SoCal theatre, Feb. 12-19: ‘Sweeney Todd,’ ‘The Wiz,’ ‘The Age of Innocence’ and more
Theatre, musicals, cabaret, drag, standup comedy, poetry, spoken word, storytelling, books and lit for LA & OC
Welcome to the latest TV or Not TV newsletter spotlighting live theater, standup comedy, etc. on stages all around Southern California this coming week. I’m Matt Cooper, former listings coordinator for the LA Times’ Calendar section.
Theatre
Opening this week…
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ Electric Company Theatre presents an outdoor, site-specific staging of the classic musical about a tradition-minded Jewish milkman raising five daughters in a shtetl in czarist Russia. Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 N. Malvern Ave., Fullerton. 7 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays, Feb. 12 thru March 6 (in the event of rain, performances will move indoors). $35. electriccompanytheatre.org
‘The Wiz’ Ease on down the road with a Broadway-bound revival of the Tony-winning musical that puts a funky 1970s spin on L. Frank Baum’s classic fantasy tale “The Wizard of Oz.” Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 13 thru March 3. $49 and up. (323) 468-1770. broadwayinhollywood.com
‘Lucha VaVoom de La Liz’ Masked Mexican wrestlers grapple, comics crack wise, aerialists soar and burlesque performers strut their scantily clad stuff in a special Valentine’s Day edition of this risqué variety show for ages 21 and older only. The Mayan Theatre, 1038 S. Hill St., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Feb. 14-15. $45-$90. luchavavoomdelaliz.com
JU1CE & Beyond New Play Festival This showcase presented by The Wayward Artist returns for a second year with a selection of futuristic short plays. Grand Central Arts Center, 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15 thru 18. $25. (657) 205-6273. thewaywardartist.org
‘The Age of Innocence’ Edith Wharton’s Pulitzer Prize–winning 1920 novel about romance and heartbreak in New York high society during the Gilded Age is adapted for the stage by Karen Zacarías in this world premiere drama. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 15 thru March 10. $29 and up. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org
‘Black Cypress Bayou’ A mother and her two daughters know more than they are letting on about the death of their small Texas town’s most prominent citizen in this world premiere dramedy from playwright Kristen Adele Calhoun. Geffen Playhouse, Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 15 thru March 17. $30-$129. (310) 208-2028. geffenplayhouse.org
‘Alice’s Wonderland’ Lewis Carroll’s classic fantasy tale gets a pop, hip-hop and video game-themed update in this new kid-friendly musical. South Coast Rep, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Opening night, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16; 2 and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays thru Feb. 25. $30-$48. (714) 708-5555. scr.org
‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ The Old Testament character’s tale of tribulation and triumph is retold in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s hit musical. Rose Center Theater, 14140 All American Way, Westminster. 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 16 thru March 3. $20-$45. (714) 793-1150. rosecentertheater.com
LBP Staff & Friends Cabaret Fundraiser Company members and volunteers perform in this variety show; part of the Playhouse’s Studio Collaborative series. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 16-17. $20. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.org
‘Mack & Mabel’ Dermot Mulroney and Caroline O’Connor head the cast of a concert staging of the classic Jerry Herman musical about silent movie director Mack Sennett and actress Mabel Normand; presented by All Roads Theatre. El Portal Theatre, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16-18. $65-$200. (818) 508-4200. elportaltheatre.com
‘Marilyn, Mom & Me’ Writer-director Luke Yankee explores his relationship with his mother, actress Eileen Heckart, as well as his mother’s friendship with her “Bus Stop” co-star, screen icon Marilyn Monroe, in this world premiere dramedy. International City Theatre, 330 E. Seaside Way, Long Beach. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 16 thru March 3. $49-$55. (562) 436-4610. ictlongbeach.org
‘Cinderella’ Storybook Theatre’s family-friendly musical based on the classic fairytale returns. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, L.A. 1 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 17 thru June 1. $15. (323) 851-7977. theatrewest.org
‘Coney Island Land or The Great Existential Actuality at the End of the Universe’ Former high school sweethearts reconnect three decades later in Timothy Braun’s new drama. Theatre 68 Arts Complex, The Emerson, 5112 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 17 thru March 17. $30. onstage411.com
Michael Feinstein in ‘Music for Lovers & Strangers’ The vocalist-pianist-conductor is joined by showbiz veteran Sheryl Lee Ralph for a Valentine’s Day-themed celebration of the Great American Songbook. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Spring St., downwotn L.A. 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. $69 and up. (213) 628-2772. centertheatregroup.org
‘Sex with Strangers’ The challenges of finding love in the digital age are explored in Laura Eason‘s new drama. McCadden Place Theatre, 1157 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 17 thru March 3; also 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19. $20. onthestage.tickets
‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ Attend the tale of the titular tormented tonsorialist in a new staging of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s Tony-winning musical thriller set in Victorian-era London. A Noise Within, 3352 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 17 thru March 17 (no matinee Feb. 17). $29 and up. (626) 356-3100. anoisewithin.org
‘Broadway Divas Drag Brunch: Back to the Stage’ Miss Clair Voyance and company return in an all-new show. Segerstrom Center’s Samueli Theatre, 600 Town Center Drive., Costa Mesa. 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. Sold out. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
Continuing...
