L.A. theater openings, Dec. 15-22: Rachel York in ‘Let’s Fall in Love’

Birds do it, bees do it, even Broadway’s Rachel York does it in her new cabaret show, “Let’s Fall in Love.” Plus, three distinctly different takes on Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

How to Be a Rock Critic Staged reading of Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen’s play about music writer Lester Bangs. Upstairs@KDT, Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Today, 1 p.m. $10. (213) 628-2772.

Diversity: Through the Director’s Eye Several local theaters’ artistic directors take part in a discussion of diversity in Southern California theater. RSVP to DiversityForum@SDCweb.org. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Mon., 7:30 p.m. Free.

Feliz NaviDiva Drag performer Kay Sedia of “Chico’s Angels” celebrates the holidays with song, stories and special guests. Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Tue.-Thu., 8 and 9:30 p.m. $20, $25. (323) 662-4255.

The Minister’s Black Veil Reading of a new play based on a story by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village. Tue., 8 p.m. Free. (818) 508-3003.

CRITICS’ PICKS: What to watch, where to go, what to eat

Little Miss Scrooge New musical set in the present day combines elements of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and “Great Expectations.” Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Wed., 2 and 7 p.m.; Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Dec. 23. $20-$59. (805) 667-2900.

Let’s Fall in Love Broadway star Rachel York (“Anything Goes”) performs in this new cabaret show. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach. Wed.-Thu., 7 p.m. $45-$55. (562) 985-7000.

A Relief Benefit Concert for the Philippines Broadway veterans, TV stars and others help raise money for victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $35-$250. (626) 356-7529.

Jonathan Allen’s ‘Music of the Night’ Holiday Show The “America’s Got Talent” semi-finalist performs. Rockwell: Table & Stage, 1714 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. Wed., 8 p.m. $10-$20. (323) 661-6163.

Stomp Return of the hit stage show mixing percussion, dance and physical comedy. Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. Wed., Fri.8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends Jan. 5. $41.50-$71.50. (877) 598-8497.

PHOTOS: Arts and culture in pictures by The Times

Benefit Concert for the Philippines Variety troupe Society of Seven and others help raise money for victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Thu., 7 p.m. $50-$150. (562) 467-8818.

Most Treasured Life Lessons SHINE’s monthly storytelling series returns. YWCA Santa Monica/Westside, 2019 14th St., Santa Monica. Thu., 7:30 p.m. $5-$10 donation. (310) 452-2321.

Holiday Readings Theatre 40 presents assorted seasonal selections. Westwood Library, 1246 Glendon Ave., Westwood. Sat., 2 p.m. Free. (310) 474-1739.

A Christmas Carol Parson’s Nose Theater presents Dickens’ classic tale. Lineage Performing Arts Center, 89 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena. Sat., 7 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m. Pay what you will. (626) 403-7667.

The Christmas Carol Murder Mystery Interactive whodunit based on the Dickens tale. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Next Sun., 7 p.m. $20. (626) 355-4318.