Curtain call

Southern exposure: An arts collective from Seattle (where I lived for 17 years and in which I enjoyed some splendid theater) is in our midst, and it wants to tell you a story about the Jewels of the Mimic Octopus. Mimicry, mounted by The Church and the Commune, is a crime drama about the artifacts’ disappearance, the death of the owner’s wife and the questions of truth and perception amid the dirty deed. The group thinks that if you like The Maltese Falcon, you’ll like this—it’s supposedly done in a film-noir style, with lots of cynicism and diabolical stuff and a healthy dose of sexy things thrown in. I, of course, will have nothing to do with the latter. As you know, my work is my life. The show runs Nov. 27 to Dec. 5 at The Tenth Avenue Theatre, 930 10th Ave., Downtown. $10. www.ticketderby.com.

Opening

It’s a Wonderful Life: The story of George Bailey and Clarence the Angel is brought to life as a 1940s radio play. Opens Nov. 27 at Theatre in Old Town, 4040 Twiggs St. $17-$49. www.cygnettheatre.com. 

Now Playing

Bonnie and Clyde: The infamous bank robbers strike anew, this time in a musical. Through Dec. 20 at La Jolla Playhouse’s Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive in La Jolla. $43-$78. www.lajollaplayhouse.org.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!: A stinky ol’ spoilsport almost ruins the holidays for Whoville. Through Dec. 31 at The Old Globe Theatre mainstage, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. $20-$59. www.oldglobe.org.

King John: England’s big cheese is told to give up his throne to France, fights the good fight and is poisoned for his trouble. Produced by Intrepid Theatre as a staged reading, it runs Nov. 30 at The Theatre, Inc., 899 C St., Downtown. Free. www.intrepidshakespeare.com.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile: Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso are on the verge of an amazing idea, and they discuss it at a bar. Through Dec. 6 at New Village Arts Theatre, 2787 State St. in Carlsbad. $20-$40. www.newvillagearts.org.

The Seafarer: The Devil is drunk on early Christmas morning, barely able to stay on course with his evil purposes. Produced by San Diego Repertory Theatre, it runs through Dec. 13 at The Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, Downtown. $34-$47. www.sdrep.org.