‘Arrowhead’ IAMA Theatre Company stages Catya McMullen’s new LGBTQ-themed comedy about a lesbian who is surprised as anyone to discover she’s somehow pregnant. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village. 8 p.m. Fridays & Mondays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through March 4; dark Feb. 12. $40; Feb. 12 & 26, pay what you can. (323) 380-8843. iamatheatre.com
‘Betrayal’ The end is the beginning in acclaimed playwright Harold Pinter’s dark drama, told in reverse chronological order, about a romantic triangle involving a long-married couple and the wife’s longtime lover. City Garage, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, thru March 17. $25, $30; pay-what-you-can tickets available for Sundays, at the door only. (310) 453-9939. citygarage.org
‘Brushstroke’ A middle-aged artist and a young art aficionado find themselves caught up in Cold War-era shenanigans in John Ross Bowie’s comedic thriller set in 1950s Manhattan. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, thru March 3. $25-$55. (310) 477-2055. odysseytheatre.com
‘Cinderella’ This long-running, kid-friendly take on the classic fairytale returns in a new multimedia-enhanced staging. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 2 p.m. Saturdays, 12:30 p.m. Sundays, thru April 28. $12.50, $15. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com
‘Dark Dark Ride Ride’ You’re on the highway to Hell in this immersive horror-theatre experience for ages 18 and older only (mandatory signed waiver required before entry). Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Rides depart every 15 minutes from 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, extended thru Feb. 25. $35 (good for up to 2 people). zombiejoes.com
Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ The national tour of the Tony-winning musical based on the animated 1994 tale roars into Orange County. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, thru Feb. 25. $39 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
‘English’ Four students in Iran bond as they prepare for a potentially life-changing exam in Sanaz Toossi’s Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy; includes strong language. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays, thru Feb. 25. $33 and up. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org
‘42nd Street’ Come and meet those dancing feet! An aspiring Broadway chorus girl from Allentown, Pa. gets her shot at the big time in the mother of all backstage musicals, based on the 1933 movie. Carpenter Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 1 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 10 thru 25; also 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. $20 and up; student rush, $15. musical.org
‘Grumpy Monkey, The Musical’ Your simian protagonist and his pals seek adventure in this world-premiere, kid-friendly musical comedy based on the children’s book; presented by Pasadena Playhouse. Porticos Art Space 2033 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, thru March 3. $32. (626) 356-7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org
‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ Take a walk on the wild side with a gender-bending aspiring rock star from East Germany in Stephen Trask and John Cameron Mitchell’s Obie-winning Off-Broadway musical fable; contains mature subject matter, loud music and strong language. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, thru Feb. 25. $8-$54. (888) 455-4212. ChanceTheater.com
‘I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter’ A Chicago teen tries to forge her own path in this drama based on the novel by Erika L. Sánchez and adpated for the stage by Isaac Gómez. Greenway Court Theatre, 544 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A. 7 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, extended thru March 3. $15, $40. (323) 673-0544. GreenwayCourtTheatre.org
‘It’s Only a Show!’ Writer-performer Paul Linke remembers his close friend, the late, great actor, comic and teacher Charles Nelson Reilly, in this solo show. Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Ave., Santa Monica. 5 p.m. Saturdays, thru March 23. $15-$30. (310) 397-3244. ruskingrouptheatre.com
‘La Cocina’ Cooks and waitstaff at a New York restaurant toil away while trying to make better lives for themselves in the West Coast premiere of Tony Menéses’ dramedy. Loft Ensemble, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, thru Feb 11. Donate what you want. (818) 452-3153. loftensemble.org
‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’ The Long Beach Shakespeare Company launches its 22nd season with the Bard’s romantic fable. Helen Borgers Theatre, 4250 ½ Atlantic, Long Beach. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, thru Feb. 10. $15, $25. LBShakespeare.org
‘Magic Strings’ Bob Baker’s classic family-friendly puppet show gets a multimedia-enhanced makeover. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 4949 York Blvd., Highland Park. Various showtimes, thru April 7. $25; under age 2, free. bobbakermarionettetheater.com
Matthew Bourne’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ The acclaimed choreographer reimagines Shakespeare’s tragic tale of teenage love in the North American premiere of this dance theater work featuring music by Terry Davies based on Prokofiev’s classic score. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, thru Feb. 25. $35 and up. (213) 628-2772. centertheatregroup.org
