Director Beth Wilmurt and her incredibly talented cast and designers do a fantastic job presenting Neilson’s play. But in the end, the writing just doesn’t hold together. Aside from the wonderful singing and acting, the ending (also quite bizarre) holds the most interest. For tickets, call 510-841-6500 or go to www.shotgunplayers.org. The amazing Lois Grandi directs Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre’s production starring Broadway actress Meredith Patterson as Cassie, which runs Jan. 24-Feb. 9 at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., in Pleasanton.

If the usual happens, then yes, I think you should retrieve him, You can use the car ride to express your resentment and get it out of your system before Thanksgiving dinner, DEAR AMY: I loved your hilarious response to “Too Close!” that bananas woman who thought something was “not right” about her husband and his sister sharing a bathroom sink, Guess she didn’t ballet slippers for wide feet grow up with a family of six sharing one loo, DEAR HOLDING IT: My husband is one of 13 children, One bathroom..

Schola Cantorum: The Silicon Valley chorus with Oxford Street Brass performs a new work by John Cavallaro, Britten’s Hymn to the Virgin, and traditional Christmas carols; 3 p.m. Dec. 8; Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts; $20-$30; www.ci.mtnview.ca.us/mvcpa. San Francisco Bach Choir: “A Candlelight Christmas” featuring William Byrd’s “O Magnum Mysterium” and other works; 8 p.m. Dec. 7, 4 p.m. Dec. 8; Calvary Presbyterian Church, San Francisco; $10-$30; http://sfbach.org.

There will be an artists’ reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m, Friday March 14, and all are welcome, For more information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call 925-376-5407, The gallery is open from noon until 5 p.m, Wednesday ballet slippers for wide feet through Sunday, This annual event showcases and acknowledges 2D, 3D, and Photography, with new subcategory Digital Designs, work by high school students who live in or attend school in Orinda, Lafayette or Moraga or Acalanes Union High School District, including Las Lomas High School..

Kicking off with “Sono Luminus,” Bell pranced around the exposed rebar and other curious artifacts, while Clarke stood fairly still, working the keys from behind a statue of a gargoyle. A giant stained-glass window, which would illuminate later in the evening, provided an impressive backdrop. The most spectacular visual, however, was Bell himself. At 47, the English man is in terrific shape. He removed his flamboyant jacket at the start of the new album’s “When I Start to (Break It All Down)” and drew catcalls for his muscular and defined arms. He’s obviously been pumping iron since the last time Erasure came through town and he’s none too shy about showcasing the results.