SoCal theatre, Nov. 19-26: ‘Life & Times of Michael K,’ Eddie Izzard, ‘Shrek the Musical’ 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…
‘Life & Times of Michael K’ The acclaimed Handspring Puppet Company and Cape Town’s Baxter Theatre join forces for Lara Foot’s stage adaptation of J.M. Coetzee’s Booker-Prize winning 1983 novel about a South African man on an arduous cross-country trek to escort his mother home to the village of her birth; recommended for middle and high school students and older. The Wallis, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.n. Sunday, Nov. 21-24. $69 and up. (310) 746-4000. thewallis.org
‘Mother Sisters’ Writer-director-performer Makaela Vogel portrays multiple family members in this deeply personal solo docu-play based on the life experiences of her eight aunties. MorYork, 4959 York Blvd., Highland Park. 8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 21-24. $25. (310) 307-3753. echotheatercompany.com
‘Flayed’ A deeply closeted young man auditions for the role of associate pastor at a conservative church in writer-performer Josiah Blount’s dark comedy; includes mature content and brief partial nudity. Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Davidson/Valentini Theatre, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. $19-$49. ci.ovationtix.com
‘Shrek the Musical’ The big green ogre, his donkey pal Donkey and Princess Fiona are back — for a very limited time — in a revamped version of this family-friendly Broadway show based on the hit 2001 fantasy tale. Segerstrom Center’s Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22-24. $44 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
‘Journey to Oz’ Youngsters in the audience just might find themselves part of the action in this immersive show for ages 4 to 8 and based on the writings of L. Frank Baum. Segerstrom Center’s Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 1 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. (ASL) and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23-24. $28 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
‘Santa Claus Conquers the Martians’ This hit stage adaptation of schlocky 1959 sci-fi/fantasy comedy is back for an 18th season. Maverick Theater, 110 E. Walnut Ave., Fullerton. 8 p.m. Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 3 and 7 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 23 thru Dec. 23. $25, $35. (714) 526-7070. mavericktheater.com
‘Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical’ Our feline protagonist and his pal Molly Pollywog teach some baby frogs how to make their own comics in this stage show based on characters from Dav Pilkey’s popular “Dog Man” books; for ages 6 and up. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Opening night, 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24; 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays; 3 and 7 p.m. Fridays; 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; other dates and times thru Jan. 5. $30 and up. (213) 628-2772. centertheatregroup.org
‘Your Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again’ An actor finds himself cast in different roles in the holiday classic over the course of his lengthy career in the world premiere of Anna Ouyang Moench’s backstage fable. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. Opening night, 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays, thru Dec. 15; added 2 p.m. show Wednesday, Nov. 27; no performance Thanksgiving Day. $30 and up. (858) 550-1070. lajollaplayhouse.org
Comedy
‘Eddie Izzard — The Remix: The First 35 Years’ The boundary-breaking British comic, actor and activist takes a look back. Fred Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. $65-$230. (805) 449-2787. bapacthousandoaks.com
‘Charles Phoenix Retro Holiday’ The humorist and pop culture enthusiast returns with his carousel of vintage Kodachrome slides. James R. Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. $27-$37. (310) 378-8100. torrancearts.org
‘Hannah Gadsby: Woof!’ The off-kilter Aussie comic graces the stage. The United Theater on Broadway, 929 S. Broadway, downtown L.A. 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. $51-$133. theunitedtheater.com
Continuing...
21st Annual New Original Works (NOW) Festival This showcase for L.A.-based theater, music, dance and multimedia artists concludes; with advisories for mature content, loud sounds, flashing lights, etc. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. 8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23, with Saturday’s performance 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
‘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 thru Dec. 15. $35. (310) 364-0535. theatre40.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. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1. $35. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com
‘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
Also at Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa, Dec. 26 thru Jan. 5)
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
‘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 thru Dec. 1. $40. chrtheatre.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 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
‘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
‘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
‘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
‘I’ll Burn That Bridge When I Come to It’ The Odyssey’s “Thresholds of Invention” series continues with this new work-in-progress by veteran writer-performer, author and radio personality Sandra Tsing Loh. The Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. $25. (310) 477-2055. odysseytheatre.com
‘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 thru Dec. 15; also 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 8; no performances Nov. 28 and Dec. 6. $25 and up. onstage411.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; also 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19. $35-$114. (714) 708-5555. scr.org
‘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
‘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, extended thru Dec. 1; also 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25. $15 and up. (213) 625-7000. eastwestplayers.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 thru Dec. 14, with added 2 p.m. Saturday matinees beginning Nov. 23. $26, $30. (310) 645-5156. kentwoodplayers.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
‘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
‘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
‘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. Final shows, 8 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23-24. $30-$40. 818-687-8559. whitefiretheatre.com