‘Mercury’ A rise in temperatures brings trouble for assorted residents of Portland, Ore. in the West Coast premiere of this black comedy by Steve Yockey. The Road Theatre, 10747 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, extended thru March 2. $15, $39; Sundays, pay what you can. (818) 761-8838. roadtheatre.org
‘Message in a Bottle’ Three siblings undertake a perilous journey following an attack on their peaceful village in this dance-theater fable set to the music of Sting and featuring choreography by Kate Prince. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6 thru 11. $45 and up. (323) 468-1770. broadwayinhollywood.com
‘Middle of the World’ An Ecuadoran woman driving an Uber in NYC has a fateful encounter with a Manhattan mover and shaker in Juan José Alfonso’s new drama; Guillermo Cienfuegos directs. Rogue Machine, the Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave., L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and Mondays, 3 p.m. Sundays, thru March 4. $25-$45; pay what you can, Fridays in February only, $10-$20. (855) 585-5185. roguemachinetheatre.org
‘The Mysterious Affair at Styles’ Belgian super sleuth Hercule Poirot is on the case in this stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s debut novel. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, thru Feb. 10. $20-$30. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.org
‘Mystic Pizza’ West Coast premiere of this musical based on the 1988 coming-of-age tale about three gal pals slinging slices at a small-town pizzeria in Connecticut. La Mirada Theare for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, thru Feb. 11. $14-$90; discounts available; children under 3 not admitted. (562) 944-9801, (714) 994-6310. LaMiradaTheatre.com
‘A Permanent Image’ Estranged siblings reunite over the holidays to help bury the family patriarch in an encore of Samuel D. Hunter’s Idaho-set dramedy. Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Blvd., Venice. 8 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, thru Feb. 25. $35. (310) 822-8392. pacificresidenttheatre.org
‘The Pianist of Willesden Lane’ Mona Golabek pays tribute her mother, a Jewish pianist who escaped Nazi-controlled Austria, in this acclaimed solo show adapted and directed by Hershey Felder. Ensemble Theatre Company at the New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, other dates and times, thru Feb. 25. $25-$86. (805) 965-5400. etcsb.org
‘POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive’ Female staffers at the White House are tasked with putting out fires large and small in the Los Angeles premiere of Selina Fillinger’s D.C.-set satire. 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, thru Feb. 25. $30-$129. (310) 208-2028. geffenplayhouse.org
‘Private Lives’ Kentwood Players stages Noël Coward’s classic 1930s-era comedy about a divorced couple who inadvertently find themselves honeymooning with their new spouses at the same hotel. Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Westchester. 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, thru Feb. 10. $21, $25. (310) 645-5156. kentwoodplayers.org
‘Ripcord’ An elderly woman in a senior care facility takes an instant dislike to her new roommate in David Lindsay Abaire’s 2015 comedy. Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 S. 7th St., Santa Paula. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays, thru March 3. $22-$24. santapaulatheatercenter.org
Solofest 2024 This annual super-sized showcase for solo performers is back with a slew of in-person and online offerings. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Various dates and times, thru March 16. $25. (818) 687-8559. whitefiretheatre.com
‘Strangers on a Train’ A random conversation between two men leads to murder in Craig Warner’s thriller based on the Patricia Highsmith novel that also inspired the classic Hitchcock film. Theatre Forty, Mary Levin Cutler Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, thru Feb. 18. $35. (310) 364-0535. theatre40.org
‘Twelve Angry Jurors’ The Group Rep stages Sherman L. Sergel’s classic courtroom drama adapted from Reginald Rose’s 1954 teleplay. Lonny Chapman Theatre, Main Stage, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, thru March 3. $30, $35. (818) 763-5990. thegrouprep.com
‘The Winter’s Tale’ A king suspects his wife is having an affair with his best friend, who is also a king, in Shakespeare’s romantic drama; for ages 10 and up. Antaeus Theatre Company, Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center, 110 E. Broadway, Glendale. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, other dates, Feb. 9 thru March 11. $23-$45. (818) 506-1983. antaeus.org
‘The World is My Home — The Life of Paul Robeson’ Stogie Kenyatta portrays the legendary singer, actor and civil rights activist in this hit one-man show. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. $30; discounts available. santamonicaplayhouse.com
Books & poetry
‘Poetry Uncut: Part III’ Acclaimed poets Def Sound and Sunni Patterson are featured in this showcase hosted by Grammy winner J. Ivy. UCLA Nimoy Theater, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. $32. cap.ucla.edu