SoCal arts & culture, Oct. 30-Nov. 5: 'Little Syria,' Mark Morris Dance Group, 'Inherit the Wind' and more
SoCal arts & culture, Oct. 30-Nov. 5: 'Little Syria,' Mark Morris Dance Group, 'Inherit the Wind' and more
A classic courtroom drama evolves, a legendary songwriter is celebrated in dance and a tune-filled fable explores the lives of Middle Eastern immigrants in NYC
They’ll never make a monkey out of me…
Welcome to the latest installment of the TV or Not TV newsletter for performing arts events — plays, concerts, etc. — all around Southern California this coming week. I’m Matt Cooper, former listings coordinator for the LA Times’ Calendar section.
(And if you’re looking for Halloween happenings, look here; for Día de los Muertos events, try here).
THEATER
Opening this week…
‘The Laramie Project’ Culver City High School’s Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Program stages Moisés Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project’s 2000 docudrama about the shocking murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard in Wyoming in 1998. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 2-4; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. $25. centertheatregroup.org
‘Inherit the Wind’ Alfred Molina heads the cast of a reimagined version of Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s classic American drama about the controversial 1925 Scopes “Monkey” Trial and the debate over the teaching of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution in public schools; onstage courtroom-style seating available. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Opening night only, 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5; 8 p.m. Wednesday-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; through Nov. 26. $35 and up. (626) 356-7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org
Continuing...
‘The Angel Next Door’ Assorted characters come together at a Newport mansion in 1948 in this new rom-com from Paul Slade Smith. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Drive, Laguna Beach. 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays; also 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m.; no 5:30 p.m. performance Sunday, Nov. 5. $45-$84. (949) 497-2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
‘Baby Foot’ Two troubled people make a connection in rehab in the West Coast premiere of Tim Venable’s drama. Rogue Machine, Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave., L.A. 7 p.m. Fridays, 5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, 8 p.m. Mondays, through Nov. 20; dark Oct. 30. $20-$35; pay what you can Fridays, Oct 27 ($15 and up), Nov. 3, 10, 17 ($20 and up). (855) 585-5185. roguemachinetheatre.org
‘Befok (or the Desperate Attempt to Impress Iñárritu)’ A 30-something aspiring actress from South Africa dreams of working with the famed Mexican filmmaker in this solo show from writer-performer Asta Leigh. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 19 through Nov. 5. $30. (310) 477-2055. OdysseyTheatre.com
‘The BFF: Binge Fringe Festival of Free Theatre’ Comedies, dramas, solo shows, standup, etc. plus workshops, family friendly offerings and more. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. Various times, Oct. 17 through Nov. 19. Free; reservations required. santamonicaplayhouse.com
‘Blood at the Root’ Open Fist Theatre Company stages Dominique Morisseau’s fact-based, hip hop-fueled drama about racial tensions at a Louisiana high school. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4; 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5; 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6. $20-$30. (323) 882-6912. openfist.org
‘Deathtrap’ A famous playwright in desperate need of a hit considers stealing the work of a former student in Ira Levin’s classic comedy thriller. International City Theatre, 330 E. Seaside Way, Long Beach. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 20 through Nov. 5. $49-$55. (562) 436-4610. InternationalCityTheatre.org
‘The Engagement Party’ A couple’s intimate celebration at their posh Manhattan apartment takes an unexpected turn in the West Coast premiere of Samuel Baum’s drama. Geffen Playhouse, Gil Cates Theater, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 12 through Nov. 5. $30-$129. geffenplayhouse.org
‘Lewis and Tolkien’ “Chronicles of Narnia” author C.S. Lewis and “Lord of the Rings’’” J.R.R. Tolkien bend an elbow down at the local pub in this new drama by Dean Batali. Actors Co-op Theatre Company, Crossley Theater, First Presbyterian Church, 1760 N. Gower St., Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays, other dates, Oct. 27 through Dec. 3. $25-$35. (323) 462-8460. ActorsCo-op.org
‘Love Among the Ruins’ JoBeth Williams and Peter Strauss play the leads in this rom-com adapted from a 1970s-era TV movie that starred Katharine Hepburn and Laurence Olivier. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 5. $29-$125. (818) 508-4200. elportaltheatre.com
‘Love, Sex, and Misery’ The ins and outs of human relationships are explored in a series of short plays by Jeff Gould and Jake Gould; contains mature themes. 905 Cole Theatre, 905 N. Cole Ave., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 21 through Dec. 10; dark Thanksgiving weekend. $40. onstage411.com
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ The course of true love does not run smooth in this rollicking new staging of Shakespeare’s sylvan fantasy. A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 14 through Nov. 12. $29 and up; students, $18 and up. (626) 356-3100. anoisewithin.org
‘Methusalem or The Eternal Bourgeois’ The Actors’ Gang revisits their 1985 staging of Ivan Goll’s 1920s-era German Expressionist fable. The Actors’ Gang Theater, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 9 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 21 through Dec. 16. $25, $34.99; pay what you can, Thursdays beginning Oct. 26. (310) 838-4264. theactorsgang.com
