Fullerton is a great place for live theater. As we enter the holiday season, here are a few of the shows currently playing, or coming soon…

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians @ Maverick Theater
110 E. Walnut Ave. Fullerton
Tickets: (714) 526-7070 http://www.mavericktheater.com

Santa Claus is kidnapped by Martians! Will the children on Earth have no toys on Christmas Day? Only Hollywood could cook up such an absurd story and only the Maverick would want to adapt it to stage. The show is performed with a light-hearted “Saturday Night Live” style that is suitable for children above 4, and even cranky adults. $25 ($15/kids under 12)Santa Claus Conquers the Martians opens November 24th and plays through December 23rd; Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4pm & 8pm and Sunday’s at 3pm (with 7pm shows on Dec. 9, 16, and 23rd). The production is adapted to the stage by Brian Newell and Nick McGee and directed by Brian Newell.

Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play @ CSUF Little Theater
CSUF Performing Arts Center, 800 N. State College Blvd. Fullerton
Tickets: (657) 278-3371

This ingenious comedy was the winner of the 2014 Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of an Off-Broadway or Broadway Play. Civilization has collapsed. A group of survivors surround a campfire and reminisce about the plot of The Simpsons television episode, “Cape Feare.” Seven years later,The Simpsons and other snippets of commercials, jingles, pop songs, and sitcoms have become the live entertainment of a post-apocalyptic society striving to hold on to its past. By Anne Washburn, directed by Kyle Cooper, plays through December 2nd.

Fuenteovejuna @ Fullerton College
Bronwyn Dodson Theater, 321 E Chapman Ave. Fullerton
Tickets: (714) 992-7150 theater.fullcoll.edu

From the Golden Age of Spanish drama, Fuenteovejuna by Lope de Vega, directed by Minerva Garcia, plays through December 1st. The play documents the motivations behind the murder of Fernando Gomez de Guzman, the Chief Commander of the Order of the Calatrava. Basing the play on an actual historical event, Lope de Vega dramatizes the corruption of the Calatrava’s leaders and the effects of the Commander’s tyranny on the pastoral village of Fuenteovejuna (literally, “Sheepwell”). The Commander, while glorious in battle, lacks moral character and routinely kidnaps and ravishes young women in the town. When he sets his sights on the lovely Laurencia, the mayor’s daughter and new bride of Frondoso, the town is shocked, but stands aside. When Laurenica returns, bloodied and beaten, she finally spurs the town into action against him, resulting in his murder. Even Spanish royalty become involved in the questioning of the town and under torture, all they can learn about the Commander’s murder is: “Fuenteovejuna did it.” Often adapted to fit modern times, Fuenteovejuna is a timeless tale about peoples standing together against corruption, tyranny, and abuse.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play @ Stages Theater

400 E Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832

(714) 525-4484 http://www.stagesoc.org

The beloved American Classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940’s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Written by Joe Landry. November 23rd, 2018 – December 22nd, 2018. Fridays at 8pm and Saturdays at 8pm Sundays at 2pm.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is also showing at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center on Sunday, Dec. 9th. Visit http://www.themuck.org for info and tickets.