7:30 pm: Theater

Dom and Saachiko Magwili’s 1940s holiday musical “A Jive Bomber’s Christmas” serves up humor, songs, dance and holiday festivities in an unexpected setting: a World War II internment camp for Japanese Americans.

* “A Jive Bomber’s Christmas,” Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. 1st St. Today-Sunday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. Ends Sunday. $14. (213) 625-0414.

8 pm: Dance

California Institute of the Arts has a 20-year tradition of bringing distinguished professionals to work with dance students, but the program titled “Then and Now” is entirely different: a celebration of the distinguished CalArts alumni now making a mark in the dance world. Artists such as 1984 graduate Jamie Bishton, a dancer for Twyla Tharp, American Ballet Theatre and the White Oak Dance Project. Or 1990 graduate Sam Piperato, a composer as well as a choreographer. Or Morgan Williams of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. Or Dereck Whiturs of the Alvin Ailey company. See works by and for these and other returning Valencians--plus anniversary surprises featuring current students.

8 pm: Theater

Tony- and Oscar-winning actress Mercedes Ruehl and Tony winner Anthony LaPaglia reprise their critically acclaimed 1995 Broadway roles in an L.A. Theatre Works’ live radio theater production of Tennessee Williams’ lusty comedy “The Rose Tattoo,” directed by Richard Masur.

* “The Rose Tattoo,” L.A. Theatre Works at Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. Today-Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m.; Sunday, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Ends Sunday. Recorded for future broadcast on KCRW-FM (89.9). $28 to $32. (310) 827-0889.

* “Then and Now: The CalArts Dance Ensemble’s 20th Anniversary Alumni Celebration,” Walt Disney Modular Theatre, CalArts campus, 24700 McBean Parkway, Valencia. Today-Saturday, 8 p.m. $2 (students) to $10. (661) 253-7800.

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FREEBIE: Artist Kara Walker gives a talk at the UCLA/Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. 7 p.m. (310) 443-7020.