‘Monster’ A woman does battle with her demons in this new fable from April Littlejohn. Loft Ensemble, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 20 through Nov. 12. Donate what you want. (818) 452-3153. loftensemble.org
‘Outrage’ An acting teacher finds himself on the wrong side of cancel culture in this new drama from Allen Barton. Beverly Hills Playhouse, 254 South Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 20 though Nov. 12 $15, $35. (323) 657-5992. crimsonsquare.org
‘A Raisin in the Sun’ A Black family on the South Side of Chicago struggles to improve their lot in life in a revival of Lorraine Hansberry’s classic 1959 drama. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:45 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 2 and 7:45 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 27 through Nov. 12. (714) 708-5555. scr.org
‘Rent: The Musical’ Young artistic types eke out an existence on New York's Lower East Side in Jonathan Larson’s hit musical inspired by the classic Puccini opera “La Boheme.” Long Beach Playhouse Studio, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 14 through Nov. 13. $20-$30. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.org
‘Romeo and Juliet — Love is a Fire’ Shakespeare’s tragic tale of the young star-crossed lovers is re-imagined in this new adaptation from Neno Pervan; co-presented by Il Doce Theatre Company. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 14 to Nov. 18. $25; discounts available. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com
‘She’ A Black teen tries to escape small-town life in this inspirational new coming-of-age drama from Marlo Wyatt. Antaeus Theatre Company, 110 E. Broadway, Glendale. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, 8 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 20 through Nov. 20; also 8 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 9 and Nov. 16 and 2 p.m. Saturdays. $40. (818) 506-1983. antaeus.org
‘Slow Thunder’ A New Orleans woman, her sometime beau and two other friends converge in New Orleans in this dark drama from Suse Sternkopf. The Emerson, Theatre 68 Arts Complex, 5112 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 19 through Nov. 12. $32, $39. tickettailor.com
‘The Sound of Music’ A young woman in pre-WWII Austria becomes governess to a widower’s large brood in Musical Theatre West’s staging of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic. Dirndls and lederhosen encouraged! Carpenter Center, 6200 E. Atherton Street, Long Beach. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Oct. 20-21 and 27 and Nov. 3; 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5; through Nov. 5. $20 and up; student rush, $15. musical.org
‘Spring Awakening’ East West Players stages the Tony-winning coming-of-age rock musical with book & lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik. David Henry Hwang Theater, Union Center of the Arts, 120 Judge John Aiso St., Little Tokyo, downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 5 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 29 through Nov. 19. $39-$69; pay what you can, 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6. (213) 625-7000. eastwestplayers.org
‘Tacos La Brooklyn’ An ambitious Korean American taquero from the Eastside faces charges of cultural appropriation in this multilingual fable by Joel Ulloa; co-presented by Latino Theater Co. and East West Players.The Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., downtown LA. 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday and Sunday, Nov. 2-3 & 5. $10-$48. (213) 489-0994. latinotheaterco.org
MUSIC
Classical & Opera…
‘The Barber of Seville’ That rapscallion Figaro is up to his old tricks in LA Opera’s presentation of Rossini’s classic rom-com. With baritone Joshua Hopkins. Sung in Italian with English supertitles. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, Nov. 2 and 4; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. $24 and up. laopera.org
‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in Concert’ Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil perform John Williams’ classic score live-to-picture to accompany a screening of Steven Spielberg’s fantastical 1982 tale about a young boy who befriends a strange visitor from another world. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Nov. 2-3. $74-$299. (323) 850-2000. laphil.com
‘Music of Star Wars’ Pacific Symphony, under the baton of new resident Pops conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, performs score selections by composers Michael Giacchino and the aforementioned John Williams from across the space opera franchise. Costumes encouraged, some restrictions apply. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 3-4. $45-$169. pacificsymphony.org
‘Two Remain’ Lyric Opera of Orange County and Santa Ana’s Yost Theatre stage Jake Heggie’s two-act musical drama inspired by the experiences of two Holocaust survivors. Presented as part of the inaugural two-week statewide California Festival. Huntington Beach Central Library Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 3-4. $27-$50. lyricoperaoc.org
Burbank Philharmonic The orchestra opens it season with a program that includes Sibelius’ Violin Concerto featuring Wenlan Jackson and selected arias with mezzo-soprano Talin Nalbandian. Part of the California Festival. Lanterman Auditorium, 4491 Cornishon Ave., La Cañada Flintridge. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. Free; no tickets required. burbankphilharmonic.org
‘Dudamel Leads Khachaturian’ The LA Phil performs the Armenian composer’s “Spartacus” Ballet Suite No. 2 and Piano Concerto featuring pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. The program also includes Janáček’s Sinfonietta plus the U.S. premiere of Thomas Adès’ “Tower” honoring architect Frank Gehry. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. $74-$274. laphil.com
‘Happy Hour No. 119: Jean Rondeau, Harpsichordist’ Salastina presents the Paris-based keyboardist in an intimate recital of works by Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, et al. Includes a conversation with artist. The Edye at the Broad Stage, 310 11th St., Santa Monica. 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. $10, $20. salastina.org
Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra The ensemble plays pieces by Schoenberg, Cathy Milliken and Nina Shekhar. Part of the California Festival. Villa Aurora, 520 Paseo Miramar, Pacific Palisades. 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 4-5. $10-$25. kco.la
‘1842’ A new installment of the intimate Café Ludwig chamber music series hosted by pianist Orli Shaham continues with a selection of works by Robert Schumann, Clara Schumann and Louise Farrenc. Segerstrom Center’s Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. $48-$169. pacificsymphony.org
Wild Up The L.A.-based alt-classical ensemble presents “We’re Here, What Now?”, a new collaboration between composer Sarah Hennies, poet Lynne Thompson, interdisciplinary artist Susan Silton and women’s whistling group The Crowing Hens. Part of the California Festival. 2220 Arts + Archives, 2220 Beverly Blvd., Historic Filipinotown, 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. $20. dice.fm
Jazz, pop, folk, rock and more…
‘I’ve Been Played: Alysha Umphress Swings Jeff Blumenkrantz’ The duo bring their hit NYC cabaret show to L.A. for one night only. Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30. $25–$45; food and drink minimums apply. catalinajazzclub.com
Julieta Venegas The Latin music icon graces the stage in a pair of shows. Luckman Fine Arts Complex, 5151 State University Drive, Cal-State LA, L.A. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Nov. 1-2. Sold out; standby line available. luckmanarts.org
‘Joshua Henry’s Get Up, Stand Up!’ The Broadway veteran performs classics by Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, Sam Cook, et al., plus a selection of favorite show tunes. The Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2. $39-$109. (818) 677-8800. thesoraya.org
Son Little The Philadelphia-based R&B artist performs behind his new album ”Like Neptune.” The Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2. Free. RSVP at skirball.org
‘The Little Syria Show’ Hip-hop beats, Arabic instrumentation and traditional storytelling are used to illuminate life in a predominately Middle Eastern immigrant neighborhood in NYC in days gone by in this musical fable from Syrian American poet Omar Offendum. Presented by the Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA. The Nimoy, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. $32. cap.ucla.edu
‘Site & Sounds: The Florentine Codex’ The launch of a newly digitized version of a 16th century manuscript documenting the lives of Indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica is celebrated with an outdoor concert featuring a new work by Lu Coy. Musical group Xochi Cuicatl and Chris Garcia open the show. The Getty Center, museum courtyard, N. Sepulveda Blvd. & Getty Center Drive, L.A. 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. Free; advance reservations required. (310) 440-7300. getty.edu
Trio Through the Looking Glass Guitarist and experimental music composer Michael Jon Fink performs with clarinetist Brian Walsh and cellist Derek Stein. Santa Monica Public Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. soundwavesnewmusic.com
Veterans Month Concert Segerstrom Center salutes U.S. military veterans for the service with a free outdoor concert featuring SoCal-based band Silver Lining playing a selection of classic rock and country music favorites. Seating is limited, so bringing your own folding chair is recommended. Segerstrom Center’s Argyros Plaza, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. Free with RSVP. scfta.org
DANCE
‘Dorothée Munyaneza: Mailles’ The personal struggles and triumphs of women of African descent are explored in this multimedia-enhanced, multilingual work from acclaimed choreographer, singer and author Munyaneza; presented with English subtitles. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown L.A. 8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 2-4. $15-$30. redcat.org
Mark Morris Dance Group’s ‘The Look of Love’ The Brooklyn-based company reprises its evening-length celebration of the sophisticated song stylings of the legendary Burt Bacharach. Musco Center, 415 N. Glassell St., Orange. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov 4. $41.25-$78. muscocenter.org
‘Turn It Out with Tiler Peck & Friends’ The superstar ballerina, actor and influencer shares the stage with fellow dancers from the New York City Ballet plus tap-dance diva Michelle Dorrance, et al. Segerstrom Center’s Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4, 5 p.m. Nov. 5. $29 and up. scfta.org
COMEDY, POETRY & SPOKEN WORD
‘Heather McMahan: The Comeback Tour’ The sassy and brassy comic might overshare a bit but that’s how her fans like it in this new standup show. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. $39 and up. broadwayinhollywood.com
KIDS & FAMILIES
‘The Addams Family’ They’re creepy and they’re kooky in this young-persons theater production of the hit musical based on the work of cartoonist Charles Addams. The Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. 2 .m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 4-5; other dates through Nov. 26. $16-$25. (310) 828-7519. morgan-wixson.org
‘Aladdin, the Princess and the Magic Lamp’ Storybook Theatre presents a kid-friendly take on the classic adventure from the Middle Eastern folktale collection “One Thousand and One Nights.” Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., L.A. 1 p.m. Saturdays, through Jan. 13; no shows Dec. 23 and 30. $15. (323) 851-7977. theatrewest.org
Papyrus Scroll Making Family Workshop Youngsters can try their hand at creating scrolls in this arts & craft opportunity inspired by a new exhibit exploring the ancient tome known as the Egyptian Book of the Dead. The Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades. 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 and 11, Dec. 2 & 16, Jan. 13 & 27. Free. getty.edu