SoCal theatre, May 20-27: ‘Alma,’ ‘The Explorers Club,’ ‘Mary Jane’s Garden Party’ and more

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

Marta Portillo, left, and Heather Lee Echeverria co-star in “Alma,” now playing at the Chance Theareer in Anaheim. (Doug Catiller)

Welcome to the latest TV or Not TV newsletter spotlighting live theater, cabaret, 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.

The curtain rises…

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Theatre

Opening this week…

‘Somebody to Love’ The “Ventura Live!” series continues with a reading of this new rock musical-in-progress. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. 7 p.m. Monday, May 20. Free; sold out; wait list available. (805) 667-2900. rubicontheatre.org

‘The Explorers Club’ A stodgy Victorian-era organization considers admitting its first woman in Nell Benjamin’s comedy. Theatre Forty, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, May 23 thru June 23; also 2 p.m. June 22; no 7:30 p.m. shows June 7 & 22. $35. (310) 364-0535. theatre40.org

‘Fancy Nancy, The Musical’ The little girl with the very big personality is back in the return of this tune-filled tale based on the children’s books; for ages 4 and up; younger than 4 not permitted, except for relaxed performances. Chance Theater’s Cripe Stage, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. 11 a.m., 1, 4 and 6 p.m. Saturdays; 1, 4 and 6 p.m. Saturdays; thru June 9; relaxed performances, 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1, and 1 p.m. Saturday, May 26 thru June 8. $31-$35 (pay-what-you-want previews, various times, May 24-26). chancetheater.com

‘Force! an opera in three acts’ Multidisciplinary artist Anna Martine Whitehead explores the sisterhood shared by women and femmes of color who come to visit their imprisoned loved ones in this West Coast premiere; with advisories for bright lights and loud sounds. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown L.A. 8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, May 23-25. $30. (213) 237-2800. redcat.org

‘Flayed’ A deeply closeted young man auditions for the role of associate pastor at a conservative church in writer-performer Josiah Blount’s dark comedy. Lyric Hyperion Theater & Café, 2106 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake. 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 24. $15, $20. eventbrite.com

‘Playzapalooza! 2024’ A selection of one-act plays by local playwrights. Santa Paula Theater Center’s Backstage. 125 S. 7th St., Santa Paula. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays, May 24 thru June 9; also 8 p.m. Thursday, May 30; dark June 1. $15. (805) 525-4645. santapaulatheatercenter.org

‘Mary Jane’s Garden Party’ Dragstrip 66 celebrates its 31st anniversary with this 1960s-themed, cannabis-inspired affair that features performances by drag artists Gina Lotriman, Laganaja Estranja and Jackette Knightley. Los Globos, 3040 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake. Doors: 5 p.m. Saturday, May 25; performances: 8 p.m. $25, $30. dragstrip66.com

‘I Sell Windows’ A young Black woman grieving a personal loss works as a window salesperson in writer-performer Kacie Rogers’ drama featuring shadow puppetry by Brittaney Talbot. Outside In Theatre’s ArtBox Studio, 5319 York Blvd., Highland Park. 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Mondays and Tuesdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, May 25 thru June 17. $15, $25. outsideintheatre.org

‘The World Is My Home — The Life of Paul Robeson’ Stogie Kenyatta portrays the legendary singer, actor and civil rights activist in this hit one-man show. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25. $30; discounts available. santamonicaplayhouse.com