SoCal theater, Dec. 3-10: ‘A Christmas Story — The Musical,’ comic Leslie Jones and more

Theatre, musicals, cabaret, drag, comedy, poetry, spoken word, storytelling, books & lit and more for LA & OC

“A Christmas Story — The Musical” (Gary Emord Netzley)

Welcome to the latest TV or Not TV newsletter spotlighting live events on local stages all around Southern California this coming week. I’m Matt Cooper, former listings coordinator for the LA Times’ Calendar section.

Be sure to check out SoCal Holidays Shows 2023, our super-sized roundup of “Christmas Carols,” “Nutcrackers,” Messiahs and other seasonal fare on offer in LA and OC in the coming days and weeks, updated regularly.

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Theatre

Opening…

‘Bob’s Holiday Office Party’ The long-running romp set in an Iowa insurance office is back; for ages 16 and up. Beverly Hills Playhouse, 254 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. Various times, Dec. 1 thru 17. $35, $45. bobsofficeparty.com

A Noise Within’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ The hit staging of Dickens’ classic fable returns; for ages 5 and up; babies and toddlers not admitted. ANW, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Various times, Dec. 1 thru 24. $29 and up; student rush, $18; pay what you choose ($10 and up), Dec. 2 only. (626) 356-3100. anoisewithin.org

‘A Permanent Image’ Estranged siblings reunite over the holidays to help bury the family patriarch in Samuel D. Hunter’s Idaho-set dramedy. Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Blvd., Venice. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 2 thru Jan. 14; no performances Dec. 14-15. $35. (310) 822-8392. pacificresidenttheatre.org

‘Mary Poppins’ P.L. Travers’ practically perfect nanny is back in this musical based on the 1964 Disney film; for ages 5 and up. Rose Center Theater, 14140 All American Way, Westminster. 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Dec. 1-2 and 15-16; 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 3 and 17; also 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. $20-$45. (714) 793-1150. rosecentertheater.com

Audra McDonald The six-time Tony winner graces the stage for a night of show tunes, standards and more backed by the LA Opera Orchestra and a small combo. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. $29 and up. (213) 972-8001. laopera.org

‘Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash’ The country music legend known as the Man in Black is saluted in this musical revue. Ensemble Theatre Company at the New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday; other dates; Dec. 2 thru 17. $25-$86. (805) 965-5400. etcsb.org

‘The Secret Garden — The Musical’ A young British orphan is sent to live with her reclusive uncle and his invalid son in this adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved children’s novel. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. 7:45 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 2 thru 23. $25-$49. (888) 455-4212. chancetheater.com

‘The Sound of Music’ The Jewish Women’s Repertory Company presents an all-female production of the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical; for female audiences only. Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4718 W. Washington Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3. $40-$55. jwrcla.org

‘AIDS Threads: From Epidemic to Eco-Disaster’ Co-presented by QueerWise, this commemoration of World AIDS Day includes personal stories and remembrances; for mature audiences only. Lineage Performing Arts Center, 920 E. Mountain St., Pasadena. 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. $20. (626) 844-7008. lineagepac.org

Michael Feinstein’s ‘Coming Home: The Holiday Celebration’ The veteran singer and pianist is joined by special guests. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. $69 and up. (213) 628-2772. centertheatregroup.org

‘A Christmas Story — The Musical’ The hit show based on the nostalgic 1983 comedy returns. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 5 thru 31. $40-$169. (213) 628-2772. centertheatregroup.org