SoCal theatre, Nov. 12-19: ‘Waiting for Godot,’ ‘La Cage aux Folles,’ ‘The Producers’ and more
Theatre, musicals, cabaret, drag, standup comedy, poetry, spoken word, storytelling, and books & lit for LA & OC
Welcome to the latest TV or Not TV newsletter spotlighting live theater, cabaret, standup comedy, etc. on stages all around Southern California this week. I’m Matt Cooper, former listings coordinator for the Los Angeles Times’ Calendar.
Theatre
Opening this week…
‘Melissa Errico: A Noir Romance’ The Broadway veteran performs in this cabaret show. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Nov. 13-14. $59-$69. (562) 985-7000. carpenterarts.org
‘Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd’ Whodunit? That is the question in the West Coast premiere of Mark Shanahan’s stage adaptation of Christie’s classic 1926 mystery novel. Theatre Forty, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 14 thru Dec. 15. $35. (310) 364-0535. theatre40.org
‘It’s All Your Fault, Tyler Price!’ A middle schooler stands up to the classmate who’s been bullying his little sister in this world premiere musical from Ben Decter and Kristin Hanggi. The Hudson Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 14 thru Dec. 15; also 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 8; no performances Nov. 28 and Dec. 6. $25 and up. onstage411.com
‘Waiting for Godot’ “The Office’s” Rainn Wilson and “The Daily Show’s” Aasif Mandvi head the cast of a new production of Samuel Beckett’s classic Absurdist fable. 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, Nov. 14 thru Dec. 15. $36-$159. (310) 208-2028. geffenplayhouse.org
‘Absurdist Theatre: Picasso and others’ A trio of short plays includes a new translation of the legendary Spanish artist’s rarely staged 1944 farce “Desire Caught by the Tail.” The Hobgoblin Playhouse, 6440 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15-17. $30, $40. onstage411.com
‘Arms Around America’ The epidemic of gun violence in these United States is explored in this world-premiere radio-style theatrical work from Dan Froot & Company. Nimoy Theater, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 15-16. $38. (310) 825-2101. cap.ucla.edu
‘First Date’ Chromolume Theatre returns after a six-year hiatus with this musical rom-com with book by Austin Winsberg and music and lyrics by Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner. Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave., L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 15 thru Dec. 1. $40. chrtheatre.com
‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ Quasimodo — now that name rings a bell — returns in a new staging of the Disney musical based on the classic Victor Hugo novel. Casa 0101 Theater, 2102 E. 1st St., Boyle Heights. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 15 thru Dec. 22; no show Nov. 29. $25-$75. (323) 263-7684. casa0101.org
‘The Producers’ Kentwood Players presents Mel Brooks’ hit musical comedy based on his 1967 showbiz satire about two Broadway producers deliberately trying to stage a flop. Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Westchester. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 15 thru Dec. 14, with added 2 p.m. Saturday matinees beginning Nov. 23. $26, $30. (310) 645-5156. kentwoodplayers.org
‘Aleichem Sholom: The Wit and Wisdom of Sholom Aleichem’ Chris DeCarlo portrays the beloved Jewish author in the return of this bio drama. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 7 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 16 & 30; 3 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 17 & Dec. 1. $35. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com
‘Thresholds of Invention’ The series returns with two new works-in-progress by veteran writer-performer, author and radio personality Sandra Tsing Loh: “I’ll Burn That Bridge When I Come to It (8 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 16 & 23) and “A ‘Post-Apocalyptic’ Home Companion!” (2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17). The Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. $25. (310) 477-2055. odysseytheatre.com
‘Broadway Showstoppers in Concert’ Musical theater veterans perform backed by a 16-piece orchestra in this revue presented by All Roads Theatre Company. El Portal Theater, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16-17. $60-$80; VIP package, $150. elportaltheatre.com
‘La Cage aux Folles’ A nightclub manager and his romantic partner, a drag queen, attempt to stage an elaborate ruse all in the name of love in this Tony-winning musical comedy with book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Opening night only, 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17; 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 15; also 7 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 28, Dec. 8 & 15. $44 and up. (626) 356-7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org
‘Emily Goglia Presents The Limelight Club’ The L.A.-based cabaret artist, accompanied by Pete White, shares show tunes and stories and welcomes special guest performers as part of her monthly residency. The Moon Room (2nd floor), 7174 Melrose Ave., L.A. 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18. Sold out. eventbrite.com
Comedy
Sunset Comedy Night Veteran comics Craig Robinson, Kumail Nanjiani, Doug Benson and “SNL’s” Darrell Hammond are among the funny folk taking the stage in a new installment of this stand-up showcase. Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19. $25-$45; food and drink minimums apply. (323) 466-2210. catalinajazzclub.com
Books & lit
‘An Evening with David Sedaris’ The author, humorist and radio personality returns to SoCal. The United Theater on Broadway, 929 S. Broadway, downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. $69 and up. theunitedtheater.com
Continuing...
