L.A. theater openings, Nov. 20-27: ‘Mamma Mia’ and more

This week: A remembrance of legendary tango singer Carlos Gardel and the return of everyone’s favorite ABBA-fueled musical.

Shine Storytellers share true-life tales about family. Promenade Playhouse, 1404 3rd St., Santa Monica. Sun., 7 p.m. $10; discounts available. (310) 452-2321.

The Immigrant Staged reading of Mark Harelik’s drama about a Russian Jewish immigrant in early 20th-century Texas. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre, Blvd., Sierra Madre. Mon., 7 p.m. Free; donations appreciated. (626) 355-4318.

Mamma Mia A free-spirited woman prepares for her daughter’s destination wedding in this hit romantic musical set to the songs of the Swedish pop group ABBA. Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tue.-Wed., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 1 and 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends Nov. 27. $29 and up. (714) 556-2787.

A Christmas Carol A miser has a change of heart in Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday fable. Glendale Centre Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 p.m.; ends Dec. 24. $22-$32. (818) 244-8481.

Gardel’s Tango The life and times of legendary Argentine tango singer and composer Carlos Gardel are recalled in writer-director John R. Lacey’s new bio-drama with music. Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 6 p.m.; ends Dec. 18. (626) 381-9767.

Rule of Two A pairing of one-act thrillers by mystery writer Agatha Christie: “The Rats” and “The Patient.” West Valley Playhouse, 7242 Owensmouth Ave., Canoga Park. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2:30 p.m.; ends Dec. 18. $26, $28. (818) 884-1907.

Sinatra 101 Matt Mauser and the 101 Big Band salute the Chairman of the Board. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 3 and 8 p.m. $50. (818) 508-4200.

Sleeping Beauty Storybook Theatre presents a family-friendly musical based on the classic fairy tale. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., L.A. Sat., 1 p.m.; ends Jan. 28. $10, $12. (818) 761-2203.

Fritz Coleman’s Defying Gravity The local weatherman/comic salutes the aging baby-boomer generation. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Next Sun., 2 p.m. $35. (818) 508-4200.

Swing’n in the Holidays The Jive Aces celebrate the music of Louie Prima, Cab Calloway, et al. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St. (between Palo Verde Ave. & Bellflower Blvd.), Long Beach. Next Sun., 2 p.m. $35, $40. (562) 985-7000.