 110-voice choir is directed by Douglas Custance. The accompanist

is Carol Cole.

The program will include traditional Christmas music and hymns.

Refreshments will be served after the concert.

The Southern California Mormon Choir was organized in 1953 and has

performed throughout this country and around the world.

The Glendale Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

is hosting the concert. Don M. Pearson, Stake president, said the

community is invited to attend and enjoy the spirit of the holiday

season. For information, call 243-9993.

Church groups combine for Contemporary Christmas Cantata

The First Congregational Church of Glendale is presenting Christmas

songs from the golden era of movies and a contemporary Christmas Cantata

at 4 p.m. today at the church, 2001 Canada Blvd., Glendale.

Music is sung by the chancel choir, youth group and friends of the

church. Suggested donation is $5.

Former Cuban National Ballet stars to dance ‘Nutcracker’

Ballet of the Foothills, sponsored by the La Canada Flintridge Ballet

Foundation, is planning its third annual performances of “The

Nutcracker.” Performances will be at 7 p.m. today and at 2 and 6 p.m.

Sunday at the Lanterman Auditorium, 4490 Cornichon Ave., in La Canada

Flintridge.

The company will perform the great Russian composer Peter

Tchaikovsky’s beloved Christmas ballet with 60 dancers highlighted by

special appearances of Julia Ortega and Roberto Almaguer, former members

of the Cuban National Ballet. They will perform the roles of the Cavalier

and Sugar Plum fairy including the final Grand Pas de Deux.

Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under and are available by calling Ballet Petit at 790-5775.

Christmas revue of music from the century planned at The Alex

A holiday revue showcasing Christmas memories from the beginning of

the century to the present will be at 7 p.m. Sunday at The Alex Theatre,

216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale.

The show combines drama, music and dance kicking off with literary

excepts from Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” featuring the heart-wrenching

Tiny Tim and the rogue-turned-town-savior Mr. Scrooge; “The Wind and the

Willows,” “Holly and Ivy,” and “Little Women.”

The ensemble performs “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” and “The Twelve

Days of Christmas.” There will be special appearances by the Glendale

Bell Choir and St. Bede’s Choir.

The show is produced by Zoe Bright and Kay Cole.

Tickets range from $15 to $32.50. The show begins at 7 p.m. For

reservations, call 24 hours a day (800) 233-3123.

Burbank Historical Society hosts open house, quintet concert

The Steed Woodwind Quintet will perform at the holiday open house from

4 to 6 p.m. Sunday held at the Gordon R. Howard Museum, 1015 W. Olive

Ave., Burbank. The Burbank Historical Society will conduct tours of the

museum from 1 to 4 p.m.

Scheduled on the muscial program are J.S. Bach, F. J. Gossec, Scott

Joplin, Samuel Barber and others. Admission to the concert is free

through a grant from the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, the

Recording Industries’ Music Performance Trust Funds and The American

Federation of Musicians.

For information on the open house, call 848-4721.

Descanso Gardens offering family holiday activities

Families can share the spirit of the season with activities at

Descanso Gardens through Sunday during its 40th annual Holiday Festival.

Themed “Holiday on Parade,” highlights are a crafts bazaar, decorated

Christmas trees, holiday decorations, musical entertainment and displays

in the Boddy House.

During the festival there will be a special buffet lunch, andsnacks

will be available at the Cafe Court next to Van de Kamp Hall. Hot cider,

coffee and freshly baked cookies will be for sale near the Boddy House.

Descanso is at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge. Admission to

Descanso is $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, $1 ages 5 to 12

and under 5 free. There is free parking. For information, call 952-4401.

Free book event at Barnes and Noble

Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Burbank will sponsor a free book event

at 11 a.m. today during the Booker T. Frog’s Storytime. Author Gretchen

K. Phillips will share her new book “The Quizm Message.” The book store

is at 731 N. San Fernando blvd., Burbank. For information call 558-1383.

‘Christmas Glory’ produced at Church of Lighted Window

“Christmas Glory,” a musical production, will be presented at 7:30

p.m. today at Church of the Lighted Window, 1200 Foothill Blvd. in La

Canada Flintridge.

Featured will be Vivaldi’s “Magnificat,” Daniel Pinham’s Christmas

Cantata, Mauro Bruno’s “A Touch of Christmas” and other holiday

favorites. Performing will be the Church of the Lighted Window chancel

choir, choraleers and chamber orchestra. The Flintridge Singers are the

special guests. Steve Hill is conducting.

Suggested donation is $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

Brand Library, the art and music section of the Glendale Public

Library, is having its third annual Holiday Arts Boutique from 1 to 9

p.m. today. The sale will include fine art paintings and photography as

well as jewelry, glass, leather, paper, ceramics, cloth dolls and

puppets. Harpist Brenda Grice will perform from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is

free. The library is at 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale.

The sale is sponsored by the Associates of Brand Library and Art

Center and the city of Glendale. For information, call 242-8142.

On Stage

‘A Christmas Carol’ performed at Glendale Centre Theatre

Glendale Centre Theatre is celebrating the holiday season with its

family production “A Christmas Carol” Mondays through Saturdays until

Dec. 23.

Tickets are $15.50 to $20. All evening performances begin at 8 p.m.

and all matinees begin at 3 p.m.

For tickets, call 244-8481.

Send information for the 48 Hours column to Joyce Rudolph by fax at

241-1975 or mail to c/o the Glendale News-Press, 111 W. Wilson Ave.,

Suite 200, Glendale, CA 91203. Black and white and color photographs are

accepted.