L.A. theater openings, Dec. 8-15: ‘Jane Austen Unscripted’ returns

The Second City puts a twist on Dickens, the Troubies build a holiday show around one-hit wonders, and Impro Theatre is making it up as it goes along in “Jane Austen Unscripted.”

The Gizmo Guys Comedy juggling act for ages 4 and up. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Today, 1 and 3:30 p.m. $8, $12. (562) 944-9801.

Blue Suede Christmas A pair of Elvis impersonators perform classic hits and seasonal favorites. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Today, 3 p.m. $35-$65. (562) 467-8818.

The Steward of Christendom Tony winner Brian Dennehy stars in Sebastian Barry’s drama about an elderly man reflecting on his life after being committed to a mental institution in 1930s Ireland. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. Today, 7 p.m.; Tue.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends Jan. 5. $20-$70. (213) 628-2772.

PHOTOS: Art by Banksy

Aladdin and His Winter Wish Family-friendly holiday musical based on the Arabian Nights tale; with Ben Vereen, Richard Karn and Bruce Vilanch. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Wed., 7 p.m.; Thu.-Fri., 3 and 7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.; next Sun., 11 a.m., 3 p.m.; ends Dec. 29. $25-$100. (626) 356-7529.

A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens! The Second City returns with its irreverent take on the holiday classic; with surprise guests. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 5 and 9 p.m.; next Sun., 3 and 7 p.m.; ends Dec. 29. $20-$65. (213) 628-2772.

The Latina Christmas Special Three female comics share autobiographical tales of holidays past in his world premiere. The Elephant Space, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Opens Thu. Thu., 8 p.m.; Sat., 5 p.m.; ends Dec. 21. $15, $20. (800) 838-3006.

PHOTOS: Google Doodles of 2013

Reasons to Be Happy L.A. Theatre Works records Neil LaBute’s follow-up to his comedy “Reasons to Be Pretty” for their radio program; with “The Newsroom’s” Thomas Sadoski and “The Office’s” Jenna Fischer. James Bridges Theater, UCLA, 235 Charles E. Young Drive, Westwood. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 4 p.m. $15-$50. (310) 827-0889.

Show Pony TV and movie actor Leslie Jordan dishes on showbiz in this new autobiographical solo show. L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Renberg Theatre, 1125 N. McCadden Place, L.A. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m. $35. (323) 860-7300.

Wonderful Life Writer-performer Jason Lott’s solo show based on Frank Capra’s classic film. Asylum Lab, 1078 Lillian Way, L.A. Thu., Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Dec. 24. $20. (323) 960-7612.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum presents Shakespeare’s romantic fantasy. Antelope Valley College, 3041 W. Ave. K, Lancaster. Fri., 7:30 p.m. Free. (661) 722-6300.

ART: Can you guess the high price?

New Voices Festival Readings of new American plays from professional and aspiring playwrights. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 4 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 4 p.m. Free. (619) 234-5623.

Sparkle! An All-Star Holiday Concert Lainie Kazan, “The Book of Mormon’s” Andrew Rannells and others perform. Acme Comedy Theatre, 135 N. La Brea Ave., L.A. Fri., 7:30 p.m. $35-$100. (323) 525-0202.

Jane Austen Unscripted Impro Theatre improvises new comedic plays in the style of the 19th century British author. The Edye Second Space, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 5 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 5 p.m.; ends Dec. 22. $40, $45. (310) 434-3200.

Passionate Ladies Writer-performer Barbara Perry’s one-person show about women in the arts is expanded for five actresses in this fundraiser; with Lee Meriwether and Julie Newmar. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m. $25, $50. (323) 851-7977.

CHEAT SHEET: Fall arts preview

Walkin’ in a Winter One-Hit-Wonderland Troubadour Theater Company offers a holiday-themed music-and-comedy cabaret show. Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 4 and 7 p.m.; ends Jan. 19. $27-$57. (818) 955-8101.

Pinocchio The first Los Angeles Children’s Theater Festival continues with this tale of the puppet who dreamed of becoming a real boy. The Santa Monica Little Theater, 12420 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Sat.-next Sun., 11 a.m.; ends Jan. 5. $10. (310) 622-4482.

A Christmas Carol Dickens’ classic holiday fable. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Dec. 22. $14-$24. (562) 494-1014.

How to Be a Rock Critic Staged reading of Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen’s play about music writer Lester Bangs. Upstairs@KDT, Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Next Sun., 1 p.m. $10. (213) 628-2772.