Dec 9-10 Last Nights of
The Plight Before Christmas
Scottish Rite Theatre, 207 West 18th Street
(512) 469-7427, ScottishRiteTheatre.org

The producers of the popular Scottish Rite Children's Theatre productions now present melodrama theatre for the grown-up set, complete with mustached villains, distressed heroines and heroic heroes!

The Not Quite Rite Players make their debut in The Plight Before Christmas, a melodrama packed with parody, puns and Texas fun. The action takes place in Ye Olde Curiosity Saloon in El Paso.

Dastardly Ebeneezer Humbug is about to "raise the dickens" by foreclosing on everyone in town - on Christmas Day no less! In true melodrama fashion, the audience boos the villain and cheers for the hero as the story unfolds. Will ol' Ebeneezer change his evil ways? Ya'll come find out!

Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Patrons may purchase tickets for the show only, or buy a special Howdy Hour Package (available on December 10) which includes a catered reception at 6:30 p.m. before the performance. In addition, corporations or clubs may opt to buy the house to host a private event. Packages can be customized to suit your needs. For details about Howdy Hour Packages or corporate events, email aussrit5@swbell.net or call (512) 472-7247.

Single tickets are available by calling 512-469-SHOW (7469), online at ScottshRiteTheatre.org , and at Star Ticket outlets at Albertsons and Waterloo Records. Limited tickets are also available at the door one hour before the performance.

Convenient parking is available in the theatre parking lot.

Dec 9 Debbie Reynolds
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Join this stage and screen legend for an evening of timeless hits. Known for her extensive movie, dancing and music career, Debbie appeals to audiences of all ages. With starring roles in over 30 films, two broadway shows and numerous TV appearances, Debbie Reynolds is one of the greatest "triple threat" performers to emerge from Hollywood. Her legendary name has become synonymous with solid performances as an actress, singer, and dancer - and she effortlessly wears all three hats at the same time! Come experience this legend!

Dec 9- 23 The Nutcracker
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 476-2163, balletaustin.org

Ballet Austin present its 43rd Annual production of Central Texas' most beloved holiday tradition, The Nutcracker. Choreographed by Stephen Mills, and set to the timeless music of Tchaikovsky, with live accompaniment by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Austin audiences are in for the highlight of the holiday. This twinkling tradition is sure to delight all ages.

Dec 10 The Good Humor Men w/ Pat Hazell
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Comedy's "Magnificent Four" have created the ultimate one-night comedy festival affectionately referred to as Ha-Ha Palooza. You've seen them on HBO, Comedy Central and MTV, and now you can catch them live! A hilarious evening of laughs with: Pat Hazell - Seinfeld writer & star of The Wonder Bread Years, Wayne Cotter - Host of Comic Strip Live, Henry Cho - Host of Friday Night Videos and Jimmy Brogan - Tonight Show writer. Preview the laughs at goodhumormen.com

Dec 14 Plagues and Pleasures of the Salton Sea
Alamo Drafthouse, 409 Colorado
(512) 322-0145, austinfilm.org

Austin Film Society (AFS) will feature the award-winning documentary Plagues and Pleasures of the Salton Sea at its December screening of the Texas Documentary Tour. The film's director/producer Chris Metzler will be in attendance and answer questions afterward. AFS Director of Programming Chale Nafus said. "This devastated environment, along with the hardy , rather eccentric souls who live there, form the crux of the haunting documentary." Tickets for AFS Members and non-members may be purchased online at austinfilm.org.

Still On Stage Downtown...

12/9, 10: The Plight Before Christmas, Scottish Rite Theatre, scottishritetheatre.org
To 12/11: La Pastorela, Austin Latino Theater Alliance, lapastorela.com
To 12/18: A Christmas Carol, State Theater, austintheatre.org
To 12/18: Toys Take Over Christmas, Scottish Rite Theatre, scottishritechildrenstheatre.org
To 1/1: Rockin' Christmas Party, Zach Scott's Kleberg Stage, zachscott.com
To 1/8: The Santaland Diaries, Zach Scott Theatre, zachscott.com
To 1/20: The Polar Express in 3D, IMAX Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com
Ongoing: Magnificent Desolation-Walking on the Moon 3D, Pulse: a STOMP Odyssey, Texas the Big Picture, Fighter Pilot, IMAX® Theatre and The Star of Destiny in the Texas Spirit Theater, thestoryoftexas.com

Dec 9 Strings Attached with Eliza Gilkyson
St. David's Episcopal Church, 304 E. 7th
(512) 775-2371, stringsattached.org

Eliza Gilkyson joins Strings Attached for an unforgettable performance. Eliza is a third generation musician who grew up knowing her life would revolve around music. Her most well-known album, Pilgrims, gave her a reputation as a new age artist, although she is better known for her folk roots. Her songs connect the worlds of folk and modern storytelling, and her lyrics range from dark and lonely to hopeful and edgy. "Easy Rider", featured on the album, is a loving portrait of her recently deceased father, Terry Gilkyson. Eliza has recently appeared on NPR's All Things Considered, Austin City Limits and she was entered into the Austin Music Hall of Fame. Showtimes: 7:30 and 10:00 p.m. Tickets: $15-35 at the door - Seniors/students: $8 - Children 12 & under: $5 - available online at stringsattached.org or by calling (512) 775-2371.