21st Annual New Original Works (NOW) Festival This showcase for L.A.-based theater, music, dance and multimedia artists continues; with advisories for mature content, loud sounds, flashing lights, etc. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. 8:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, Nov. 14-16 and 21-23, with Saturday performances also available as a livestream. In-person: $13-$25; virtual: $10-$20; in-person or virtual festival pass: $50. redcat.org
‘Adventures in the Great Beyond’ A college dropout joins a guru and others on a spiritual quest in the Arizona desert in this new immersive musical rom-com. The Hudson Mainstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 8. $20, $45. greatbeyondmusical.com
‘American Idiot’ Center Theatre Group and Deaf West Theatre team up for an American Sign Language-fueled production of this hit rock musical based on Green Day’s Grammy-winning 2004 album. Mark Taper Forum, 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, extended thru Nov. 16. $35 and up. (213) 628-2772. centertheatregroup.org
‘Antíkoni’ A Native American family must navigate a chaotic political landscape in the world premiere of Beth Piatote’s drama set in the not-too-distant future, inspired by Sophocles’ ancient Greek tragedy “Antigone” and presented by the Autry Museum’s Native Voices initiative. Southwest Museum Campus, 234 Museum Drive, L.A. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays thru Nov. 24. $20, $30; advance purchase required. theautry.org
‘As You Like It’ The Old Globe’s “Globe for All” initiative presents a free, locally touring production of Shakespeare’s comic fable. Various locations in and around San Diego; various days, dates and times thru Nov. 24 (with a pair of low-cost ticketed performances, noon and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 at the Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego; $25). Details at theoldglobe.org
‘Back to the Future: The Musical’ A modern-day teen travels back in time to the 1950s, with a little help from a kooky scientist, in this Broadway show based on the 1985 sci-fi comedy starring Michael J Fox. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 1. $56.75 and up. (323) 468-1770. broadwayinhollywood.com
‘Beauty and the Beast’ Kid-friendly show based on the classic fairy tale. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 2 p.m. Saturdays, 12:30 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 17. $12.50, $15. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com
‘The Children’ The Wayward Artist stages Lucy Kirkwood’s 2016 drama about two married nuclear physicists riding out the aftermath of a nuclear disaster in a remote cottage on the British coast. Grand Central Arts Center, 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 17. $20, $30. (657) 205-6273. thewaywardartist.org
Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Kooza’ A sweetly naïve clown undertakes a fantastical journey in this darkly whimsical big-top spectacular from the Montreal-based cirque company. Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica. Various days, dates and times thru Jan. 5. $74 and up. cirquedusoleil.com
‘The Civil Twilight’ A popular AM radio personality find himself trapped in a motel room with his biggest fan during a raging storm in Shem Bitterman’s new thriller. Broadwater Studio Theatre, 1076 Lillian Way, Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 24. $20-$45. theciviltwilight.ludus.com
‘Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ The family-friendly holiday musical based on the beloved book and subsequent animated TV special returns. The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays and Fridays; 5 p.m. Thursdays; 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays; other dates and times thru Dec. 29. $33 and up. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org
‘The Doll’s House Project’ “A Doll’s House,” Ibsen’s classic 19th-century drama about a frustrated housewife yearning for something more, runs in repertory with Lucas Hnath’s 2017 follow-up, “A Doll’s House, Part 2.” Beverly Hills Playhouse, 254 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. “A Doll’s House,” 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 p.m. Sundays; “Part 2,” 8 p.m. Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. Sundays; thru Dec. 8. $15, $35. (310) 620-1134. bhplayhouse.com
‘The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody’ The space-opera franchise that George Lucas built comes in for a saucy and sexy spoofing in the return of this hit show for ages 18 and up only. The Montalbán Theatre, 1615 Vine St., Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 7 p.m. Fridays, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 1. $44 and up. theempirestripsback.com
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ “Seinfeld’s” Jason Alexander stars as the titular tradition-loving Jewish milkman raising five daughters in a shtetl in czarist Russia in a new staging of the beloved Broadway musical. La Mirada Theatre 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 Dec. 1; also 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27; no performance Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28. $34-$109; discounts available; children under 3 not admitted. (562) 944-9801, (714) 994-6310. lamiradatheatre.com
‘Four Top’ The Group Rep stages Michael B. Kaplan’s new relationship comedy. Lonny Chapman Theatre (upstairs), 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. 7 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, 4 p.m. Saturdays, extended thru Dec. 1; added performance 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30; no performance Thursday, Nov. 28. $25, $30. (818) 763-5990. thegrouprep.com
