It's a wonderful season for theatre

North Coast Repertory is running dual performances and neither should be missed. Last time I applauded their one-man show for the telling of "A Christmas Carol." This time it is "An Iliad."

Based on Homer's epic poem "Iliad," this monumental telling is a prerequisite for every college bound student.

It is recognized by historians that prior to the written word, all stories were heard not read. Keeping with that tradition, Richard Baird masterfully shares the woes of the Trojan War as he guides us through the voluminous text.

After ignoring both of Homer's great works, the "Odyssey" and "Iliad," for the entirety of my life, thanks to Baird's performance, I was sent to the internet to capture the essence of these colossal poems.

The first thing I learned from the Merriam-Webster dictionary is "iliad" is a noun meaning "a series of miseries or disastrous events."

Homer's famous poem written in 800 B.C. continues to be popular amongst the world's historians as they argue, dissect, discuss at infinitum, and postulate over his 24 books.

Let me summarize it for you. "They pour along like a fire that sweeps the whole earth before it." Homer's description paints the horror of all wars. Bottom line, when Achilles kills Hector, he ends the Trojan Wars.

"An Iliad" as told through the mastery of Richard Baird's performance is a monumental effort subtlety directed by none other than David Ellenstein. One of his finest accomplishments to date.

"An Iliad" plays through Jan. 24 at NorthCoastRep.org. This production is a solid 10 and not to be missed.

Meanwhile at Moonlight Theatre, Kris Kringle springs to life in "Miracle on 34th Street, a Musical Radio Play." Retold by a cast of merrymakers filled with holiday spirit, this iconic Christmas story was originally aired in 1947.

Finally, the war in Europe had ended and to celebrate America's need for a bit of hope and joy, the Lux Radio Broadcast aired this show live from New York City.

You might recall when families came together weekly to listen to radio shows and only chatted during the commercials. Before television, the internet, cell phones, and video games, once upon a time, families engaged in conversation.

As a holiday gift from sponsors The Moonlight aka Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista is sending us a talking Christmas card filled with the hope, love, and joy of the season.

Enjoy the magical times by connecting to http://www.moonlightstage.com to purchase this charming-audio-streaming production. It is truly a gift to be cherished. Rated 10 out of 10.

San Diego Rep scored a 10 with "Tchaikovsky" presented by Hershey Felder. Russia's greatest composer, a few of Tchaikovsky's most recognizable works include "Swan Lake," "Romeo and Juliet," "Sleeping Beauty," and the "1812 Overture."

Felder is adding two more shows from Florence this Spring. He will salute Aleichem's "Fiddler on the Roof" with "Before Fiddler," Feb. 7, followed on March 14 with "Puccini." I assure you they will both knock your socks off.

As a gift to yourself, why not sign up for the free theatre newsletter to keep in the loop for future performances by Felder, http://www.SanDiegoRep.org.

Don't forget to check out Lamb's Players in Coronado and enjoy their show "The Women" as they celebrate songs of the holidays.

La Jolla Playhouse is streaming "A Christmas Carol" in case you missed productions by the other theatres.

The Cygnet just closed "A Christmas Carol" and "A Wonderful Life" on the 27th. More to come though.

Be sure to sign in at TheOldGlobe.org for their upcoming 2021 season opening with "Little Women."

By subscribing to the various theatre newsletters, you won't miss any of their upcoming performances. You can then hand pick your tickets for in-home streaming until we can return to the theatre.

Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal can be reached at [email protected].