Even without the Hallmark Channel “Christmas 24/7,” there’s no shortage of holiday-themed movies on TV and available to stream during the Christmas season. But for those planning to relax at home on New Year’s Eve next Tuesday, the movie-watching opportunities are really slim.
With the possible exception of the obscure 1983 musical “Get Crazy,” which revolved around a New Year’s Eve concert and starred Malcolm (“A Clockwork Orange”) McDowell, the traditional last night of the year is usually a peripheral subplot on the film. screen. Like the New Year’s party aboard the ship that takes place when a rogue wave overturns the SS Poseidon.
So if we resort to movies in which New Year’s Eve only makes appearances, your best bet is the classic romantic comedy. “When Harry met Sally.” In the 1989 film directed by Rob Reiner, Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) realize they are in love with each other at a New Year’s Eve party, and another New Year’s Eve several years later is the backdrop for the couple’s happy ending. .
I decided a long time ago that neither paying too much for a New Year’s “event” nor watching one of those miserable countdown shows on TV was worth spending time on the last night of the year. Revisiting Harry and Sally’s love story, including her famous scene in Katz’s Delicatessen (“I’ll have what she eats”), is enough for me.
“When Harry Met Sally” is streaming on, among others, Prime Video, Apple TV and Pluto TV.
Good year!
Rock music
Don’t expect punk renditions of “Frosty the Snowman” or “Winter Wonderland” when Los Angeles powerhouse band X performs their show. “Putting the X back at Christmas” at the North Park Observatory Monday evening.
This concert is part of a December West Coast tour that began in Salem, Oregon. It’s actually part of the band’s “End is Near” tour in support of X’s “Smoke & Fiction” album.
Fans will be delighted that the tour features original members of X: Exene Cervenka, John Doe, Billy Zoom and DJ Bonebrake. All but DJ Bonebrake were in X when the band played its very first show in 1977 at the Golden West Ballroom in Norwalk. Shortly after, this building was transformed into a church. Make of it what you will.
Pop music
What is the opposite of X? How about the Rat Pack – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., the musical 60% of a legendary party gang that also included comedian Joey Bishop and actor Peter Lawford?
On Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., CCAE Theatricals presents the aptly titled “Cocktail Hour: Rat Pack Songs” at the Grand-Ritz Theater in Escondido.
It’s a musical celebration featuring five singers and a big band orchestra covering tunes associated with the Rat Pack, such as Sinatra’s “All Of Me” and Martin’s “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head.” .
Footnote: If you still listen to Christmas music, ask Alexa to play “Christmas with the Rat Pack,” a compilation of seasonal favorites recorded by Frank, Dino and Sammy.
Comedy
If you think 2024 is nothing to laugh about, it’s not too late to smile. The National Comedy Theater in San Diego is once again hosting its “Spectacular New Year’s Eve Event.” This will take place on Tuesday from 9 p.m. at NCT’s India Street venue.
The comedy night includes giveaways from Extraordinary Desserts before the show starts at 9:30 p.m., a countdown to the New Year and a party with the cast afterwards. When it comes to New Year’s Eve live shows, the $59 ticket price is quite reasonable.
Last chance
Teatro Pastorela Holiday Radio Theater Show “The Pastorella of Coraje” will air on KNSJ 89.1 through Wednesday. The show was written by Max Branscomb, a professor at Southwestern College, and singer-songwriter Ella Aldridge, a student at the San Diego School of the Creative and Performing Arts.
Tuesday closes out this year’s iteration “Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” » at the Old Globe in Balboa Park. If there’s one enduring holiday tradition, it’s this one. Union-Tribune theater critic Pam Kragen wrote that she never tires of seeing this show. and I have to agree.
San Diego Arts and Food Year in Review
These seven stories from UT art critics look back at 2024 in San Diego in dining, music, theater, classical music, dance and books. In next week’s newsletter, we’ll share our picks for our 2025 best bets.
UCTV
University of California Television invites you to enjoy this special selection of programs from across the University of California. Descriptions provided by and text written by UCTV staff:
“Ancient wisdom, modern science and emerging keys to healthy aging and longevity”
How can food and lifestyle choices improve health and promote longevity? In this program, Gordon Saxe, MD, Ph.D., and Anthony Lim, MD, JD, share insights from their research and clinical experience on how optimal eating, focused thinking, healthy movement, and generosity of spirit can strengthen immunity and fight. age-related diseases. They provide evidence-based recommendations and a practical framework for making lasting changes to support healthy aging. Discover how simple, conscious choices can lead to greater well-being and resilience over time.
““The voices of Babyn Yar” with the poet Marianna Kiyanovska”
In late September 1941, tens of thousands of people were massacred at Babyn Yar, a ravine on the outskirts of Nazi-occupied kyiv. Most of the victims were Jews, as well as Roma, Crimean Tatars, and others targeted by the Nazis. In her 2017 collection of poems, “The Voices of Babyn Yar,” award-winning Ukrainian poet Marianna Kiyanovska gives voice to this tragedy. His deeply moving collection reflects on the massacre through powerful and haunting verse. In this bilingual reading, Kiyanovska presents her work in Ukrainian, while Amelia Glaser, professor of literature at UC San Diego, reads the English translations. With work translated into 18 languages, Kiyanovska is one of Ukraine’s most famous contemporary poets.
“Discover the secrets of aging and longevity thanks to stem cells”
Curious to know the secret to staying young? Rob Signer delves into the science of aging, focusing on the vital role of stem cells and a key protein called HSF1 that helps them manage stress. Signer explains how maintaining healthy stem cells is crucial to aging well, while exploring the challenges of preventing increased cancer risk. It highlights exciting advances in improving how these cells deal with waste, offering hope for healthier aging. Discover the latest information on how our bodies age and the innovative research that could help unlock the key to longevity.
And finally, the best events of the weekend
Best Things to Do This Weekend in San Diego: December 27-29
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