L.A. theater openings, Nov. 15-22: ‘Latina Christmas Special’ and more

This week: A salute to jazz great Billie Holiday, plus holiday shows galore.

Ay, Carmela! The Stella Adler Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of a new adaptation of Spanish playwright José Sanchis Sinisterra’s comedy-drama about a vaudeville duo during Spain’s civil war; with music by Gustavo Dudamel and scenic design by Frank Gehry. Hudson Mainstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Sun., next Sun., 3 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 13. $25, $30. (323) 960-7792.

Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience Family-friendly show features canines rescued from shelters. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, Cal State Long Beach, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach. Sun., 1 and 4 p.m. $20 and up. (562) 985-7000.

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Christmas Is Dead All-new holiday farce about a wacky family. Loft Ensemble, 929 E. 2nd St., L.A. Sun., next Sun., 7 p.m.; Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 20. $10, $20. (213) 680-0392.

The Clean House Sarah Ruhl’s romantic comedy about a Brazilian housekeeper/aspiring comedic. Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 S. 7th St., Santa Paula. Sun., next Sun., 2:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 20. $18, $20. (805) 525-4645.

Do I Hear a Waltz? Musical Theatre Guild stages Richard Rodgers and Stephen Sondheim’s 1965 musical about a spinster who finds romance while vacationing in Italy. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Sun., 7 p.m. $45. (310) 772-8178.

The Jew That Saved Christmas Satirical holiday tale written and directed by Andy Shultz. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood. Sun., next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Dec. 20. $15. (818) 202-4120.

The Okee Dokee Brothers Grammy-winning duo celebrates American folk music and the great outdoors in this family-friendly show. Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. Sun., 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. $18. (818) 677-3000.

On the Air – A Holiday Tribute to Bob Hope and Radio Stars of the 1940s Re-creation of a vintage NBC radio broadcast features a live big band. Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga. Sun., 2 p.m. $35. (909) 477-2752.

Past and Present: Russian Jewish-American Stories Personal memories told via story, song, poetry and comedy. National Council of Jewish Women, 543 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A. Sun., 2 p.m. Also, The Braid, 2912 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica. Mon., 8 p.m. $35. (310) 315-1400.

Magic Monday New weekly cabaret-style magic show. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. Mon., 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 14. $25. (310) 450-2849.

The Recognition of Shakuntala Reading of an adaptation of poet Kalidasa’s tale inspired by Indian mythology; with East West Players. A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Mon., 7 p.m. Free. (626) 356-3100.

Indecent World premiere of Paula Vogel’s fact-based play with music about the 1922 Broadway debut of Sholem Asch’s controversial drama “God of Vengeance.” La Jolla Playhouse, Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. Wed., 7 p.m.; Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Dec. 10. $41 and up. (858) 550-1010.

Julia Migenes Sings Kurt Weill The mezzo-soprano takes a musical tour of the German composer’s song catalog. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. Wed., Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 5. $30, $35. (310) 477-2055.

Outside Mullingar Romance blossoms between lifelong neighbors in the Irish countryside in Tony winner John Patrick Shanley’s comedy. Geffen Playhouse, Gil Cates Theater, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Dec. 20. $32-$82. (310) 208-5454.

Tears of Joy Theatre The Portland-based puppet troupe returns with a pair of bilingual, family-friendly fables inspired by Mexican and Argentinian folk tales. Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, Le Lycee Francais de Los Angeles, 10361 W. Pico Blvd., L.A. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $10, $15. (310) 286-0553.

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

American Buffalo L.A. Theatre Works records the David Mamet drama, about three shady characters plotting to steal a rare coin, for its radio program. 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.; ends Nov. 22. $15-$60. (310) 827-0889.

Elf Musical based on the 2003 holiday comedy starring Will Ferrell. Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Thu., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Nov. 22. $29-$69. (800) 653-8000.

Joey Arias: Billie Holiday Centennial Cabaret performer and drag artist Arias celebrates the legendary jazz singer. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. Thu.-Sat., 8:30 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m. $20-$30. (213) 237-2800.

Perfect Timing Kristi Kane’s comedy about the romantic misadventures of a female art critic. Theatre 40, Reuben Cordova Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills. Thu., 8 p.m.; Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Dec. 21. $30. (310) 364-0535.

Rio Hondo World premiere of Bill Robens’ sendup of classic westerns. Theatre of NOTE, 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun. 7 p.m.; ends Dec. 20. $20, $25. (323) 856-8611.

The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays A 1930s actor renowned for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes must solve an actual murder in Ken Ludwig’s farce. West Valley Playhouse, 7242 Owensmouth Ave., Canoga Park. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2:30 p.m.; ends Dec. 20. $26, $28. (818) 884-1907.

Liverpool Mania: The History of the Beatles Starring American English Tribute band salutes the Fab Four. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Fri., 8 p.m. $45-$65. (562) 467-8818.

Subliminal Theatre Movement Bazaar puts a contemporary spin on the ancient tale of the Trojan princess and prophetess Cassandra. Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Nov. 22. $36-$45. (310) 440-7300.

Cheyenne Jackson The theater and TV star (“Glee,” “30 Rock”), accompanied by a full orchestra, performs popular songs from movies. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Sat., 8 p.m. $39 and up. (714) 556-2787.

David Sedaris An evening with the author, humorist and radio personality. Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. Sat., 8 p.m. $30-$90. (818) 677-3000.

Fran Lebowitz The author and satirist shares her views on contemporary culture. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, Cal State Long Beach, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach. Sat., 8 p.m. $50, $60. (562) 985-7000.

Hamlet Community reading of the Shakespeare tragedy. University Art Museum, Cal-State Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach. Sat., 10:45 a.m. Free; reservations encouraged. (562) 985-7000.

The Latina Christmas Special Three female comics share tales of holidays past; for ages 13 and up. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Dec. 20. $22, $30. (866) 811-4111.

Mummenschanz The veteran mime troupe performs. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Next Sun., 3 p.m. $35-$55. (562) 467-8818.

Gene Kelly: The Legacy Patricia Ward Kelly, the star’s widow, shares memories, film clips, etc. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, Cal State Long Beach, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach. Next Sun., 2 p.m. $38. (562) 985-7000.

Shine Storytellers explore what it’s like to feel “Different” in this installment of the monthly series. Promenade Playhouse, 1404 3rd St., Santa Monica. Next Sun., 7 p.m. $10. (310) 452-2321.

Straight White Men A father and his three grown sons spend Christmas together in the West Coast premiere of Young Jean Lee’s dramedy. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Next Sun., 6:30 p.m.; ends Dec. 20. $25-$55. (213) 628-2772.

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