Education of the Modern Doctor: Marcus Welby vs. House 
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Sound idea: Anybody who’s ever seen Cygnet Theatre Company’s annual It’s a Wonderful Life knows that the real star of the show is Scott Paulson. He’s the guy you see upstage left, creating 914 sound effects for this Sean Murray-directed radio-play adaptation of the 1946 Jimmy Stewart classic film. And now that the show has taken up roots in Cygnet’s Old Town space, he and everyone else have what seems like a little more depth and height to paint their pictures. I still think Tom Andrew looks out of place as George Bailey, the beleaguered savings-and-loan head man whom Bedford Falls loves more than life itself—Andrew has Stewart’s voice and mannerisms so down-pat that he sticks out from the rest of the personnel, all going about their merry, spontaneous ways. But Paulson’s noises are half the fun to this bright piece. Watch and see if he doesn’t get the most applause at curtain. The show runs through Dec. 31 at the Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St. $17-$49. www.cygnettheatre.com.
Now Playing
* A Christmas Carol: Three spirits school a major-league asshole on the spirit of the season. Through Dec. 27 at North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987-D Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach. $25-$30. www.northcoastrep.org.
* Bonnie and Clyde: The iconic bank robbers are at it again, this time in a musical. Through Dec. 20 at La Jolla Playhouse’s Mendel Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. $43-$78. www.lajollaplayhouse.org.
Christmas on the Edge: Two crazy entrepreneurs and their friends hatch an idea to save a flagging little recording studio. Produced by Lamb’s Players Theatre, it runs through Dec. 27 at the Ione and Paul Harter Stage, 1142 Orange Ave. in Coronado. $22-$58. www.lambsplayers.org.
* Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!: A stinky-faced spoilsport almost ruins the holidays for Whoville. Through Dec. 31 at The Old Globe Theatre mainstage, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. $20-$59. www.oldglobe.org.
Reindeer Monologues: A scandal erupts at the North Pole when Santa’s reindeer accuse the boss of sexual harassment. Through Dec. 20 at Compass Theatre, 3704 Ave. in Hillcrest. $17-$20. www.compasstheatre.com.
The New Century: A Jewish matron, a flamboyant aging homosexual and a Midwestern craftswoman collide in this bill of short one-acts. Through Jan. 2 at Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. in University Heights. $29-$33. www.diversionary.org.
The Santaland Diaries: An out-of-work actor decides to become a Macy’s elf so’s he can pay the holiday bills. Through Dec. 23 at New Village Arts Theatre, 2787 State St. in Carlsbad. $20. www.newvillagearts.org.
Welcome to Ramallah: A pleasant conversation among two Jewish-American sisters and their Palestinian friends leads to a series of revelations that touch all of them. Through Dec. 20 at Compass Theatre, 3704 Sixth Ave. in Hillcrest. $15. www.compasstheatre.com.
* I Do! I Do!: A couple’s marriage yields untold trials and triumphs. Through Dec. 20 at The Old Globe’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. $39-$75. www.oldglobe.org.
