A simple set, designed by Anya Kazimierski, utilizes designs that remind one of China in centuries past. Props are just as authentic, such as fishermen’s knives tightly tied to poles to be used as swords. Beautiful costuming also takes the audience back to early times. Fabrics of bright colors — or in one scene, various shades of brown — are lovely to look at. One outstanding costume is worn by comic Mike Tran, playing a fake nightingale “made in Japan” by skilled craftsmen. It is brightly covered with feathers and fabrics similar to sequins. Tran’s head is covered with a shaped mask that includes a beak. On his back is a wind-up device that seems to govern his actions.

Nigel detailed the process for this season and didn’t seem to be thrilled about the new format, 10 ballet charms antique bronze tone 2 sided terrific detail - bc802 Viewers had to vote tonight for their favorite individual dancers by three different methods — phone, online and texting, The dancers will perform again next week and the judges will take viewers’ votes, add in their own impressions and pick the dancers at the bottom, From there, Nigel said that two boys and two girls will be eliminated — and poof, four dancers will be heading home, Just like that, we’ll be down to the Top 16..

For the record, while San Francisco Ballet and Ballet San Jose are famed for their lavish versions of the yuletide tradition, there are droves of little companies out there that offer kid-friendly takes on the ballet. Steeled against possible meltdowns with several lollipops, some fruit snacks and an emergency mini Nestle Crunch, three generations of women (me, my mom and my wee one) trundled off to Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center (which scores big on the toddler front for easy parking and proximity to scads of lunch spots).

Patty Cakes Storytime: 11 a.m, Tuesdays through March 4, It is for kids ages 0-3 with a caregiver, Picture Book Time: 11 a.m, Thursdays through March 6, is for kids ages 3-5 who can attend without a caregiver, Book Buddies: 1-2 p.m, Wednesdays, (Call 925-673-0659 to confirm the program on a specific Wednesday), A book buddy volunteer reader is in the library to read stories to children 3 and older, Paws to Read: 4 or 4:35 p.m, Tuesdays, Feb, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, Children in grades 1-5 can read aloud to a do, Registration by a parent is required, The program is to encourage children who need it to read, It is not to teach dog 10 ballet charms antique bronze tone 2 sided terrific detail - bc802 safety or overcome the fear of dogs, Students can be signed up for a maximum of four sessions..

Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre recently became the new resident theater company at Pleasanton’s Firehouse Arts Center — replacing Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre, which also plans to continue producing at the venue. For its first show at the Firehouse (and of the company’s 35th season), Tri-Valley Rep is betting on a sure thing with “Guys and Dolls,” the beloved 1950 musical about high-rolling gamblers and the women unfortunate enough to love them. A romantic comedy about a gambler seducing a pious Christian missionary on a bet, the musical’s book is by Jo Swerling (screenwriter of films such as “Platinum Blonde” and “Leave Her to Heaven”) and humorist Abe Burrows, who later collaborated with songwriter Frank Loesser on “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”.