SoCal theatre, Dec. 17-24: Sandra Bernhard, ‘A Christmas Carol,’ ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ and more
Theatre, musicals, cabaret, drag, standup comedy, poetry, spoken word, storytelling, and books & lit for LA & OC
Welcome to the latest TV or Not TV newsletter spotlighting live theater, cabaret, standup comedy, etc. on stages all around Southern California this week. I’m Matt Cooper, former listings coordinator for the Los Angeles Times’ Calendar.
Theatre
Opening this week…
‘Sister’s Christmas Catechism’ The know-it-all nun from the hit show “Late Night Catechism” offers an irreverent retelling of the Nativity story. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. $44-$54. (949) 497-2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
‘Both: A Hard Day’s Silent Night’ A choir and a live band put a gospel spin on classic Beatles tunes in Open Fist Theatre Company’s annual holiday benefit. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18-22. $30. (323) 882-6912. openfist.org
‘Sandra Bernhard: Easy Listening’ The venerable comic, singer, actress and cabaret artist explores her musical influences in her latest show. The Wallis’ Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Dec. 19-20. $59 and up. (310) 746-4000. thewallis.org
‘Theatre Forty Holiday Show’ Company members read seasonal stories by Joan Didion, Lemony Snickett, et al. — and cookies will be served! Los Angeles Public Library, Westwood Branch, 1246 Glendon Ave., Westwood. 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. Free. theatre40.org
Continuing...
‘Bob Baker’s Nutcracker’ This marionette-theater update of Baker’s original 1969 adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s classic holiday ballet returns for another season, but in a new location. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Various days, dates and times thru Jan. 5. $25. (626) 355-4318. sierramadreplayhouse.org
‘Bob’s Holiday Office Party’ Joe Keyes and Rob Elk’s long-running romp set in an insurance office in Iowa is back; for ages 16 and up. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 4:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19-21. $35, $45. bobsofficeparty.com
‘Broadway and Beyond: Naughty & Nice — A Holiday Cabaret‘ Showtunes, seasonal favorites and more. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, Downstage Cabaret, 3050 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, Dec. 17 & 19. $25. (805) 583-7900. svvac.org
‘Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical’ Our feline protagonist teaches some baby frogs how to make their own comics in this stage show based on characters from Dav Pilkey’s popular “Dog Man” books; for ages 6 and up. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays; 3 and 7 p.m. Fridays; 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; other dates and times thru Jan. 5. $30 and up. (213) 628-2772. centertheatregroup.org
‘A Christmas Carol’ That miserable miser Ebenezer Scrooge is shown the error of his ways in the return of this music-filled stage spectacular adapted from Dickens’ classic tale; for ages 5 and up only (babies and toddlers not permitted). A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; other dates and times thru Dec. 24. $51.50 and up; students, $20 and up; family packages and group discounts available; pay what you choose ($10 and up), Thursday, Dec. 5. (626) 356-3100. anoisewithin.org
‘A Christmas Carol’ Longtime company member Richard Doyle heads the cast of South Coast Rep’s annual staging of Dickens’ classic fable; for ages 6 and up; children under 6 not admitted; contains smoke, haze and strobe effects. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, noon and 4 p.m. Saturdays thru Dec. 24; added shows 7:30 Monday, Dec. 23, and noon and 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24 (no 7:30 p.m. show). $42-$114; discounts available for children under 12. (714) 708-5555. scr.org
‘A Christmas Carol’ Dickens’ classic fable. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 22. $20-$35. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.org
‘A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story Told by Jefferson Mays’ The Tony winner (“I Am My Own Wife”) portrays Scrooge and scores of characters in this bravura solo retelling of Dickens’ classic holiday fable. The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 22. $39 and up. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org
‘A Christmas Carol, the Broadway Musical’ This 1994 stage adaptation of Dickens’ fable includes songs by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens; for ages 5 and up. Rose Center Theater, 14140 All American Way, Westminster. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20-22. $20-$45. (714) 793-1150. rosecentertheater.com
‘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. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 23; also 7:30 p.m. Sunday-Monday, Dec. 22-23. $27.50 and up. (818) 710-6306. iscla.org
Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Kooza’ A sweet but naïve clown undertakes a fantastical journey in this darkly whimsical big-top spectacular from the Montreal-based cirque company. Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica. Various days, dates and times thru Jan. 5. $74 and up. cirquedusoleil.com
‘The Civil Twilight’ A popular AM radio personality find himself trapped in a motel room with his biggest fan during a raging storm in Shem Bitterman’s new thriller. Broadwater Studio Theatre, 1076 Lillian Way, Hollywood. 8 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays thru Jan. 26; added show 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. $20-$45. theciviltwilight.ludus.com
‘A Cowboy Lullaby’ Songs and stories of the Old West come to life in this world premiere theatrical concert created by James O’Neil and Dan Wheetman. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Thursdays-Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 22. $35-$94.50; discounts available. (805) 667-2900. rubicontheatre.org
‘Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ The family-friendly holiday musical based on the beloved book and subsequent animated TV special returns. The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays and Fridays; 5 p.m. Thursdays; 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays; other dates and times thru Dec. 29. $33 and up. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org