‘The Girl Who Made the Milky Way’ A young girl undertakes a fantastical journey across the African savanna in the world premiere of June Carryl’s family friendly fable inspired by an ancient Khoisan myth; presented by Imagine Theatre; children under 5 not admitted. The Colony Theatre, 555 N 3rd St., Burbank. 7 p.m. Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 17; also 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. $20, $30. (818) 649-9474. imaginetheatreca.org
‘The Goddamn Couple Down the Hall (Oh…, and Merry Christmas!)’ A Pasadena family’s holiday get-together is disrupted by a contentious neighbor couple’s constant arguing in Mark Wilding’s mystery comedy. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 15. $35, $40.(323) 851-4839. theatrewest.org
‘Heading Into Night: A clown play about... [forgetting]’ Cirque du Soleil veteran Daniel Passer finds humor and pathos in memory loss in this solo show co-created with director Beth F. Milles. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 17. $20–$40; Fridays, pay what you can (available online and at the door beginning at 5:30 p.m. day of show). (310) 477-2055. odysseytheatre.com
‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ Intimate staging of Stephen Trask and John Cameron Mitchell’s Obie-winning Off-Broadway musical fable about a gender-bending aspiring rock star from East Germany. Long Beach Playhouse, Studio Theatre, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 16. $20-$30. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.org
‘Hughie’ A down-on-his-luck gambler bends the ear of a disinterested night clerk at a rundown hotel in Eugene O’Neill’s classic two-hander. City Garage, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 24. $25, $30; Sundays, pay what you can (at the door only). (310) 453-9939. citygarage.org
‘I, Daniel Blake’ A middle-aged man fighting to obtain unemployment benefits befriends a struggling single mom in the U.S. premiere of Dave Johns’ drama based on the 2016 film by British director Ken Loach. The Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 24. $25-$45; Mondays, $40 or pay what you want (subject to availability). (323) 663-1525. fountaintheatre.com
‘Joan’ The life and times of trailblazing comedienne and talk show host Joan Rivers are recalled in Daniel Goldstein’s world-premiere bio-drama; for ages 16 and up, with an advisory for adult language. South Coast Repertory, Segerstrom Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:45 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 2 and 7:45 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 24 (with 20-minute pre-show sets by female comics on Nov. 16 & 23); also 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19. $35-$114. (714) 708-5555. scr.org
‘Nightingale’ Isolated in his home, a troubled military veteran seeks digital connection to the outside world in Frederick Mensch’s new adaptation of his screenplay for the dark 2014 HBO film of the same name. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village. 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 5 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 17. $25, $35. eventbrite.com
‘Pacific Overtures’ East West Players remounts its acclaimed staging of the Tony-winning Steven Sondheim musical about the westernization of Japan beginning in the 19th century, told from the Japanese perspective; Tim Dang directs. David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso St., Little Tokyo, downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 5 p.m. Sundays thru Dec. 1; also 8 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 18 (pay what you can) and Nov. 25. $15 and up. (213) 625-7000. eastwestplayers.org
‘Robbin, From the Hood’ A teenage math whiz pushes back against capitalism and corporate greed in Marlow Wyatt‘s drama based on the classic fairytale. Road Theatre, 10747 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 17. $17-$39. (818) 761-8838. roadtheatre.org
‘Romeo and Juliet’ For never was a story of more woe than this, Shakespeare's classic tale of tragic teenage love. Long Beach Playhouse, Studio Theatre, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 30. $20-$30. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.org
‘Spider’s Web’ The discovery of a dead body upends a dinner party hosted by a diplomat’s wife in Agatha Christie’s classic mystery comedy. Westminster Community Playhouse, 7272 Maple St., Westminster. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 24. $11.50-$26.50. wcpstage.com
’Topsy Turvy (A Musical Greek Vaudeville)’ This mashup of modern comedy and classical theater from writer-director Tim Robbins is back for an encore; for ages 13 and up. The Actors’ Gang Theater, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays thru Nov. 16. $28; $38. (310) 838-4264. theactorsgang
‘Turkeys! The Musical’ The truth about Thanksgiving proves hard to swallow for our fine feathered friends in the return of Ian Michaels’ hit musical comedy. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays thru Nov. 30. $20, $25. zombiejoes.com
‘The Ugly Duckling’ Storybook Theatre reprises its award-winning, kid-friendly interactive musical based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, L.A. 1 p.m. Saturdays thru Jan. 11. $15. (323) 851-4839. theatrewest.org
‘A View From the Bridge’ An Italian American longshoreman develops an unhealthy fixation on his wife’s orphaned niece in Arthur Miller’s classic 1950s-era drama. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Drive, Laguna Beach. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 17; no 5:30 p.m. show Sunday, Nov. 17. $51-$100. (949) 497-2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
‘The Wisdom of Eve’ An aspiring Broadway actress seeks stardom by any means necessary in this stage adaptation of Mary Orr’s 1946 short story that was also the basis for the classic 1950 melodrama “All About Eve.” Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. 8 p.m. Saturdays thru Nov. 23; final show, 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. $30-$40. 818-687-8559. whitefiretheatre.com