SoCal theatre, Dec. 10-17: Megan Hilty, ‘A Christmas Carol’ and more

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

Megan Hilty (Perennial Entertainment)

Welcome to the latest TV or Not TV newsletter spotlighting live theater, standup comedy, etc. on 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 weekly.

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Theatre

Opening…

‘A Christmas Carol with Charles Dickens’ Independent Shakespeare Co.’s David Melville re-creates a reading of the holiday fable by the author himself; for ages 8 and up. ISC Studio, 3191 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village. Various times, Dec. 8-10, 14-17 and 19-23. $27.50 and up. (818) 710-6306. iscla.org

‘Pirates vs. Leprechauns’ The Wayward Artist presents Craig Holland’s kid-friendly fantasy musical. Grand Central Arts Center, 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana. 7 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, Dec. 8 thru 17 (relaxed performance for children under 4 and anyone with special needs, 2 p.m. Dec. 9). $20, $30. (657) 205-6273. thewaywardartist.org

‘White (Album) Christmas’ Troubadour Theater Company’s latest mashup reworks the classic 1954 Bing Crosby musical with tracks from the Beatles’ classic 1968 album. Colony Theatre, 555 N. Third St., Burbank. Various times, Dec. 8 thru 23. $50-$65. (818) 558-7000. troubie.com

‘The World Goes ’Round’ The songs of legendary Broadway tunesmiths Kander & Ebb (“Chicago,” “Cabaret,” etc.) are celebrated in this musical revue. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. Thursdays-Friday, 2 p.m. Sundays; Dec. 9 thru 23. $30-$89.50; discounts available. (805) 667-2900. rubicontheatre.org

‘Feliz NaviDivas’ Drag artist Kay Sedia and her gal-pal Frieda Laye share the stage for some seasonal shenanigans. Cavern Club Theater @ Castia Del Campo Restaurant, 1920 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake. 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. $30, $35. kaysedia.com

‘It Must Be Him: A Genderful Musical Memoir’ Veteran performer Michael Kearns is back for an encore. Lineage Performing Arts Center, 920 E. Mountain St., Pasadena. 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. $20. (626) 844-7008. lineagepac.org

‘Hanyak’ Veteran writer-performer Tanna Frederick stars in this solo drama about a young woman from the Midwest chasing fortune and fame in Hollywood. Two Roads Theatre, 4348 Tujunga Ave., Studio City. 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. $25. hanyak.ticketleap.com

‘A Very Die Hard Christmas’ Hit musical spoofs the 1988 Bruce Willis action thriller. Mary Levin Cutler Theatre, Beverly Hills High School, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills. 7:30 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 10 & 17 and Wednesday, Dec. 20. $35. (310) 364-3606. theatre40.org