MOST AREA THEATER COMPANIES wrapped up their production runs early this month, taking a break for the holidays until about the end of January. One exception is Missouri Street Theatre, whose “Into the Woods” opened last Thursday and continues through Sunday at the Downtown Theatre in Fairfield, 1035 Texas St., 940-0700, www.downtowntheatre.com.

Meanwhile, music and comedy abound, beginning with the annual Big Fat Year End Kiss Off Comedy Show Saturday at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek, featuring Will Durst, Johnny Steele and others performing stand-up, improv and sketches about the major news stories of 2014. 1601 Civic Dr. 925-295-1400, www.lesherartscenter.org. Rated PG-13.

Music and comedy continue unabated at the Empress Theatre in Vallejo, with the Jazz Explosion on Monday, Dec. 29; Wednesday Night Ramble with Stefanie Keys on Jan. 7; Soulshine with Kymberly Jackson on Jan. 14 and comedy with Larry “Bubbles” Brown, Roger Rodd and Michael Mancini on Jan. 16. Music events begin at 7 p.m., Jan. 16 comedy at 7:30. 330 Virginia St. 552-2400, www.empresstheatre.org.

On Friday and Saturday, Jan. 9-10, Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) presents a weekend of comedy and star-studded music at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek. For details call 925-295-1400 or visit www.lesherartscenter.org.

Celtic trio Golden Bough returns to the Camel Barns on Saturday, Jan. 17 to perform their signature vocal harmonies, backing themselves on an array of traditional acoustic instruments. Benicia Historical Museum, 2024 Camel Road, 745-5435, beniciahistoricalmuseum.org.

The California Symphony will present “Whimsey and Virtuosity” at the Lesher Center on Sunday, Jan. 18 featuring selections from celebrated composers including Rimsky-Korsakov and Sibelius; Copland’s “Rodeo”; and Rossini’s spritely overture to “The Barber of Seville.” Lesher Arts Center, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. 925-295-1400, www.lesherartscenter.org.

On Sunday, Jan. 25, the Vallejo Symphony will perform “A Concert for the Animals” at Hogan Auditorium in Vallejo featuring titles such as “Peter and the Wolf,” “The Flight of the Bumble Bee” and “The Carnival of the Animals.” Special guest “Happy Dog Duo” Eric Tran and Nathan Cheung will perform on dual grand pianos. $15 to $35. Additional fees apply. Hogan Middle School, 850 Rosewood Ave., Vallejo. 643-4441, www.vallejosymphony.org.

THEATER

Our 2014 theater lineup begins with three area openings Friday, Jan. 23. Lucky Penny breaks in its new Napa venue, the Lucky Penny Community Arts Center at 1758 Industrial Way, with Lionel Bart’s “Oliver!” $15 to $35. www.luckypennynapa.com. On the same date, Napa College opens “Lydia,” an emotional story about a Mexican immigrant family caught in a web of dark secrets. Contains strong language and nudity. Parental discretion advised. $15 to $20. 2277 Napa Vallejo Highway. 256-7500, www.napavalleytheater.org.

Also on Jan. 23, Masquers Playhouse of Point Richmond will open “There Goes the Bride,” about an overworked, underpaid father whose daughter is about to get married in a lavish ceremony. $22. 105 Park Place, Point Richmond. 510-232-4031, masquers.org.

Jan. 30 marks another trio of area theater openings, beginning with Center Rep of Walnut Creek opens “The Book Club Play” — what if your book club was being filmed for a documentary by a famous filmmaker? Secrets are not only revealed, they’re caught on tape in this new comedy by Karen Zacarías. $33 to $39. Additional fees apply. Lesher Arts Center, 1601 Civic Dr. 925-295-1400, www.lesherartscenter.org. Also Jan. 30, Diablo Valley College opens Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.” $11 to $21. 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. 925-969-2358, www.dvcdrama.net; and the Role Players of Danville open “The Ladies Man”: Recently married Dr. Hercule Molineaux tells “one, tiny, little, hardly noticeable lie” from which tumbles a cascade of deception. $20 to $28. Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville 925-820-1278, roleplayersensemble.com.

On Feb. 13, Contra Costa Civic Theatre will open “Doubt: A Parable” by John Patrick Shanley. Did he do it, or not? This is the question at the core of the Tony- and Pulitzer-winning play. When staunchly strict Sister Aloysius learns that charismatic Father Flynn met privately with one of the boys at St. Nicholas Catholic School, she suspects sexual misconduct, which Flynn vigorously denies. $11 to $28. 951 Pomona Ave. at Moeser Lane, El Cerrito. 510-524-9012, www.ccct.org.

Also Feb. 13, the Lamplighters will be at the Lesher Center with “Candide,” set to the music of American master Leonard Bernstein. Join young Candide and a virtual clown car of eccentric characters on their picaresque journey in search of the meaning of life. $25 to $54. Additional fees apply. Through Feb. 15 at the Lesher Arts Center, 1601 Civic Drive, 925-295-1400, lesherartscenter.org.

On Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, Verismo Opera presents Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.” Through March 15 at the Bay Terrace Theatre, 51 Daniels Ave., Vallejo, then March 22 and March 28 at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St., Berkeley. $12 to $25, children under 12 free. 864-5508, www.verismoopera.org.

Mark your calendar now so you can enjoy some of this quality entertainment, mostly within a half-hour’s drive of Benicia. Merry Christmas, and a happy holiday season to you!