SoCal theatre, March 4-11: ‘Chicago,’ Jackie Beat, Bernadette Peters and more

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

Kailin Brown and company in “Chicago” (Jeremy Daniel)

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…

‘She’s History’ with Amy Simon The actress-playwright salutes inspiring women from eras past in this solo show. The Ebell of Los Angeles, 3rd Floor Fine Arts Auditorium, 741 S. Lucerne Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 4. $10, $15. (323) 931-1277. ebellofla.org

‘Chicago’ C’mon babe, why don’t we paint the town! Two showgirls make headlines in the Windy City in the 1920s in the national touring production of the classic Tony-winning Kander & Ebb musical. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, March 5-24. $39 and up. (323) 468-1770. broadwayinhollywood.com

Monday Night Theatre Appreciation Seminars The series continues with a reading of A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters.” Theatre 40, Mary Levin Cutler Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills. 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 5. Free; donations accepted. theatre40.org

‘Off the Top! starring Jason Kravits’ The TV and Broadway veteran shares songs and stories in this all-ages benefit show. Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Mar 7. $50; food and drink minimums apply. (323) 466-2210. catalinajazzclub.com

‘Ybor City’ Playwright Mariana Da Silva explores life in an immigrant neighborhood in Tampa, Fla. that was once a hub for cigar manufacturing in this Latin music-infused period drama performed in English and Spanish with subtitles in both languages; for ages 13 and up. The Actors’ Gang Theater, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, March 7 thru 30; also 4 p.m. Saturday, March 20. $25. (310) 838-4264. theactorsgang.com

‘The Bespoke Overcoat’ A Jewish clerk at a clothing warehouse in London’s East End orders a custom-made garment in Wolf Mankowitz’s 1953 drama based on Gogol’s classic fable. Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Blvd., Venice. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, March 9 thru April 21. $10-$45. (310) 822-8392. pacificresidenttheatre.org

‘Faithless’ Playwright Jon Klein explores the intersection of faith and family in this new comedy-drama. The Victory Theatre Center, 3326 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, March 8 thru April 14. $28, $38. (818) 841-5421. thevictorytheatrecenter.org

‘Murder at Modjeska Manor: An Unscripted Murder Mystery’ The Playhouse’s Studio Collaborative series continues as Modjeska Unscripted Theatre improvises Agatha Christie-style mystery-comedies based on audience suggestions. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8-10. $25. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.org

‘The Revolutionists’ Four disparate women are determined to keep their heads about them during the French Revolution in Lauren Gunderson’s historical comedy. Ophelia’s Jump Theatre, 2009 Porterfield Way, Upland. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, March 8 thru 30. $30, $35; Thursdays, pay what you can ($20 minimum). (909) 734-6565. opheliasjump.org

‘Sequins and Satire, Divas and Disruptors: The Wild Women of the Weimar Republic’ Acclaimed cabaret artist Meow Meow pays to tribute legendary entertainers Lotte Lenya, Marlene Dietrich, et al. UCLA Nimoy Theater, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. 8 p.m. Friday, March 8. $32. (310) 825-2101. cap.ucla.edu

Bernadette Peters The two-time Tony winner graces the stage for a night of songs and stories. Luckman Fine Arts Complex, Cal State LA, 5151 State University Drive, L.A. 8 p.m. Saturday, March 9. $65 and up. (323) 343-6600. theluckman.org