SoCal theatre, Nov. 26-Dec. 3: ‘A Christmas Carol,’ ‘Bob Baker’s Nutcracker’ 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…
‘Clue’ Whodunit? That is the question in this hit stage show based on the 1985 mystery comedy based on the classic board game. Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29-Dec. 1. $44-$112. (805) 449-2787. bapacthousandoaks.com
‘Aleichem Sholom: The Wit and Wisdom of Sholom Aleichem’ Chris DeCarlo portrays the beloved Jewish author in the return of this bio drama. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 7 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1. $35. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com
‘An Actor’s Carol: One Clown’s Dickensian Marathon Toward Redemption’ Solo performer David Weber incorporates elements of clowning, vaudeville and mime in this reworking of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”; a musical performance by Joey Ruggiero kicks off the show. Broadwater Second Stage, 6320 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Pay what you can ($10 suggested donation). promontoryp.com
‘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. 10:30 a.m., 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays; 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sundays; other dates and times, Nov. 30 thru Jan. 5. $25. (626) 355-4318. sierramadreplayhouse.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, Dec 1 thru 24; plus, a special sensory-friendly relaxed performance 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. $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
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 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 15. $35. (310) 364-0535. theatre40.org
‘Back to the Future: The Musical’ A modern-day teen travels back in time to the 1950s, with a little help from a kooky scientist, in this Broadway show based on the 1985 sci-fi comedy starring Michael J. Fox. 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 Dec. 1. $56.75 and up. (323) 468-1770. broadwayinhollywood.com
Also at Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa, Dec. 26 thru Jan. 5
‘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
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 Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody’ The space-opera franchise that George Lucas built comes in for a saucy and sexy spoofing in the return of this hit show for ages 18 and up only. The Montalbán Theatre, 1615 Vine St., Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 7 p.m. Fridays, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 1. $44 and up. theempirestripsback.com
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ “Seinfeld’s” Jason Alexander stars as the titular tradition-loving Jewish milkman raising five daughters in a shtetl in czarist Russia in a new staging of the beloved Broadway musical. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, thru Dec. 1; also 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27; no performance Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28. $34-$109; discounts available; children under 3 not admitted. (562) 944-9801, (714) 994-6310. lamiradatheatre.com
‘First Date’ Chromolume Theatre returns after a six-year hiatus with this musical rom-com with book by Austin Winsberg and music and lyrics by Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner. Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave., L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 1. $40. chrtheatre.com
‘Four Top’ The Group Rep stages Michael B. Kaplan’s new relationship comedy. Lonny Chapman Theatre (upstairs), 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. 7 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, 4 p.m. Saturdays, extended thru Dec. 1; added performance 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30; no performance Thursday, Nov. 28. $25, $30. (818) 763-5990. thegrouprep.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; no show Nov. 29. $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. 1 and 8; no performances Nov. 28 and 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; no performance Thursday, Nov. 28. $44 and up. (626) 356-7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org
‘Pacific Overtures’ East West Players remounts its acclaimed staging of the Tony-winning Steven Sondheim musical about the westernization of Japan beginning in the 19th century, told from the Japanese perspective; Tim Dang directs. David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso St., Little Tokyo, downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 5 p.m. Sundays, extended thru Dec. 1. $15 and up. (213) 625-7000. eastwestplayers.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-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 14, with added 2 p.m. Saturday matinees beginning Nov. 23. $26, $30. (310) 645-5156. kentwoodplayers.org
‘Romeo and Juliet’ For never was a story of more woe than this, Shakespeare’s classic tale of tragic teenage love. Long Beach Playhouse, Studio Theatre, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 30. $20-$30. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.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
‘Turkeys! The Musical’ The truth about Thanksgiving proves hard to swallow for our fine feathered friends in the return of Ian Michaels’ hit musical comedy. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays thru Nov. 30. $20, $25. zombiejoes.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; added 2 p.m. show Wednesday, Nov. 27; no performance Thanksgiving Day. $30 and up. (858) 550-1070. lajollaplayhouse.org