BRIEFLY IN ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

No Square seeks Sondheim auditioners

No Square Theatre will hold auditions for its winter concert from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Laguna Beach Woman’s Club, 286 St. Ann’s Drive.

Last year’s country-and-western RADIO WHIK showcased a mix of company regulars and new faces, and played to packed houses. In 2008, the company pays tribute to a living genius of musical theater with “Side By Side By Sondheim.”

The show spotlights Stephen Sondheim’s earlier works before “Sweeney Todd,” including works from “Gypsy,” “Company,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music” and others, including “Broadway Baby, “Send in the Clowns” and rarities.

Aspiring volunteer performers are asked to prepare two minutes of two contemporary Broadway tunes, one ballad and one up-tempo. An accompanist will be provided, or they may sing to their own accompaniment CD.

Rehearsals will be held throughout January for two performances Feb. 1 and 2 at the Artists’ Theatre.

For more information, visit NoSquare.org.

The show will be directed by Bree Burgess Rosen, with musical direction by Eric Steinman, and Tony Newcomb serving as stage manager.

Tickets will go on sale Jan. 1 at NoSquare.org, with information available at (949) 715-0333.

Pageant holds casting call for summer show

The Pageant of the Masters is looking for men, women and children to volunteer for next summer’s show, “All the World’s a Stage.” People of all sizes and ages are needed to be cast members in the world’s most famous presentation of tableaux vivants (living pictures), which is staged nightly during the summer at the Irvine Bowl in Laguna Beach.

Casting call will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 5; 2 to 5 p.m. Jan. 6; and 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 10, backstage at the Irvine Bowl, 650 Laguna Canyon Road.

Call (949) 494-3663 for additional information after Jan. 2.

‘Christmas Catechism’ returns to Playhouse

The Laguna Playhouse brings back the hit comedy “Sister’s Christmas Catechism” for 10 performances from Dec. 17-23.

The show invites the audience to enter the mysterious and comical world of “CSI: Bethlehem,” as Sister tackles the question that has been puzzling historians throughout the ages: Whatever happened to the Magi’s gold?

Sister engages her audience to help solve the mystery through a forensic examination of the nativity scene as she hunts under the manger and over camel humps in her quest for clues.

Performances run Monday through Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with Thursday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are $39 to $53 depending on day and seat location. To order tickets, call the box office at (949) 497-2787, ext. 1, or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com, or the box office at 606 Laguna Canyon Road.

Gallery features jewelry arts from JJ Number 8

Todd Kenyon has brought JJ Number 8 jewelry into his purelagunabeach art gallery.

The collection features rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets designed in 18kt gold with diamonds and semi-precious gemstones.

The primary inspiration for JJ’s jewelry line came from her travels to a small, remote fishing village off the coast of Hong Kong, where she met a weathered, but wise, fisherman who explained the inspiring power of the number 8 “” considered to be the most fortuitous and lucky of numbers.

Those who look closely at her work will see the number 8 incorporated into JJ’s line.

For more information, visit www.jjnumber8.com or www.purelagunabeach.com.

‘Tranced’ casting announced

Casting has been announced for The Laguna Playhouse production of the world premiere of “Tranced,” which will run Jan. 1 to Feb. 3 in the Moulton Theatre.

The production, directed by Jessica Kubzansky, is the recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award, a grant-making program that helps fund the production of new plays.

In “Tranced,” an African graduate student, Azmera, who is suffering from panic episodes, seeks the help of a prominent psychiatrist, Dr. Philip Malaad, specializing in clinical hypnosis. After being tranced, she describes an incident that took place in an African village that could have international repercussions. But is her recall credible enough to have a journalist report the story? “Tranced” explores the elusive nature of memory and the art of persuasion.

“Tranced” features four Los Angeles-based actors: Erica Tazel (Azmera), Thomas Fiscella (Dr. Philip Malaad), Ashley West Leonard (Beth, a journalist) and Andrew Borba (Logan, director of African affairs).

Tickets are $25 to $65; previews run from Jan. 1-4, and the invitation-only opening night gala is Jan. 5. Regular performances begin Jan. 6.

For more information, call (949) 497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

‘Council’ sculptor opens Melrose gallery

Irish sculptor Linda Brunker, who created the “People’s Council” sculpture in front of City Hall and has other works on display in Treasure Island Park, has opened Gallery 13, located at 8302a Melrose Ave., West Hollywood.

Primarily a bronze sculptor, Brunker attended the National College of Art & Design. She says she was persuaded to pursue art by a budding musician called Bono who lived in her neighborhood. Brunker has had sell-out solo shows in Dublin and New York, and has worked in private collections worldwide.

For more information, call (323) 951-0303 or visit www.gallery13.net.