SoCal theatre, Oct. 29-Nov. 5: ‘Joan,’ ‘Doll’s House Project,’ ‘View From the Bridge,’ Mummenschanz 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…
‘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 returns to SoCal 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
‘A Nightmare on Hill Street’ Masked Mexican wrestlers grapple, aerialists soar, comics crack wise and burlesque artists strut their scantily clad stuff in a special Halloween edition of this saucy spectacle from Lucha VaVoom de La Liz; for ages 21 and up only. The Mayan Theatre, 1038 S. Hill St., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Oct. 30-31. $56‒$98. luchavavoomdelaliz.com
‘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, Nov. 1 thru 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; Nov. 1 thru Dec. 8. $15, $35. (310) 620-1134. bhplayhouse.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, Nov. 1 thru 24 (with 20-minute pre-show sets by female comics on Nov. 2, 9, 16 & 23). $35-$114. (714) 708-5555. scr.org
‘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, Nov. 2 thru 17. $12.50, $15. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com
‘John Lloyd Young: Broadway’s Jersey Boy’ The Tony winner sings showtunes, standards and more. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. $44-$64. (949) 854-4646. thebarclay.org
‘Mummenschanz: 50 Years’ The venerable mask theater troupe from Switzerland marks a milestone in this decade-spanning retrospective featuring memorable moments from productions past. The Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. $34-$130. (818) 677-3000. thesoraya.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
‘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. Opening night, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5; 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
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
‘Stephanie Miller’s Sexy Liberal Save The World Tour’ The comic is joined by fellow funny folk John Fugelsang, Hal Sparks and Frangela for a pre-election laughfest; for ages 18 and older only. Orpheum Theatre, 842 S. Broadway, downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. $25-$111. laorpheum.com
‘Stand Up For Pits with Rebecca Corry’ Big-name comics bring the funny and you bring pet supplies for local dog shelters in this annual benefit show to help find loving homes for pit bulls. The Bourbon Room, 6356 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd floor, Hollywood. Pre-show mixer with silent auction, 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3; performance, 6 to 10 p.m. $95. standupforpits.us
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
‘Blood/Love’ 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. 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. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1 & 3; ends Nov. 3. $72, $78. (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. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2; 4 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 3 and 10. $25–$40. (818) 841-5421. thevictorytheatrecenter.org
‘Delusion: The Red Castle’ The lunatics have taken over the asylum in this intimate, immersive and interactive horror theater experience. 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
‘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 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. Closes 7 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 31. $10-$20. 323-553-2823. greenwaycourttheatre.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
‘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
‘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
‘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
‘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
‘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
‘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
‘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
‘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. Ends 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 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. $15. (323) 851-4839. theatrewest.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. 8 p.m. Saturdays thru Nov. 23. $30-$40. 818-687-8559. whitefiretheatre.com