Jack Fry, creator and performer of “Einstein!” talks in advance of his solo show to be staged at the Santa Monica Playhouse Monday evening, January 4th at 7:30. einsteintheplay.com gets you in, before tickets sell all the way out.

Over the second portion of the show we are treated to a privileged look at Alexa Hill’s transgender journey. Previously from nearby University Hills, now a math major at UC Riverside, Alexa offers remarkable articulation and fresh perspective for compelling listening.

For your viewing pleasure over the holidays and beyond, exhibits abound with possibilities. Cassandra Coblentz of the Orange Museum of Art, at 850 San Clemente Dr., in Newport Beach; Jean Stern of the Irvine Museum, at 1881 Von Karman Blvd. in Irvine; and Cody Lee of Bowers Museum at 2002 North Main in Santa Ana; talk about their current exhibits. Information is available at www.ocma.net, www.irvinemuseum.org, and www.bowers.org.

For the whole hour Syrian national, Amal Alachkar returns to the show three years later to speak about the deepening crisis in Syria and where its refugees find themselves. Along with sustaining her research as a UCI neuro-pharmachologist, she speaks locally and nationally with her well-researched and personal perspective. Worthy institutions that advance this cause include: International Rescue Committee, Syrian American Medical Society, and the UN Refugee Agency.

Keith Danner, UCI Lecturer in composition and active contributor to the University Council-American Federation of Teachers, offers a look at a particular class of faculty in the University system. Imagine a 6 year probationary period at your next job.

Next guest, Charles Blek, OC Chapter President of the Brady Campaign for the Prevention of Gun Violence returns to the program to take up the progress or the lack of it in reducing gun deaths in CA and the US.