‘Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas’ The little girl with the very big personality is back in this tune-filled tale holiday based on the children’s books; for ages 4 and up; younger than 4 not permitted, except for relaxed performances. Chance Theater’s Fyda-Mar Stage, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 11 a.m., 1, 4 and 6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays; thru Dec. 22. $21-$30; discounts available. (888) 455-4212. chancetheater.com
FrostyFest This inaugural festival features a whopping seven holiday-themed shows including “A Very Die Hard Christmas,” “A Christmas Carol in 60 Minutes,” “Kosher Salt” and “The Comedy Roast of Santa Claus, Hosted by Krampus.” The Hobgoblin Playhouse, 6440 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Various days, dates and times thru Dec. 22. $10-$30. Details and schedules at frostyfestla.com
Holiday Express Fest 2024 The second annual showcase features five original one-act plays. Write Act Repertory at the Brickhouse Theatre, 10950 Peach Grove St., North Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 22. $20-$30. holidayexpress24.brownpapertickets.com
‘Holly Dolly Christmas’ Kim Eberhardt returns in a special holiday edition of “Love, Dolly,” her tune-filled salute to country music legend Dolly Parton. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21-22. $12-$35. (626) 355-4318. sierramadreplayhouse.org
‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ Quasimodo returns in a new staging of the Disney musical based on the classic Victor Hugo novel. Casa 0101 Theater, 2102 E. 1st St., Boyle Heights. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 22. $25-$75. (323) 263-7684. casa0101.org
‘Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical’ Our titular heroine tries her hand at matchmaking in this tune-filled stage adaptation of novelist Austen’s Regency-era romantic comedy. Chance Theater’s Cripe Stage, 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 thru Dec. 22. $55-$59. (888) 455-4212. chancetheater.com
‘Madam Scrooge: A Christmas Carol’ Tune-filled, gender-swapped take on the Dickens classic. The Nocturne Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday thru Dec. 22. $27.50-$68.50. thenocturnetheatre.com
‘Million Dollar Quartet’ This hit show recreates a 1950s-era jam session between music legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. 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. Sundays, other dates thru Dec. 22. $25-$94. (805) 965-5400. etcsb.org
‘Mrs. Dilber’s Christmas Carol’ Scrooge’s put-upon housekeeper gets her turn in the spotlight in Arthur M. Jolly’s send-up of the classic tale. Loft Ensemble, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 22. Donate what you want. (818) 452-3153. loftensemble.org
‘Once Upon a Mattress’ Two-time Tony winner Sutton Foster heads the cast in the West Coast premiere of Emmy winner Amy Sherman-Palladino’s update of the 1950s-era musical comedy based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale “The Princess and the Pea”; “Ugly Betty’s” Michael Urie and “SNL’s” Ana Gasteyer also star. 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 thru Jan. 5; no performances Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. $52 and up. (213) 628-2772. centertheatregroup.org
‘Oy! To the World — Christmas With a Twist!’ Irving Berlin, Mel Tormé, Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne are among the legendary Jewish songwriters saluted in this musical comedy. El Portal Theatre’s Monroe Forum, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 5 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 22. $45-$55. (818) 508-4200. elportaltheatre.com
‘Peter Pan and Tinker Bell: A Pirates Christmas’ J.M. Barrie’s beloved characters set sail for adventure in 5-Star Theatricals’ staging of this family friendly Panto-style musical comedy featuring “Seinfeld’s” John O’Hurley as Captain Hook. Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, noon and 4 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 29; added show 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27. $39.50-$59.50. (805) 449-2787. 5startheatricals.com
‘Rapunzel and Her Holiday Wish’ The fairytale heroine with the flowing locks plots her escape in the world premiere of this family friendly Panto-style musical comedy; with Sally Struthers. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Drive, Laguna Beach. 6 p.m. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Fridays, noon and 4 pm. Saturdays-Sundays, other dates thru Dec. 29; no performance Dec. 25. $37-$84. (949) 497-2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
‘Santa Claus Conquers the Martians’ This hit stage adaptation of schlocky 1959 sci-fi/fantasy comedy is back for an 18th season. Maverick Theater, 110 E. Walnut Ave., Fullerton. 8 p.m. Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 3 and 7 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 23. $25, $35. (714) 526-7070. mavericktheater.com
‘Santasia: A Holiday Comedy’ Brandon Loeser and Shaun Loeser’s immersive, nostalgia-fueled variety show is still going strong after a quarter of a century. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 22; also 8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Dec. 18-19. $35. santasia.com
‘Troubie’s Home Alone-ly Hearts Club Band’ Troubadour Theater Company stages Matt Walker’s mash-up of the 1990 holiday comedy and the music of the Beatles’ landmark 1967 album for its latest holiday show. Colony Theatre, 555 N. Third St., Burbank. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 22. (818) 558-7000. troubie.com
‘The Ugly Duckling’ Storybook Theatre reprises its award-winning, kid-friendly interactive musical based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, L.A. 1 p.m. Saturdays thru Jan. 11. $15. (323) 851-4839. theatrewest.org
‘Waiting for Godot’ “The Office’s” Rainn Wilson and “The Daily Show’s” Aasif Mandvi head the cast of a new production of Samuel Beckett’s classic Absurdist fable. Geffen Playhouse, Gil Cates Theater, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays, extended thru Dec. 21. $36-$159. (310) 208-2028. geffenplayhouse.org
‘Wicked’ The national tour of Stephen Schwartz’ Tony-winning musical prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” returns to SoCal; recommended for ages 8 and up; children under 5 will not be admitted. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays thru Feb. 2; also 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Dec. 23 & 30. $60.75 and up. (323) 468-1770. broadwayinhollywood.com