L.A. theater openings, Feb. 7-14: Bernadette Peters and more

This week: Three-time Tony winner Bernadette Peters graces the stage at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Plus, an updated version of Maltby & Shire’s “Closer Than Ever,” and Hal Holbrook returns in a one-off performance of “Mark Twain Tonight!”

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Musical revue explores romance and relationships through a series of vignettes. Fremont Centre Theatre, 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. Sun., next Sun., 2 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Feb. 28. $25, $30; Valentine’s Day special available. www.fremontcentretheatre.com.

Through the Looking Glass Poet-playwright Jerry Quickley explores the stories of residents of Montebello and Leimert Park. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Mon., 8 p.m. Free; reservations recommended. www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.

An Act of God The creator of the universe answers the big questions in David Javerbaum’s comedy; Sean Hayes (“Will & Grace”) stars. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends March 13. $25-$115. (213) 972-4400.

Barcelona West Coast premiere of Bess Wohl’s drama about an American woman’s contentious one-night stand with a handsome Spaniard. Geffen Playhouse, Gil Cates Theater, 10866 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends March 13. $32-$82. (310) 208-5454.

Guards at the Taj Rajiv Joseph’s darkly comic fable about two men tasked with keeping watch over India’s newly constructed Taj Mahal. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. Wed., 7:30 p.m.; Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Feb. 28. $38 and up. (858) 550-1010.

Mark Twain Tonight! Hal Holbrook reprises his portrayal of the great American author and humorist in a benefit performance of this one-man show. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Thu., 7:30 p.m. $50-$500. (310) 434-3200.

Bernadette Peters The three-time Tony winner performs show tunes, standards and more with Pacific Symphony. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m. $45-$200. (714) 755-5799.

Broken Fences The Road Theatre Company presents the West Coast premiere of Steven Simoncic’s dramedy about gentrification on Chicago’s west side. The Road on Magnolia, NoHo Senior Arts Colony, 10747 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 3. $17.50, $34. (818) 761-8838.

Closer Than Ever Updated version of Maltby & Shire’s off-Broadway musical revue about life, love, relationships, etc. International City Theatre, Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends March 6. $47-$55. (562) 436-4610.

The Complete History of America (abridged) Three-person show sends up 600 years of American history. Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 4 p.m.; ends March 6. $29-$59. (818) 955-8101.

Connect Theatre 68 presents the world premiere of Robert Lawrence Nelson’s drama about two reclusive people who connect over a phone-sex line. NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends March 13. $25. (323) 960-5068.

Deathtrap Ira Levin’s hit thriller about a Broadway playwright who hatches a dark scheme. West Valley Playhouse, 7242 Owensmouth Ave., Canoga Park. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2:30 p.m.; ends March 6. $26, $28. (818) 884-1907.

iambic lab Readings of three new works inspired by classical themes and/or forms; program details at www.iscla.org. Independent Shakespeare Co. Studio, 3191 Casitas Ave., #168, L.A. Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Feb. 14. Free; $10 suggested donation. (818) 710-6306.

Love, Connie Drag artist John Cantwell returns in this comedy thriller. Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 9 p.m.; ends Feb. 21. $20. (800) 838-3006.

My Fair Lady Classic Lerner & Loewe musical about a professor who attempts a makeover on a Cockney flower girl. Glendale Centre Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends April 2. $20-$32. (818) 244-8481.

A Night at the Black Cat Cabaret Brand-new revue recreates an evening’s entertainment in a Paris nightclub during WWII. Edgemar Center for the Arts, 2437 Main St., Santa Monica. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends March 2. $35, $45. (310) 392-7327.

The Producers Mel Brooks’ musical based on his 1967 comedy about a pair of scammers trying to mount an intentional flop on Broadway. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m. $40-$68. (562) 467-8818.

Saving Hartopia Youth-devised tale about a town of superheroes. Long Beach Playhouse, Studio Theatre, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun. 2 p.m.; ends Feb. 14. $15. (562) 494-1014.

SissyBoy James Mellon’s new autobiographical solo show about his career in entertainment, his battle with cancer, and more. NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends March 6. $34.99. (818) 508-7101.

The War in Heaven World premiere of Angelo Michael Masino’s modern-day apocalyptic drama. 2nd Story Theatre, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. Fri., 8 p.m.; ends March 19. $20. (310) 374-9767.

West Side Story Musical Theatre West stages the classic tale, inspired by Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet,” about star-crossed lovers in 1950s New York; with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Feb. 28. $20 and up. (562) 856-1999.

Dogfight L.A. and O.C. premiere of this musical based on the 1991 film about a young Marine and the seemingly ordinary young woman he meets the night before he ships out to Vietnam. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends March 6. $35-$45. (714) 777-3033.

Father, Son & Holy Coach Writer-performer John Posey’s solo comedy about a onetime small-town football star. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends March 20. $25. (323) 960-7724.

Pinocchio Family-friendly retelling of the tale of the wooden puppet who dreamed of being a real boy; recommended for ages 4 and up. South Coast Repertory, Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Sat., 11 a.m., 2 and 4:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 4:30 p.m.; ends Feb. 21. $21-$36. (714) 708-5555.

Third Wendy Wasserstein’s drama about a college professor who suspects a student athlete of plagiarism. Actors Workout Studio, 4735 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends March 6. $20. (800) 838-3006.

This Filthy World: Filthier and Dirtier Filmmaker John Waters (“Pink Flamingos,” Hairspray”) returns with an updated version of his one-man show. Luckman Fine Arts Complex, Cal State L.A., 5151 State University Drive., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m. $20-$60. (323) 343-6600.

Vieux Carré Coeurage Theatre Company stages Tennessee Williams’ semi-autobiographical drama set in a New Orleans boarding house. Historic Lankershim Arts Center, 5108 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 8 p.m.; ends March 12. Pay what you want. (323) 944-2165.

Dearest Friend Richard Benjamin and Paula Prentiss read the love letters of President John Adams and his First Lady, Abigail Adams. Theatre 40, Reuben Cordova Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills. Next Sun., 8 p.m.; ends Feb. 15. $65. (310) 364-3606.

Monty Python’s Spamalot Hit musical based on the British comedy troupe’s spoof of Arthurian legends; features adult content. Rose Center Theater, 14140 All American Way, Westminster. Next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends March 5. $15-$30. (714) 793-1150.