SoCal theatre, Nov. 5-12: ‘Pacific Overtures,’ ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ REDCAT’s NOW Festival 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…
21st Annual New Original Works (NOW) Festival This showcase for L.A.-based theater, music, dance and multimedia artists returns, with nine new works presented in a different triple bill each week; with advisories for mature content, loud sounds, flashing lights, etc. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. 8:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, Nov. 7-9, 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
‘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, Nov. 8 thru 24. $20, $30; advance purchase required. theautry.org
‘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, Nov. 8 thru 17. $20, $30. (657) 205-6273. thewaywardartist.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, Nov. 8 thru Dec. 15. $35, $40.(323) 851-4839. theatrewest.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, Nov. 8 thru 17. $25, $35. eventbrite.com
‘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, Nov. 8 thru 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, Nov. 8 thru 30. $20, $25. zombiejoes.com
‘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 with book and lyrics by Tom Chiodo and music by Joe Nedder. The Hudson Mainstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 9 thru Dec. 8. $20, $45. greatbeyondmusical.com
‘Come From Away’ An airport in a small town in Newfoundland, Canada, plays host to travelers from around the world who were diverted there by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in this Tony-winning musical. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos. 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9-10. $52 and up. (562) 916-8500. ccpa.cerritos.gov
‘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. Opening night, 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9; 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 6:30 p.m. performance Nov. 10; no performance Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28. $34-$109; discounts available; children under 3 not admitted. (562) 944-9801, (714) 994-6310. lamiradatheatre.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, Nov. 9 thru 17; also 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. $20, $30 (opening night only, $30, $50). (818) 649-9474. imaginetheatreca.org
‘Women’s Voices’ Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival presents an afternoon of storytelling by local women performers. Culver City Veterans Memorial Building, Rotunda Room, 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City. 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. Free. RSVP at eventbrite.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. Opening night, 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10; 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
‘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, Nov. 10 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
Continuing...
‘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
‘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, Nov. 5 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
‘Beehive: The 60’s Musical’ Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Carole King, Tina Turner are among the female singers celebrated in this nostalgic show. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 10. $22-$33. simi-arts.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
‘Committed?’ Writer-performer Lisa Robins explores her tragicomic journey toward healing in the aftermath of her brother’s suicide in this new solo show; includes talkbacks after each performance; for ages 14 and up. Rogue Machine at the Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave, L.A. Final performances: 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 8-9. $25, $45. (855) 585-5185. roguemachinetheatre.org
‘Crevasse’ Final three performances of Tom Jacobson’s new fact-based drama about a momentous meeting between German filmmaker and Nazi propagandist Leni Riefenstahl and legendary animator and studio head Walt Disney; co-presented by Victory Theatre Centre and Son of Semele Ensemble. Victory Theatre Centre, 3326 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank. Final performances: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8; 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. $25–$40. (818) 841-5421. thevictorytheatrecenter.org
‘Diva — The Play’ A famous Australian opera singer who is beginning to have cognitive issues looks back on the moments that shaped her life and career in writer-performer Vivienne Powell’s new drama. Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave., L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 10. $25. divatheplay.com
‘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
‘Encuentro 2024: We Are Here – Presente!’ Theater companies from around the U.S. and Puerto Rico take part in a new edition of this Latinx theater festival hosted by L.A.’s own Latino Theater Company. The Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., downtown L.A. Various days, dates and times thru Nov. 10. $10-$48; multi-show packages: $80-$380. (213) 489-0994. latinotheaterco.org
‘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
‘Hallowe’en Spooktacular’ The not-too-scary family-friendly seasonal favorite returns. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 4949 York Blvd., Highland Park. Various days, dates and times thru Nov. 10. $25; ages 2 and under, free. (213) 250-9995. bobbakermarionettetheater.com
‘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; also 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6. $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. 12. $25-$45; Mondays, $40 or pay what you want (subject to availability). (323) 663-1525. fountaintheatre.com
‘I’ll Be with You Shortly’ A car accident victim finds herself in an otherworldly waiting room in Neo Ensemble Theatre’s staging of Michael Merton’s fantastical new dark comedy; for ages 12 and up. Loft Ensemble Theatre, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays thru Nov. 7. $25. neoensembletheatre.org
‘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. 9, 16 & 23); also 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19. $35-$114. (714) 708-5555. scr.org
‘The Orphan’s Revenge (or Abandoned at Cooper’s Crossing)’ The Group Rep reprises its hit staging of this old-timey musical comedy. Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 10. $35, $40. (818) 763-5990. thegrouprep.com
‘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, with open-captioned performances for the deaf and hard of hearing on Saturday, Nov. 2, and Sunday, Nov. 10. $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
‘summertime, an interlude’ A neighborhood comes together following an assault on a beloved community leader one sweltering summer day in aniello fontano’s new drama. Loft Ensemble Theatre, Sawyer’s Playhouse, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 10. By donation. (818) 452-3153. loftensemble.org
’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
‘Trouble in Mind’ A Black actress in rehearsals for a Broadway show pushes back against racial stereotyping in the American theatre in Alice Childress’ drama. Actors Co-op’s David Schall Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St., Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 10. $25-$35. (323) 462-8460. actorsco-op.org
‘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. Opening night, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3; 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 1 p.m. show on Sunday, Nov. 3; 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. $30-$40. 818-687-8559. whitefiretheatre.com