L.A. theater openings, March 8-15: ‘Lifeboat’ and more

Two teens cling to a “Lifeboat” at the Wallis, there’s a mystery involving mystery writer Particia Highsmith at the Geffen, and something’s fishy at South Coast Rep.

Charo The entertainer and flamenco guitarist performs in a Las Vegas-style revue. Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo. Sun., 3 p.m. $39-$50. (949) 480-4278

Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Musical revue salutes Frank Sinatra, Joey Bishop, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Sun., 3 p.m. $25 and up. (562) 467-8818

Molly Ringwald The actress-singer performs new songs and standards in this cabaret show. Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. Sun., 7 and 9:30 p.m. $20-$35. (866) 468-3399

Suitcase Full of Lies! Nicole Parker’s solo comedy about a former 1970s sitcom star. Rockwell: Table & Stage, 1714 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. Mon., 8 p.m. $15-$20. (323) 669-1550

Barbara Cook The Broadway star and cabaret artist performs. Bram Goldsmith Theater, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. Tue., 8 p.m. $39-$89. (310) 746-4000

A Little New Music 7 Showcase for songwriters and performers. Rockwell: Table & Stage, 1714 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. Tue., 8 p.m. $10-$20. (323) 669-1550.

I♥99 The Musical! One-night-only cabaret event to save Los Angeles intimate theatre. Akbar, 4356 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake. Tue., 8 p.m. Free; reservations at www.6avenue.org.

Tiny Dangerous Fun Variety, cabaret and open-mic performances. Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village. Wed., 8 p.m. $10. (818) 508-3003.

Alex Mohajer on the Eve of 30 The cabaret performer shares songs and stories ahead of his 30th birthday. Rockwell: Table & Stage, 1714 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. Thu., 8 p.m. $15-$25. (323) 669-1550.

Henry IV, Part One Partner-cast staging of Shakespeare’s historical drama about the English ruler and his wayward son, Prince Hal. Antaeus Theater, 5112 Lankershim Blvd., N. Hollywood. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends May 3. $30, $34. (818) 506-1983.

The Ladies Foursome Four women discuss relationships, careers, etc., while playing golf in Norm Foster’s comedy. Little Fish Theatre, 777 Centre St., San Pedro. Thu., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 2. $22 and up. (310) 512-6030.

Norman Lear in Conversation The veteran TV producer (“All in the Family”) chats with “Everybody Loves Raymond” creator Phil Rosenthal. Bram Goldsmith Theater, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. Thu., 8 p.m. $25-$35. (310) 746-4000.

Lifeboat Catherine Wheels Theatre Company stages Nicola McCartney’s fact-based drama about two teenage girls who survived the sinking of a passenger ship in the Atlantic during WWII. Lovelace Studio Theatre, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. Fri., 6 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 p.m.; next Sun., noon, 2:30 p.m.; ends March 22. $25, $35. (310) 746-4000.

The Australian Bee Gees Show Tribute show re-creates a concert by the “Saturday Night Fever” trio. Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Fri., 7:30 p.m. $39 and up. (714) 556-2787.

Hello Bluebird — Celebrating the Jazz of Judy Garland Jazz vocalist Jane Monheit pays tribute to the legendary singer-actress. Samueli Theater, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m. $69 and up. (714) 556-2787.

Red Barn Workshop production of a new musical about murder and the supernatural, based on actual events in 19th-century England; not suitable for children. Independent Studio, 3191 Casitas Ave., #168, Atwater Village. Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends March 29. $20-$30. (818) 710-6306.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) Three-person troupe takes a comedic tour of the Bard’s catalogue. Studio at Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends March 22. $12. (562) 494-1014.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying The classic musical comedy about an ambitious young man’s swift climb up the corporate ladder. Conejo Players Theatre, 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 12. $18-$20. (805) 495-3715.

Mame Kentwood Players presents the Tony-winning musical about a free-spirited woman in Depression-era NYC. Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Westchester. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 18. $23, $25. (310) 645-5156.

Putting It Together Musical revue celebrates the songs of Stephen Sondheim. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends March 28. $15-$28. (626) 355-4318.

Switzerland World premiere of Joanna Murray-Smith’s mystery-comedy about “The Talented Mr. Ripley” author Patricia Highsmith; Laura Linney stars. Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends April 19. $69-$99. (310) 208-5454.

Verdigris 30th-anniversary revival of Jim Beaver’s drama about a feisty widow in early 1970s Oklahoma. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 19. $5-$25. (323) 851-7977.

24hr Chance-a-thon Two daylong benefit shows featuring local amateurs and veteran performers. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills. Sat., 10 a.m.; next Sun., 9 a.m. $15, $25. (714) 777-3033.

The American Dream The Group Rep presents Edward Albee’s classic satire about a middle-class family. Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 2 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends April 12. $15. (818) 763-5990.

tokyo fish story Bart DeLorenzo directs the world premiere of Kimber Lee’s tale about a traditional sushi restaurant trying to keep up with new culinary trends. South Coast Repertory, Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Sat.-next Sun., 2 and 7:45 p.m.; ends March 29. $22 and up. (714) 708-5555.

If All the Sky Were Paper Annette Bening, Gary Cole and others read the letters of armed-forces members from every military conflict in U.S. history. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Sat., 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2:30 p.m. $20-$30. (213) 972-4488.

If You Can Get to Buffalo West Coast premiere of Trish Harnetiaux’s dark comedy inspired by journalist Julian Dibbell’s 1993 article “A Rape in Cyberspace.” Son of Semele Theater, 3301 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 5 p.m.; ends April 12. $20-$25. (213) 351-3507.

Sight Unseen Donald Margulies’ comedy about an American artist, his former lover and muse, and her British husband. Lounge Theatre, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends April 26. $25. (323) 960-4412.

Trevor Circle X Theatre Co. stages the West Coast premiere of Nick Jones’ satire about a former showbiz chimp and its owner; Laurie Metcalf stars. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 19. $28; tickets and info atwww.circlextheatre.org.

Daisy and Jordan’s Sunday Brunch of Shame Brand new comedy talk show with music. Rockwell: Table & Stage, 1714 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. Next Sun., 11:30 a.m. $10-$25. (323) 669-1550.

A Conversation With Patricia Morison To mark her upcoming 100th birthday, the Broadway legend and original star of “Kiss Me, Kate” shares stories with Pasadena Playhouse artistic director Sheldon Epps. University Club, 175 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena. Next Sun., 1 p.m. $100. (626) 356-7529. Story on Page E8

It’s Magic! Magic and variety acts from around the world. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Next Sun., 3 p.m. $35-$60. (800) 300-4345.