L.A. theater openings, Dec. 4-11: ‘Complete Works – Table Top Shakespeare’ and more

This week: Shakespeare in miniature at UCLA, the Troubies do Bowie, and the return of the divine Sandra Bernhard.

The Ballad of Bimini Baths Readings from Tom Jacobson’s trilogy exploring the darker side of L.A. history. Son of Semele Theater, 3301 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Sun., 5 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Dec. 18. Free; reservations recommended. www.sonofsemele.org.

BubbleMania: Science, Art, and Comedy! With comic and “bubbleologist” Casey Carle; for children 5 and up. La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Sun., 1 and 3:30 p.m. $12. (562) 944-9801.

By Favor of Providence Staged reading of Albert Crowart’s new drama about the quest for civil rights in the late 19th century. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Sun., 3 p.m. $10 suggested donation. (213) 489-7402.

An Evening With Groucho Frank Ferrante portrays the mustachioed Marx brother in this solo show. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Sun., 7 p.m. $85, $100. (626) 355-4318.

Salute 2016 Skylight Theatre Company celebrates three decades in this benefit hosted by French Stewart and Vanessa Claire Stewart. Colony Theatre, 555 N. 3rd St., Burbank. Sun., 6 p.m. (dinner), 7:30 p.m. (show). $150-$425. (213) 761-7061.

Santasia — A Holiday Comedy Long-running holiday show features musical parodies, stop-motion animation and more. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Sun., next Sun., 3 and 8 p.m.; Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 25. $27, $40. (818) 990-2324.

Tree Lighting Celebration With the Bob Baker Marionettes, “Glee’s” Alex Newell, et al. The Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Sun., 5:30 p.m. Free. (626) 356-7529.

After Orlando Playwrights from around the world respond to last June’s mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub. The Road on Magnolia, NoHo Senior Arts Colony, 10747 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Mon., 8 p.m. Free. (818) 761-8838. Also, Sacred Fools’ Black Box Theater, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Mon., 8 p.m. $10. (323) 960-7745.

How Not to Kill Yourself for 30 Days … and the Next 330 Annie Sertich’s new solo one-act about love and loss. The Groundlings Theatre, 7307 Melrose Ave., L.A. Mon., 8 p.m.; ends July 24. $12. (323) 934-4747.

Complete Works — Table Top Shakespeare British theater company Forced Entertainment uses everyday household objects to act out condensed versions of the Bard’s plays, with limited seating on stage. Royce Hall, UCLA, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Tue.-Fri., 5 and 8 p.m.; Sat.-next Sun., 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.; ends Dec. 11. $49-$69. (310) 825-2101.

A Rockapella Holiday The a cappella group performs seasonal favorites. Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Tue., 8 p.m. $22 and up. (310) 506-4522.

Winterfest Impro Theatre presents this showcase for improv troupes from around the world. Impro Studio, 1727 N. Vermont Ave., #208, Los Feliz. Tue.-Fri., 8 and 9:30 p.m.; Sat., 7, 8 and 9:30 p.m.; ends Dec. 10. Free to $15. (323) 401-6162.

The Fruit Cake Follies 2016 Send-up of 1970s-era holiday TV specials. Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat.-next Sun., 3 and 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 18. $30. (800) 838-3006.

A Christmas Carol With Charles Dickens Independent Shakespeare Co.’s annual re-creation of one of the Victorian-era author’s performances of his holiday tale; David Melville stars. Independent Studio, 3191 Casitas Ave., #168, Atwater Village. Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Dec. 18. $20, $35; some free tickets available. (818) 710-6306.

A Cinderella Christmas Family-friendly panto-style musical comedy based on the classic fairytale; with Lauren Taylor, Alex Newell and Morgan Fairchild. The Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Thu., 7 p.m.; Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., noon, 4 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., noon and 4 p.m.; ends Jan. 8. $25-$125. (626) 356-7529.

The Eight: Reindeer Monologues The off-color holiday satire returns; for mature audiences. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. Thu., 8:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 and 10:30 p.m.; Sat., 5 and 8:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 6 p.m.; ends Dec. 23. $35. (888) 455-4212.

Sandra Monica Blvd: Coast to Coast Comic-actress-singer Sandra Bernhard returns with a new cabaret show. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. Thu.-Sat., 8 and 10 p.m.; ends Dec. 10. $70. (310) 746-4000.

It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play Stage show inspired by Frank Capra’s beloved 1946 holiday fable. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Dec. 23. $18-$24. (805) 583-7900.

Little Drummer Bowie Troubadour Theater Company’s new holiday mash-up celebrates the late rock icon. Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 4 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 4 and 7 p.m.; ends Jan. 15. $30-$45. (818) 955-8101.

The Magic of Christmas The Young Americans perform in this multimedia-enhanced musical revue. La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Dec. 11. $29-$60. (562) 944-9801.

Melba Moore: Forever Moore The Tony winner performs show tunes and standards. Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8:30 p.m. $30-$40. (866) 468-3399.

Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight Family-friendly panto-style musical comedy; with Cozi Zuehlsdorff, Joely Fisher and Vonzell Solomon. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 11:30 a.m., 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.; ends Dec. 30. $30-$70. (949) 497-2787.

Snowed Inn Innkeepers and guests are trapped in a Colorado hotel in David Ewing’s new farce. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Dec. 18. $30-$40. (818) 508-4200.

Colors of Christmas Hits and holiday favorites with Oleta Adams, Melissa Manchester, Jon Secada and Ruben Studdard. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Sat., 8 p.m. $55-$100. (562) 467-8818.

Much Ado About Nothing The Classical Theatre Lab offers a staged reading of Shakespeare’s comedy. West Hollywood Library, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood. Sat., 2 p.m. Free. (323) 960-5691.

Over the Love Tour Singer-actress Rumer Willis performs. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. Next Sun., 5 and 7 p.m. $40. (310) 746-4000.