L.A. theater openings, Dec. 13-20: ‘The Christians’ and more

This week: A smattering of holiday offerings, some cabaret, and the Taper has the West Coast premiere of a new drama set at a mega-church.

Cabrillo’s 2015 Holiday Family Celebration! Cabrillo Music Theatre’s annual holiday variety show. Scherr Forum, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Sun., 7 p.m. $25. (800) 745-3000.

The Christians West Coast premiere of Lucas Hnath’s drama about an evangelical pastor inspired to chart a new course for his congregation; features a live choir of local singers. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. Sun., 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. 10. $25-$85. (213) 628-2772.

SIGN UP for the free Essential Arts & Culture newsletter >>

Fritz Coleman’s Defying Gravity The local weatherman/comic salutes the baby-boomer generation. Monroe Forum at El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Today, next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Dec. 27. $30. (818) 508-4200.

Spirits, Anyone? David Trudell puts a gay spin on “A Christmas Carol” in this satirical show. Skylight Theatre, 1816 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz. Today, 7 p.m. $20. (213) 761-7061.

Tight Knit Celebration Theatre presents a reading of Leland Frankel’s dark comedy about family, paternity, etc. West Hollywood City Chambers, 625 N. San Vicente, West Hollywood. Tue., 7:30 p.m. Free; donations appreciated. www.celebrationtheatre.com.

Weird on Top Improv-comedy troupe performs. Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd., North Hollywood. Tue., 8 p.m. $10. (818) 508-3003.

Melissa Manchester: Joy The Grammy winner performs new songs and seasonal favorites in this cabaret show. Lovelace Studio Theater, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. Wed., 7 p.m. $50-$75. (310) 746-4000.

True Romance: Live Read Jason Reitman presents an all-star cast in a table reading of Quentin Tarantino’s screenplay for director Tony Scott’s 1993 crime tale. The Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 S. Broadway, L.A. Wed., 8 p.m. $50-$125. www.acehotel.com.

Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin Felder salutes the beloved American songwriter. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Jan. 3. $50 and up. (858) 550-1010.

Ute Lemper: Last Tango in Berlin The veteran cabaret performer sings songs by Brecht, Weill, Brel, Piaf, Piazzolla, et al. Lovelace Studio Theater, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. Thu., 7 p.m. $50-$75. (310) 746-4000.

A Christmas Carol Parson’s Nose offers a reader’s-theater version of the Dickens classic. Lineage Performing Arts Center, 89 S. Fair Oaks, Pasadena. Sat., 7 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Dec. 20. Pay what you will ($5-$25). (626) 403-7667.

Holidays. No Ice Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra perform in this cabaret show. Lovelace Studio Theater, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. Sat., 7 p.m. $50-$75. (310) 746-4000.

Saving Main Street Shop owners and others battle a real-estate developer in a benefit performance of this faith-based musical comedy. Edgemar Center for the Arts, 2437 Main St., Santa Monica. Sat., 6 p.m. $15, $30. (310) 392-7327.

Shine Storytellers share true-life tales of miraculous occurrences in this edition of the series. Promenade Playhouse, 1404 3rd St., Santa Monica. Next Sun., 7 p.m. $10. (310) 452-2321.