This week: A celebration of an African American author and activist, a new musical based on a fantastical French comedy, and a holiday show improvised right before your very eyes.

The Cherry Orchard Modern adaptation of Chekhov’s classic. Loft Ensemble Theater, 13442 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Sun., next Sun., 5 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Jan. 22. $20. (818) 616-3150.

Over the Love Tour Singer-actress Rumer Willis performs as part of the Wallis’ new cabaret series “The Sorting Room.” Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. Sun., 5 and 7 p.m. $40. (310) 746-4000.

Simply Broadway Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell performs in this benefit concert. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. Mon., 7:30 p.m. $75-$250. (858) 550-1010.


The King and I The classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical about a British woman hired as a teacher for the children of the king of Siam. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Tue.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends Jan. 21. $35 and up; children under 5 not admitted. (800) 982-2787.

Rebecca Spencer The Broadway veteran performs. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. Tue., 8 p.m. $25. (310) 746-4000.

Stew & Heidi: Notes of a Native Song The Tony-winning duo (“Passing Strange”) salutes African American author and activist James Baldwin in this new work mixing music and theater. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. Wed.-Sat., 8:30 p.m.; ends Dec. 17. $24-$35. (213) 237-2800.

The Wholehearted A female boxer battles back after being a victim of domestic violence in writer-performer Deborah Stein’s new solo drama. La Jolla Playhouse, 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 p.m.; ends Dec. 18. $10-$35. (858) 550-1010.


Cameron Esposito The stand-up comic performs. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. Thu., 8 p.m. $25. (310) 746-4000.

I’m Just Wild About Harry New romantic musical set in turn-of-the-last century Milwaukee features classic songs of the era. Crown City Theatre, St. Matthew’s Church, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Feb. 5. $20, $30. (818) 605-5685.

Impro Theatre’s 1966 Holiday Variety Extravaganza The troupe, joined by a jazz quintet, improvises send-ups of TV specials of yesteryear. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Thu.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; ends Dec. 17. $32 and up. (310) 434-3200.

Amélie, A New Musical Craig Lucas, Daniel Messé and Nathan Tysen’s stage adaptation of the whimsical 2001 French film; “Hamilton’s” Phillipa Soo stars. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends Jan. 15. $25-$125. (213) 972-4400.


Rita Wilson The actress and singer-songwriter performs an intimate concert. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. Fri., 8 p.m. $40. (310) 746-4000.

Wonderful Life! Jason Lott reprises his family-friendly solo show based on Frank Capra’s beloved 1946 holiday fable. Son of Semele Theater, 3301 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Dec. 24. $20. www.sonofsemele.org.

Frozen Sing-Along Audience participation is encouraged at a screening of Disney’s 2013 animated musical. Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga. Sat., 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. $15. (909) 477-2752.

Holiday Festival of the Spoken Word Theatre Forty offers readings from such classics as “To Kill A Mockingbird” and “Little Women.” Westwood Library, 1246 Glendon Ave., Westwood. Sat., 2 p.m. Free. (310) 474-1739.


Holiday Stomp The Hot Sardines put a swing-band twist on seasonal favorites. Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. Sat., 8 p.m. $28 and up. (818) 677-3000.

Kerrigan-Lowdermilk & Friends The musical-theater duo performs with special guests. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. Sat., 8 p.m. $35. (310) 746-4000.

A Rough Night at the North Pole The Group Rep stages Craig Alpaugh’s family-friendly holiday farce. Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 2 p.m. $5, $10. (818) 763-5990.

Thrilling Adventure Hour: Holiday Funaround Variety show with comic Paul F. Tompkins, “Community’s” Paget Brewster, “Cougar Town’s” Busy Phillips, et al. The Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 S. Broadway, L.A. Sat., 8 p.m. $29.50-$49.50. (888) 929-7849.


Blue Christmas With Elvis Tribute artist Raymond Michael celebrates the King. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. Next Sun., 7:30 p.m. $20-$25. (805) 583-7900.

John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas Tribute artist Jim Curry salutes the 1970s-era singer-songwriter. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Next Sun., 2 p.m. $49. (818) 508-4200.

Shine Storytellers share true-life tales. Promenade Playhouse, 1404 3rd St., Santa Monica. Next Sun., 7 p.m. $10; discounts available. (310) 452-2321.