Santa Monica Playhouse is celebrating the holiday season in a big way, commencing with an open-house party on Dec 12 5-10 PM. Food, fun and friends are the main attractions, with the Playhouse footing the bill. No presents are required, though patrons can check out the theatre's holiday wish list by clicking on santamonicaplayhouse.com.

On Dec. 29 and 30, the Playhouse is offering a New Year's Eve celebration, 2001: A Playhouse Odyssey featuring an evening of songs, dances, comedy and scenes from old and new productions. Such company members as Chris DeCarlo, Evelyn Rudie, John Waroff and Cheryl Jennings will take part, plus cameo appearances by a host of guest artists, including Juliet Berman, Jessica Halliburton, Graham Silbert and Matt Wrather, among others.

The evening includes complimentary buffet supper, champagne, hats, noisemakers, favors and special surprises.

Santa Monica Playhouse is located at 1211 Fourth Ave. in Santa Monica. For tickets and information call (310) 394-9779 ext. 1.

— By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent