SoCal theatre, Feb. 19-26: ‘Fatherland,’ ‘Ben Hur,’ ‘Eisenhower’ and more

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

Patrick Keleher, left, and Ron Bottitta in “Fatherland” (Grettel Cortes Photography)

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.

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Theatre

Opening this week…

‘Matty: An Evening with Christy Mathewson’ Writer-performer Eddie Frierson portrays the early 20th century baseball legend in this solo show. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23-25. $15, $20. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com

‘Nina & Troyboy’ The Playhouse’s Studio Collaborative series continues with this drama from Sparrow and Finch Films that explores a mother-son relationship against the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23-25. $25, $30. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.org

‘Ben Hur’ The epic biblical drama set in 1st century Jerusalem gets scaled way down and played for laughs in this comedic adaptation by Patrick Barlow. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 24 thru March 24. $20-$35. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.org

‘Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground’ The WWII general turned 34th U.S. president reflects on his life and times in the return of this solo drama written by Richard Hellesen and starring Tony winner John Rubinstein. Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Opening night, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24; 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, thru March 10. $30-$79.50. (805) 667-2900. rubicontheatre.org

‘Fatherland’ A teenager informs the FBI of his father’s involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection, then later testifies against him, in this world premiere docudrama conceived and directed by Stephen Sachs and based on court transcripts, case evidence and public statements. The Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., L.A. Opening night only, 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25; 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, 8 p.m. Mondays, thru March 30; dark Monday, Feb. 26. $25-$45; Mondays, $40 or pay what you want (subject to availability). (323) 663-1525. FountainTheatre.com

‘Vilna: A Resistance Story’ Jewish resistance fighters and artists push back against the Nazi occupation in this klezmer-influenced musical featuring songs by composer-lyricist Kevin Cloud. The Ebell of Los Angeles, dining room, 741 S. Lucerne Blvd., L.A. 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25. $25.  ebellofla.org

‘Tony Danza: Standards & Stories’ The showbiz veteran and former sitcom star performs an all-ages show. Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 22-24. $60-$150; food and drink minimums apply. (323) 466-2210. catalinajazzclub.com