Dec 12 Audio Inversions - Second Concert
Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress
audioinversions.com

Audio Inversions, Austin's newest chamber music series, is hosting the second concert of its inaugural season, featuring music by a number of talented performers. Hear something new, hear something different - experience Audio Inversions. Showtime: 8:00 p.m. $10 General Public; $7 Students.

Dec 8 Hermanados en el arte
La Pena Gallery, 227 Congress
(512) 477-6007, lapena-austin.org

Art Exhibit at La Pena Gallery, 22- Opening reception: A Toast to the Season - A Toast to Art at Las Manitas Avenue Cafe, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. 211 Congress.

Dec 8-Jan 21 Sydney Yeager
d berman gallery, 1701 Guadalupe
(512) 477-8877, dbermangallery.com

With a new palette of vivid hues, Sydney Yeager's paintings continue to evolve and delight. The Opening Reception of this exhibit will be December 8 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. In these paintings, forms familiar from Ms. Yeager's earlier work are chopped, compressed, and stretched, implied boundary lines coax plumes of bright colors to bend, loop, and ultimately fill the picture plane with undulations. Ms. Yeager will be available for questions and discussion at d berman gallery on Saturday, December 17, from 1:00 -3:00 p.m. (The gallery will be closed for the holidays December 24-January 2).

Dec 10 A Very Seussy Holiday At AMOA
Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress
(512) 495-9224, amoa.org

Second Saturdays are for families at the Austin Museum of Art. Visit The Art of Dr. Exhibit, explore the galleries, then produce a whole new hands-on project! Focus on Dr. Seuss' characters and create your own Seussian holiday ornaments. Drop in and create! $7 per family; Members $5. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Dec 10-Jan 13 Andrew Anderson/John Pavlicek
- New Work
Spazio Interior by Lytle Pressley, 1214 W. 6th
(512) 474-5768, spaziointeriors.com

You are invited to attend the opening reception for a presentation of "New Work" by Andrew Anderson and John Pavlicek, Saturday, December 10th from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Exhibit runs through January 13th. Shown here is "Solidad" by Andrew Anderson.

Through Dec 31 Holiday Punch
Studio 107, 411 Brazos, #107
(512) 477-9092, studio107.com

Holiday Punch is a holiday exhibition of emerging and established artists, who continue to push the possibilities of beauty and design. A few of the featured artists highlighted in this exhibit include: Bennie Flores Ansell, Candace Briceno, Jason Buchanan, Jonas Criscoe, Hunter Cross, Terra Goolsby, Bazeera Kahn, Deborah Roberts, Leona-Scull Hons, Aron Johnston, and Young-Min Kang, whose work is seen here.

Still On Display Downtown...

To 12/10: Holiday Sale, Texas Memorial Museum, utexas.edu/tmm
To 12/21: Gingerbread House Workshops, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 12/23: Stitch in Time, Women & Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
To 12/30: Eastern European Video, Arthouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
To 12/31: Ansel Adams: A Legacy, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 12/31: The Fourth Season, f8 Fine Art Gallery, f8fineart.com
To 12/31: Collecting Latino Art, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 12/31: 5 x 7 Holiday Art Sale, Arthouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
To 12/31: Temporary Dividers, ars ipsa gallery, arsipsa.com
To 1/2: Jerry Uelsmann & Maggie Taylor, Oswald Gallery, oswaldgallery.com
To 1/7: Critter Art, Art on 5th, arton5th.com
To 1/15: Reflecting Time, Scarbrough Building, thanksgivingimage.com
To 1/15: The Art of Dr. Seuss, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 1/15: A Tom Lea Retrospective, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 1/27: Japan & Nature, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 2/06: Courtesy, Service, Protection, Texas Capitol Visitors Center,
TexasCapitolVisitorsCenter.com
To 2/7: Photography Showcase, Shoreline Grill, oswaldgallery.com

Dec 9 100 Congress Building 2005 Holiday Bazaar
100 Congress Building, 5th Floor

Get your holiday shopping completed at the 100 Congress Holiday Bazaar. Vendors will be on the 5th Floor from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. for your shopping convenience. This year's vendors include: Mixed Bags, Soto Studios, Granny's Beads, Discovery Toys, Books Are Fun, Silver Expressions, Bella Accessories, Godiva Chocolatier, Heaven Scents Candles, Southern Living at Home, and Arbonne European Skin Care. Plus you'll find Handmade purses, jewelry, pottery, wreaths, ornaments, cards, hand-knitted clothing, and much more!

