ARTS & CULTURE the Pooh and A Charlie Brown Christmas. 320 Main St., Salinas. (831) 775-0976, arieltheatrical.org Enchantrix An imaginative troupe of actors without a fixed theater, so they are willing to do the unexpected. That spirit applies to scripts, which they redefine (imagine Man of La Mancha with an “electronica space carnival” soundtrack), as well as stages. For example, one standout production was held in a Sand City warehouse. Enchantrix.net Forest Theater One of the oldest remaining outdoor theaters west of the Rockies, the 100-plus-year-old amphitheater stage is a show unto itself— framed by towering pine trees, it provides a backdrop for plays, musicals, films, special performances and events. The venue is under the professional management vision of Pacific Repertory Theatre. Santa Rita and Mountain View, Carmel. (831) 626-1681, foresttheaterguild.org Monterey Peninsula College Theatre Company For over 60 years, MPC Theatre has produced classic and contemporary comedy, drama and large summer musicals. Expect fresh takes on classic plays (think Lysistrata with Lizzo tunes) and fresh, new plays. In addition to students, the college welcomes volunteers, non-theater students, and the acting community at large to participate in its bigger Main Stage shows, and hosts more intimate productions in the compact Studio Theater. 980 Fremont Blvd., Monterey. (831) 646-4213, mpc.edu New Canon Theatre Co. This nonprofit theater company was established in 2022 with a two-fold mission: to perform classics as they’ve never been seen before; and to celebrate the new by staging the works of emerging playwrights. Without a permanent home, the company staged its inaugural Shakespeare show in a bar. And they continue with their clever adaptation of space. (831) 275-1441, newcanontheatre.org Pacific Repertory Theatre This professional theater company presents contemporary and classic productions in the intimate, wraparound Circle Theatre, while the historic Founders Theatre (the former Golden Bough Playhouse)—it has been remodeled, making it the most up-to-date stage—houses the main stage that handles big, fun musicals, comedies and children’s theater. Monte Verde and Casanova between 8th and 9th, Carmel. (831) 622-0100, pacrep.org Paper Wing Theatre & Supper Club This theater company stages edgy plays often spiked with adult humor, musicals and comedies. There’s also stand-up comedy, burlesque performances, drag brunch and every Halloween season, cult classic The Rocky Horror Show. The innovative crew adopted a new business model, relocating to a stage with an adjacent kitchen so it’s possible to serve up meals along with live performances. 711 Cannery Row (upstairs), Monterey. (831) 905-5684, paperwing.com The Western Stage Western Stage’s 3/4 thrust Studio Theater allows wraparound viewing of classic, contemporary and challenging stuff, like adaptations of John Steinbeck novels. The big Mainstage Theater gets lavishly produced musicals and similarly big shows. Hartnell College, 411 Central Ave., Building K, Salinas. (831) 7556816, westernstage.com PERFORMANCE VENUES AND ORGANIZATIONS Arts Council for Monterey County The mission of the Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) is to improve the quality of life for everyone in our region through the arts. The nonprofit highlights and connects artists, sponsors initiatives and monitors the art pulse of the county. 24600 Silver Cloud Court, Suite 202, Monterey. (831) 622-9060, arts4mc.org Alisal Center for the Fine Arts From Aztec dance to visual arts classes, this East Salinas arts organization is committed to a vision of cultural vibrancy. They bring in practicing artists and performers to mentor young people in the arts. 745 N. Sanborn Road, Salinas. (831) 758-5715, alisalfinearts.org Ballare Carmel This dance company puts on the annual Carmel Dance Festival, as well as other events that go beyond the discipline of dance, fusing live music and even painting. Expect interesting choreography in some unconventional venues. (310) 923-2766, ballarecarmel.org Carmel Delights Dance Company This group of dancers is known for their provocative, body-positive burlesque shows, but they also incorporate ballet, hip-hop, pole dancing and more into their repertoire. The core members also tour internationally, but also appear regularly on local stages. carmeldelights.com Carmel Music Society Approaching 100 years and over 500 shows, this esteemed music society founded in 1927 by Dene Denny and Hazel Watrous brings highpowered artistry to the Monterey Peninsula at acoustically resonant venues like Sunset Center. (831) 625-9938, carmelmusic.org Chamber Music Monterey Bay CMMB has been bringing world-class musicians to perform masterworks, lesser-known gems and new compositions in Monterey 126 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 Enjoy the Monterey Bay! HELP PROTECT THIS SPECIAL AREA 1 Dispose of trash in designated trash cans only; do not litter on streets, into storm drains, on beaches, or into the Bay. 2 Bring a reusable cup for coffee! This reduces cup and lid trash. 3 Use recycle bins to dispose of glass bottles, aluminum cans, and plastic; do not discard these items as trash. 4 Dispose of cigarette butts in designated receptacles and not outdoors or in the street; these will flow to the Bay and may harm wildlife. 5 Reduce water use by turning faucets off when brushing teeth and lathering hands. 6 Refuse straws and use only biodegradable or reusable utensils for take-out food. ©JIM CAPWELL YOU CAN HELP PROTECT THIS SPECIAL OCEAN AREA: SEA Visitor Ad Coast Weekly VG 1/3 5-18.indd 1 5/22/18 9:31 AM SEA-otters_1-3v_VG23_dg.indd 1 6/7/23 10:28 AM
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