SoCal theatre, Oct. 22-29: ‘Hadestown,’ ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,’ Encuentro 2024 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…
‘Lucy Arnaz — I Got the Job! Songs from My Musical Past’ The veteran entertainer looks back on her theatrical career. Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, Oct. 22-23. $35-$75; food and drink minimums apply. (323) 466-2210. catalinajazzclub.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. 8 p.m. Wednesday, 2 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, 26 & 27; also 8 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1 & 3; ends Nov. 3. $72, $78. (855) 585-5185. roguemachinetheatre.org
‘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, Oct. 24 thru Nov. 10. $10-$48; multi-show packages: $80-$380. (213) 489-0994. latinotheaterco.org
‘Disclaimer’ Friends gather at a party to workshop ways to improve U.S.-Iranian relations in this interactive mix of comedy, mystery drama and agitprop from writer Tara Ahmadinejad and the theater collective Piehole; presented by CAP UCLA. Nimoy Theater, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25-26. $38. (310) 825-2101. cap.ucla.edu
‘Shag With A Twist — A Murder Mystery Musical’ Whodunit? That is the question in a special true crime-themed edition of the retro-styled musical comedy. James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25-26. $35-$45. (310) 781-7171. torrancearts.org
‘War of the Worlds’ Long Beach Shakespeare Company re-creates Orson Welles’ panic-inducing 1938 radio drama based on H.G. Wells’ classic sci-fi thriller. Helen Borgers Theatre, 4250 ½ Atlantic, Long Beach. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25-27. (562) 997-1494 $15. lbshakespeare.org
15th Festival For All Skid Row Artists The annual showcase presented by Los Angeles Poverty Department returns with live theater, music and spoken-word performances and more. Gladys Park, 808 E. 6th St., downtown L.A. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 26-27. Free. lapovertydept.org
‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ The Streetcar Project reprises its acclaimed, stripped-down, site-specific staging of Tennessee Williams’ classic New Orleans-set drama about a down-on-her-luck Southern belle forced to move in with her sister and loutish brother-in-law. Airplane hangar, 2415 Eads St., Elysian Valley (a.k.a. Frogtown), L.A. 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Oct. 28-30. Also, a warehouse, 2100 Zeno Place, Venice. 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 1–3. $69-$125. thestreetcarproject.com
‘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, Oct. 29 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
‘Hadestown’ Go to hell and back — again — as the national tour of Anaïs Mitchell’s Tony-winning, mythologically-inspired folk musical swings through SoCal once more for a very short stay. Segerstrom Center’s Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29-Nov. 3. $44 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
Books & lit
‘Be Ready When the Luck Happens: An Evening Conversation with Ina Garten’ The celebrity chef — a.k.a. “the Barefoot Contessa” — discusses her new memoir in a chat with “Veep’s” Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Segerstrom Center’s Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October. 24. Sold out. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
Comedy, poetry, spoken word
Sunset Comedy Night Patton Oswalt headlines a new installment of this star-studded stand-up showcase. Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29. $25-$45; food and drink minimums apply. (323) 466-2210. catalinajazzclub.com
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
‘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
‘Being Piaf’ Writer-performer Eleanora Owen portrays beloved French chanteuse Edith Piaf in this solo drama with music. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 27. $30. (310) 477-2055. odysseytheatre.com
‘Blood/Love’ Children of the night, what music they make in this all-new immersive vampire-themed rock opera for ages 13 and up. The Crimson, 6356 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, other dates and times thru Nov 2. $59-$119. bloodlove.com
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. Opening night, 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19; 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
‘Crevasse’ Encore engagement 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. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, extended thru Nov. 10. $25–$40. (818) 841-5421. thevictorytheatrecenter.org
‘Cringe Festival — A Ghastly Night of One Act Plays’ A collection of five spooky tales to thrill you and chill you. Write Act Repertory at The Brickhouse Theatre, 10950 Peach Grove St., North Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 27. $20-$30. (800) 838-3006. brownpapertickets.com
‘Delusion: The Red Castle’ The lunatics have taken over the asylum in this intimate, immersive and interactive horror theater experience from Jon Braver and Thirteenth Floor. Stimson House, 2421 S. Figueroa St., L.A. Various days, dates and times thru Nov. 3. $110 and up; timed-entry tickets required. enterdelusion.com
‘Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors’ Bram Stoker’s classic vampire thriller is played for laughs in Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen’s Off-Broadway hit. 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. Sundays, other dates thru Oct. 27. $25-$94. (805) 965-5400. etcsb.org
‘Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors’ Bram Stoker’s classic vampire thriller comes in for a spoofing in the West Coast premiere of Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen’s romp. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 27. $45 and up. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org
Drunk Theatre One inebriated comic and five sober ones attempt to improvise a play in a Halloween-themed edition of this recurring show. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25. $21 and up. drunktheatre.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
‘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 thru Nov. 17. $25, $30. (818) 763-5990. thegrouprep.com
‘Ghost Stories: The Dead Can’t Dance’ Greenway Arts Alliance wants to thrill you and chill you with this immersive, multidisciplinary and cross-cultural collection of spooky tales. Greenway Court Theatre, 544 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays (8 p.m. Oct. 31 only) thru Oct. 31. $10-$20. 323-553-2823. greenwaycourttheatre.org
‘A Going Away Party Play’ A young Iranian American woman gathers with close friends in Keyanna Khatiblou’s new drama exploring the concept of multicultural identities. Boston Court Pasadena, 70 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. Various dates and times thru Oct. 27. $25-$65. (626) 683-6801. bostoncourtpasadena.org
