Santa Claus

Suzie Harrison Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre will open its production of "Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" today with a cast including Laguna's Nicolas Leighton, 10, Sophia Tupy, 12 and Taryn Dicterow, 15. Originally published in 1902 by "Wizard of Oz" creator L. Frank Baum, the "Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" is about what Santa Claus represents, Playhouse Youth Director Joe Lauderdale said. "It's a story more that parents can learn from," Lauderdale said.

Tom Titus While you wait for Santa Claus to enrich your children's lives this year, did you ever wonder how the legend of Santa Claus got started in the first place? One explanation was proffered by an author who's best known for creating another legend -- "The Wizard of Oz." L. Frank Baum set about more than a century ago to explain that mystery. And next week, the stage version of Baum's story -- "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" -- will unfold at the Laguna Playhouse.

Tom Titus It's a safe bet that most kids never really wondered what Santa Claus was like before he started making his annual gift-giving pilgrimages. You know, how he grew up and what prompted his perennial Christmas Eve missions, things like that. Well, about 100 years ago, author L. Frank Baum explained it all for them -- in his version, jolly old St. Nick was a human foundling, raised by a colony of immortals who found his mission in life when he saw how less-fortunate kids were being treated.

My Laguna Office has found Santa's e-mail address; children can write to him and get a prompt reply.Writing a letter to Santa Claus has never been easier. My Laguna Office is offering good little girls and boys free e-mail access to Mr. Claus by Dec. 23. "We're an Internet café without the coffee," said Tom Williams, owner of the shop at 303 Broadway, Suite 104. The shop has six Internet computers for customers and also offers other business services. "Santa and his elves are some of my best friends and I have their e-mail address, so good boys and girls can send their e-mail to Santa and get an e-mail in reply," Williams said.

Laguna Beach residents were treated Friday to a special night of music, food, shopping and a visit from Santa Claus. The city and Chamber of Commerce hosted Hospitality Night, an annual event that culminates in Santa riding to City Hall to light the pepper tree with the mayor. The event started with the Laguna Presbyterian Church's craft bazaar, bell choir concert and community sing-along in the church garden and a performance by the Laguna Community Band. Santa made his debut in a 1931 Seagrave pumper engine driven by retired Laguna Beach Fire Department Capt.

Remember the Marvelous Wonderettes? They spent the summer at the Laguna Playhouse a year and a half ago. Well, they’re coming back for an encore. This time around, they’re the “Winter Wonderettes,” returning next weekend in a seasonal sequel in their guise as a hastily formed vocal combo to entertain at their 1958 high school prom. Set just six months after their 1968 10th reunion, the new show focuses on a Christmas party being organized by one of the girls, Betty Jean, who regroups the quartet to entertain at the festivities.

Suzie Harrison The many sides of the holidays have been the subject of study for first-graders at Top of the World Elementary School. "It's been fun learning what they do for the holidays," Camille Arredondo, 6, said. "I learned about decorating a tree, and for Hanukkah they spin a dreidel." Before Hanukkah, the students in Margaret Arnold's class learned about lighting the menorah, playing dreidel and a variety of traditions that surround the holiday, while for Christmas the students learned about Santa Claus and other related happenings.

Art Studios open for holiday shopping Artists John Barber, Olivia Batchelder, Sue Callaway, Gavin Heath, Jason and Nicole McQuaid, Sian and Troy Poeschl, Marsh Scott and David Sullenger will open their studios in Laguna from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday for holiday shopping. Artwork will include silk clothing, accessories, blown glass, glass jewelry, fused glass, paintings, wood and sculpture. For information, call (949) 497-4942. Playhouse Youth Theatre holds holiday musical The Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre will perform the world premiere of the musical "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus," today, Saturday and Sunday.

Tom Titus Young audiences at the Laguna Playhouse will have their imaginations tweaked by a trio of productions by the playhouse's Youth Theater ranging in theme from cuteness and fantasy -- including the world premiere of a century-old story -- to the harsh reality of teens with weapons and the tribulations of America's pioneer days. Starting things off in two weeks will be "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse," a family play by Kevin Henkes, adapted for the state by Kevin Kling.

Suzie Harrison She was glad she had a place to go to celebrate the holiday. A safe place to enjoy a Christmas feast, where her young son could talk with Santa Claus, do crafts and receive gifts while sharing the experience with other families and people who cared. That was the setting she and others found at Laguna's American Legion Post 222's annual Christmas celebration for families in need. She said that she did not want to give her name. "He doesn't know where we are," she said of her husband.