SoCal theatre, Dec. 3-10: ‘Wicked,’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’ ‘Bob’s Holiday Office Party’ 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…
‘Wicked’ Which witch is which? You’ll find out when 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, Dec. 4 thru Feb. 2; also 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Dec. 23 & 30. $60.75 and up. (323) 468-1770. broadwayinhollywood.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, Dec. 5 thru 23; also 7:30 p.m. Sunday-Monday, Dec. 22-23. $27.50 and up. (818) 710-6306. iscla.org
‘Hugh Panaro: Man Without a Mask’ The Broadway veteran shares songs and stories plus selections from his new album. Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. $25-$60; food and drink minimums apply. (323) 466-2210. catalinajazzclub.com
‘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, Dec. 5 thru 22. Donate what you want. (818) 452-3153. loftensemble.org
7th Annual New Works Festival An expanded edition of IAMA Theatre Company’s annual showcase features staged readings of eight new plays presented over the course of two weekends. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, Dec. 5-8 & 12-15. $18 for each. iamatheatre.com
‘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. Friday-Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7-8; 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13-15; 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 4:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19-21. $35, $45. bobsofficeparty.com
‘A Christmas Carol’ Longtime company member Richard Doyle takes his fourth turn as the miser Ebenezer Scrooge in the return 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, Dec. 6 thru 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, 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, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; Dec. 6-8; 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20-22. $20-$45. (714) 793-1150. rosecentertheater.com
‘Holiday Nightmare Fuel’ Get the bejeebers scared out of you with this hybrid haunted maze/immersive horror theater experience for ages 18 and up only; with advisories for graphic content, intense violence and nudity. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 8 and 9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Dec. 6-7 and 13-14. $20, $25. zombiejoes.com
‘Jackie Beat — Big Dickens Energy’ The legendary local drag artist graces the stage in her latest holiday extravaganza. Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. $25-$60; food and drink minimums apply. (323) 466-2210. catalinajazzclub.com
‘La Virgen De Guadalupe, Dios Inantzin’ The Latino Theater Company’s site-specific reenactment of the Virgin Mary’s visitations with peasant Juan Diego in 16th century Mexico returns for another year. In Spanish with English supertitles. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple St., L.A. 7 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6-7. Free; reserved seating, $45. (213) 489-0994. latinotheaterco.org
‘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, Dec. 6 thru 22; also 8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Dec. 18-19. $35. santasia.com
‘All About Santa’ The big guy’s gone AWOL in this family friendly holiday musical. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 2 p.m. Saturdays, 12:30 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 7 thru 15. $12.50, $15. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com
‘A Christmas Carol’ Scrooge is shown the error of his ways in Dickens’ classic fable. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 7 thru 22. $20-$35. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.org
‘Christmas Carol Deluxe Radio Show’ The Long Beach Shakespeare Company reprises its family friendly radio-style production of Dickens’ tale. Helen Borgers Theatre, 4250 ½ Atlantic Blvd., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 7 thru 15. $15. (562) 997-1494. lbshakespeare.org
‘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, Dec. 7 thru 22. $25-$94. (805) 965-5400. etcsb.org
‘Rapunzel and Her Holiday Wish’ Imprisoned in a tower, 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. Opening night, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8; 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
‘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. Opening night, 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; 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
‘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. Opening night, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; 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 (opening night only, $155); discounts available. (805) 667-2900. rubicontheatre.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. Opening night, 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; 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
‘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. Opening night, 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8; 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
‘Ritch Shydner’s History of Stand-Up Comedy’ The comic salutes stand-up’s legends and lesser-known pioneers in this new installment of the occasional “Comedy Night at the Odyssey” series. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10. (310) 477-2055. odysseytheatre.com
Continuing...
‘Adventures in the Great Beyond’ A college dropout joins a guru and others on a spiritual quest in the Arizona desert in this new immersive musical rom-com. The Hudson Mainstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 8. $20, $45. greatbeyondmusical.com
‘Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd’ Whodunit? That is the question in the West Coast premiere of Mark Shanahan’s stage adaptation of Christie’s classic 1926 mystery novel. Theatre Forty, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 15; also 7:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, Dec. 9 & 11. $35. (310) 364-0535. theatre40.org
‘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
‘Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical’ Our feline protagonist and his pal Molly Pollywog teach 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. Opening night, 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24; 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
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
‘Demolition’ A construction worker in Michigan takes his boss’s shy, college-bound son under his wing in Matthew Letscher’s comedy drama. Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Blvd., Venice. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 8. $25-$45; student rush, $12 at the door only. (310) 822-8392. pacificresidenttheatre.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
‘The Doll’s House Project’ “A Doll’s House,” Ibsen’s classic 19th-century drama about a frustrated housewife yearning for something more, runs in repertory with Lucas Hnath’s 2017 follow-up, “A Doll’s House, Part 2.” Beverly Hills Playhouse, 254 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. “A Doll’s House,” 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 p.m. Sundays; “Part 2,” 8 p.m. Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. Sundays; thru Dec. 8. $15, $35. (310) 620-1134. bhplayhouse.com
‘The Goddamn Couple Down the Hall (Oh…, and Merry Christmas!)’ A Pasadena family’s holiday get-together is disrupted by a contentious neighbor couple’s constant arguing in Mark Wilding’s mystery comedy. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 15. $35, $40.(323) 851-4839. theatrewest.org
‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ Quasimodo — now that name rings a bell — 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
‘It’s All Your Fault, Tyler Price!’ A middle schooler stands up to the classmate who’s been bullying his little sister in this world premiere musical from Ben Decter and Kristin Hanggi. The Hudson Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 15; also 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8; no performance Dec. 6. $25 and up. onstage411.com
‘La Cage aux Folles’ A nightclub manager and his romantic partner, a drag queen, stage an elaborate ruse all in the name of love in this Tony-winning musical comedy with book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 15; also 7 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 8 & 15. $44 and up. (626) 356-7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org
‘The Producers’ Kentwood Players presents Mel Brooks’ hit musical comedy based on his 1967 showbiz satire about two Broadway producers deliberately trying to stage a flop. Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Westchester. 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 14. $26, $30. (310) 645-5156.kentwoodplayers.org
‘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
‘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
‘Your Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again’ An actor finds himself cast in different roles in the holiday classic over the course of his lengthy career in the world premiere of Anna Ouyang Moench’s backstage fable. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. Opening night, 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays, thru Dec. 15. $30 and up. (858) 550-1070. lajollaplayhouse.org