Talk of the Town: Tis the season to have fun, sometimes for free!

I bet you’re out and about frantically preparing for the holidays or attending all those seasonal events. It’s fun, but can be tiring. Take a breather from it all and attend something free, educational and open to the public Thursday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m. at Canoa Hills Center, 3660 S. Camino del Sol.

Emmy award-winning producer Tom Kleespie will be on hand at the lecture for a discussion and review of the 18th season of “The Desert Speaks,” a popular show featured on Public Broadcasting Service/KUAT Channel 6. The show’s producers will give attendees a “behind the scenes” look at how the show is produced, and bring their extensive knowledge of deserts around the world. Members of the Sonoran Sea Aquarium will also be at the lecture to help you explore the wonders of the marine life that inhabits the Sea of Cortez.

“The Desert Speaks” features host David Yetman as he takes viewers on another round of bold explorations through intriguing storytelling and stunning photography. Viewers find out about the people (past and present), plants, animals and archaeology of arid regions throughout the New World.

The Strolling Valley Players will be entertaining the Green Valley Arts & Crafts Club at their meeting today at 1 p.m. at Desert Hills Center.

The Strolling Players, a readers theater group, will present a delightful comedy, “Ladies at Lunch,” directed by Dick Coler and assisted by Pamela Reeder. “Ladies at Lunch” stars six ladies having lunch and a very confused waiter trying his best to please each and everyone.

The cast includes, Jim McCarr, Barbara Di Giovanni, Dorothy Imse, Annie Coutcher, Marjorie Marks, Kathleen Chidester and Diane Vernon. Dick Coler also has a role in the production.

Quail Creek Performing Arts Guild is presenting its seasonal dinner show, “Holiday’s Inn II,” Dec. 10-12 in the Crystal Ballroom at the Madera Clubhouse at Quail Creek.

The cost is $35 per person and includes dinner, tax, gratuity, and show. The cash bar opens at 5 p.m. followed by the show at 6 p.m.

Tickets are still available for Wednesday, Dec. 10, and Thursday, Dec. 11, and may be purchased by calling Nancy Wilson, 393-0088. Deadline for ticket sales is Dec. 9.

Loosely based on the movies “Holiday Inn,” with a little “White Christmas” thrown in for music and dance, the Quail Creek production takes the best of both for a seasonal smash hit.

The story line is by Jim Roth and adapted for Quail Creek by Director Gail Phillips and Musical Director Dave Rudloff. Dance numbers are choreographed by Deb Migdalski. The setting was designed by John Hockemeier and lighting and sound is under the direction of Paul Ferraro. Costumer is Sharrell Fabian and the stage make-up applied by Sydney Ranney.

The Green Valley Community Chorus is busy rehearsing for it 33rd annual Winter Concert, “Holiday Fare,” to be presented Monday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 2:30 p.m. at Valley Presbyterian Church, 2800 S. Camino del Sol.

Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door and are on sale at the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce, Second Look Books, Curves and the Sahuarita Safeway at Duval Mine Road.

The concert will feature 90 voices, six soloists and the new Green Valley Chamber Chorale. Numbers will include “Merrily on High,” “Hallelujah, Amen” from Handel’s “Maccabaeus,” “Oh Holy Night,” “Ose Shalom,” plus several other popular holiday selections.

For questions about the chorus, call Gary LaBarre at 867-8307 or chorus manager, Eloise Fredrickson at 648-7317.

Have fun, loyal readers! You deserve it!

rford@gvnews.com