Hotdogging 12/20/13-12/22/13

“The Nutcracker,” presented by South Bay Ballet and directed by Diane Lauridsen, takes place at 7 p.m. on Friday (tomorrow), 2 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, at Marsee Auditorium on the campus of El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. Tickets, $30 general; $20 children 12 and under; with $50 premium seating. (Also of note, the company’s annual “Nutcracker Dinner and Silent Auction” is set for Sunday, at 6 p.m., at the Buffalo Fire Department in Torrance, with tickets $75 for adults and $35 children 10 and under. Call 310-831-6363) Photo by Michael Khoury. Ballet information: (310) 329-5345 or go to centerforthearts.org

Dora Perez-Meyer displays her assemblage crystal works at Summer Art Studios, 2161 Lomita Blvd., Lomita. Hours, Monday to Saturday from 9 to 9 and Sunday from 10 to 4. Call (310) 325-8801 — Dora Perez-Meyer displays her assemblage crystal works at Summer Art Studios, 2161 Lomita Blvd., Lomita. Hours, Monday to Saturday from 9 to 9 and Sunday from 10 to 4. Call (310) 325-88

Friday, December 20

Let it snow, let it snow

The North Torrance Youth Musicians Ensemble, directed by Glen Kamida, presents their “Winter Wonderland Concert” at 7 p.m. in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Tickets, $10, $15. Call (310) 781-7171.

No Grinches, please

A selection of classic Christmas comedies, plus the 1922 version of “Scrooge,” are being screened at 8:15 tonight (Friday) and tomorrow, plus 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, in the Old Town Music Hall, 140 Richmond St., El Segundo. Tickets, $10 general; $8 seniors. (310) 322-2592 or go to OldTownMusicHall.org.

Over at the Mark Taper Forum, Brian Dennehy stars in “The Steward of Christendom,” a play by Sebastian Barry that’s about a broken old man in a mental home who reminisces about his past and rages futilely while doing so. Dennehy sure had to memorize a lot of lines, but the work is often more like an irritable monologue, with an Irish 1930s backstory that won’t mean much to many in the audience. The supporting cast is first-rate, and the set is austere and stunning. Through Jan. 5. Tickets, $20 to $70. Photo by Craig Schwartz. (213) 628-2772 or go to CenterTheatreGroup.org

Saturday, December 21

Cie Gumucio and her work in “South Bay Focus,” through Saturday at the Torrance Art Museum, 3320 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Photo by Gloria Plascencia. (310) 618-6388 or go to TorranceArtMuseum.com

Sugar plum fairies

The Dance West/Metropolitan Ballet Company presents “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. tonight (Saturday) and 2 p.m. tomorrow, in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. You know the story; now watch them bring it to life. Tickets, $19.50; $17.50. Call (310) 781-7171.

Hawaiian reggae artist Hirie, with guests True Press and Pacific Noize, perform from 9 p.m. tomorrow (Friday) at Saint Rocke, 142 Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach. 21 and over. Cover, $10. Call (310) 372-0035 or go to saintrocke.com

Sunday,

Emily Brantley and her “Jellyfish Ballet” painting at last Saturday’s opening for “InMotion,” on view through Feb. 15 at South Bay Lexus, 24777 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. Open during normal business hours. Photo by Gloria Plascencia

December 22

Follow the camel

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is opening their renovated special exhibits galleries with “Traveling the Silk Road: Ancient Pathway to the Modern World.” This is the ancient trade route from East to West, brought to life through sights, sounds, and interactive displays.