Dec 10 Austin Farmers' Market
Republic Square, 4th & Guadalupe
austinfarmersmarket.org

Fresh holiday foods and gifts galore!

Dec 10 Trail of Lights 5K
Zilker Park, Barton Springs Road
(512) 974-2000, ci.austin.tx.us

For the 12th consecutive year, a nighttime fun run will feature a premiere viewing of the Trail of Lights. The 3.2 mile run will start under the Zilker Tree, wind through the south side of Zilker Park, go through the Trail of Lights and finish back at the Zilker Tree. Only registered participants will be allowed access to the Trail for this event. Register on line at active.com or at RunTex on Riverside Drive on December 9th and 10th. The event is co-sponsored by the local running outfitter, Run Tex, and the Austin Parks and Recreation Department.

Dec 10-11 Heavenly Holiday Shopping Event
Second Street Retail District. 2nd & Colorado
2ndstreetdistrict.com

Visit the Second Street District and enjoy a weekend to give and receive. Shop, wine and dine. Free valet service, complimentary spa services. Free gift wrapping. Child Care services available at the Children's Museum. For more information visit: 2ndstreetdistrict.com.

Dec 10- 24 Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Austin Music Hall, 3rd & Nueces
armadillobazaar.com

The 2005 Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, a premier Austin arts event is an alternative marketplace with a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Food and drink are available at all times with live music every evening from 8:00 p.m. to closing, and afternoon musical acts scheduled on the weekends and the final Friday before Christmas Eve. The marketplace is open daily 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and features an eclectic selection of unique gift items from the many artists, craftspeople and vendors who offer their wares in more than 80 personalized booths.

Dec 11- 23 Trail of Lights Festival
Zilker Park, Barton Springs Road
(512) 974-2000, ci.austin.tx.us/tol

Each year a parade serves as the opening event for the Trail of Lights. The festival opens on the second Sunday of December and runs through the 23rd. In 2004, the Trail of Lights hosted nearly 377,000 visitors, lit over one million lights, and ran with the help of some 2,500 volunteers over the twelve nights of the festival! Get lit for the holidays with this Austin tradition.

Dec 12 Public Hearing: Mobility 2030 Plan &
Transportation Improvement Program
6:00 p.m.
Joe C. Thompson Center, RM 2.102, Dean Keaton & Red River
Contact: campo@campotexas.org
(512) 974-2275, campotexas.org

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's (CAMPO) Transportationo Policy Board is holding a Public Hearing on requested amendments to its Mobility 2030 Plan and Transportation Improvement Program. Information on the requested amendments can be viewed on CAMPO's website or may be picked up at the CAMPO office. Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted at the public hearing, or by mail, fax or email.

Dec 10, 11 Austin Toros
7:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez
austintoros.com

Run with the Toros! The Austin Toros take on Florida. Dates and times are subject to change. All home games are played at the Austin Convention Center.

DOWNTOWN
KLRU- TV

RUNNING, PLANNING, DANCING

Now's the time to start getting ready for next year's Cap 10K--follow runners from the City's largest run and see what it's like. Take an inside look at the Seaholm Power Plant, and look at the plans for this facilities' future. Dance the night away with some of Downtown's DJ's and DJ clubs.

Showtime:

Dec 14 2005, 10:30AM [KLRU-P]

Holiday Calendar

For a complete listing of Holiday Events, click here.

Dec 10 Austin Farmer's Market
Republic Square Park, 4th & Guadalupe
austinfarmersmarket.org

W. 4th St. will be closed between Guadalupe and San Antonio from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Through Dec 23, Zilker Park Trail of Lights
Zilker Park, Barton Springs Road
ci.austin.tx.us/tol/tree.htm

Each day, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, there will be several closures:
- Barton Springs Rd., between Robert E. Lee Rd. and Rollingwood Dr.
- Stratford Dr., between Barton Springs Rd. and Zilker Clubhouse Rd.
- Sterzing St. between Barton Springs Rd. and Toomey Rd.
- Robert E. Lee Rd., between Barton Springs Rd.. and Lund St.

A shuttle to the Trail of Lights will pick up near Waterloo Park. Two streets will be closed from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in that area:
- Trinity, between E. 12th St. and E. 14th St.