‘A Good Guy’ A middle school math teacher finds herself in the spotlight after stopping a school shooter in David Rambo’s timely new drama; John Perrin Flynn directs; includes simulated gunfire; for ages 14 and up. Rogue Machine at the Matrix Theatre, Henry Murray Stage (upstairs), 7657 Melrose Ave., L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays and Mondays, 5 p.m. Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, extended thru Oct. 28. $25-$45. (855) 585-5185. roguemachinetheatre.org
‘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
‘In the Unlikely Event of an Actual Emergency’ The audience is along for the ride in John Mullican’s immersive new drama inspired by his experiences as a plane-crash survivor. Hudson Guild Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays thru Oct. 26. $28.50. onstage411.com
‘Kill Move Paradise’ Southern California premiere of James Ijames’ fantastical drama about four Black men who unexpectedly find themselves stranded in a state of purgatory. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 3. $20–$40; pay-what-you-can night for college students, Friday, Oct. 18. (310) 477-2055. odysseytheatre.com
‘Kimberly Akimbo’ A New Jersey teen is not going to let a rare genetic condition stop her from living her best life in the national tour of this Tony-winning musical with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by “Fun Home’s” Jeanine Tesori. 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 Nov. 3. $56.75 and up. (323) 468-1770. broadwayinhollywood.com
‘The (Mostly) True Story of a Common Scold’ The trials and tribulations of pioneering 18th century female journalist Anne Royall are recalled in Mike Teverbaugh’s new historical drama. Promenade Playhouse, 10931 West Pico Blvd. 8 p.m. Fridays, 7 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 27. $35. (310) 656-8070. laproductions.org
‘Murder on the Links’ Agatha Christie’s intrepid Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is on the case as International City Theatre closes its season with Steven Dietz’ comedic adaptation of the classic whodunit. Beverly O’Neill Theater, Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, 330 E. Seaside Way, Long Beach. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 3. $49-$55. (562) 436-4610. ictlongbeach.org
‘My Right Wing Uncle’ IAMA Theatre Company presents writer-performer Graham Sibley fact-based solo show. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village. 8 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday, Oct. 23 & 27. $17.50. (323) 380-8843.iamatheatre.com
‘Night of the Living Dead’ Brian Newell’s hit stage adaptation of George A. Romero’s low-budget 1968 zombie thriller is back. Maverick Theater, 110 E. Walnut, Fullerton. 8 p.m. Fridays, 7 and 9 p.m. Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 27. $30. (714) 526-7070. mavericktheater.com
‘160 Years of Walking: 1865-2025’ Towne Street Theatre stages David Lee Lindsey's sprawling new exploration of the African American experience. Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 27. $20, $30. townestreetla.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
‘¡Pasaje!’ A local teen’s quest to uncover long-buried family secrets leads him to South El Monte in this new coming-of-age musical written by J. Quiroz and featuring music by Ozomatli’s Asdru Sierra. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 3. $12-$45. (626) 355-4318. sierramadreplayhouse.org
‘Pascal & Julien’ A young lad in search of a father figure finds a potential candidate in a middle-aged man who frequents the local café in the U.S. premiere of Daniel Keene’s coming-of-age tale; contains brief profanity; not suitable for ages seven and under; presented with Spanish subtitles. 24th Street Theatre, 1117 W. 24th St., L.A. 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 27. $10-$24; family discounts available. (213) 745-6516. 24thstreet.org
‘Rexodus: Out of the Closet, Into the Tribe’ L.A.-based transmasculine performance artist Marval Rex shares his journey in this new autobiographical solo comedy. Elysian Theater, 1944 Riverside Drive, L.A. 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25. $25. elysiantheater.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 Friday, Oct. 25; Saturday, Nov. 2; and Sunday, Nov. 10. $17-$39. (818) 761-8838. roadtheatre.org
‘Second Death of a Mad Wife’ A woman makes a shocking deathbed confession in Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos’ new Gothic thriller. Ophelia’s Jump, 2009 Porterfield Way, Upland. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, other dates and times thru Nov. 3. $20-$35. (909) 734-6565. opheliasjump.org
‘Someone Like Me’ and ‘In Whose Eyes?’ Richard Gustin’s new one-act relationship comedy is paired with George Kappaz’ new one-act fantasy drama. Art of Acting Studio, 1017 N. Orange Drive, Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 6:30 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 27. $28. onthestage.tickets
‘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
‘Symphony of Rats’ The President of these United States find himself in communion with other worldly beings in the West Coast premiere of the Wooster Group’s multimedia-enhanced reimaginging of Richard Foreman’s surreal 1988 sci-fi fable; advisories for mature content and loud sounds. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown L.A. 8:30 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, Oct. 22-23. $25-$50. (213) 237-2800. redcat.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
‘21 & Over’ The Performance Art Museum (scheduled to open in 2025) presents an international array of performance artists in this three-part showcase. Catch One, 4067 W. Pico Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 22 and 29. $30, $40; series passes, $80. pamuseum.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, 2025. $15. (323) 851-4839. theatrewest.org
‘Urban Death Tour of Terror’ Prepare to have the bejeebers scared out of you with the return of this haunted theater attraction; for ages 18 and older only, with advisories for graphic content and full nudity. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 7, 8, 9, 10. 10:45 and 11:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays thru Oct. 28. $23, $28. zombiejoes.com
‘The Very Best People’ IAMA Theatre Company opens its season with John Lavelle’s new darkly comic drama about two disgruntled men who hatch a scheme to take down the so-called “Deep State.” Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village. 8 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 27. $29-$45. (323) 380-8843. iamatheatre.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