SoCal theatre, Oct. 8-15: ‘American Idiot,’ ‘Kimberly Akimbo,’ ‘A Girl Grows Wings’ 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…
‘Varla Jean Merman: The Errors Tour’ The drag diva graces the stage for a night of songs and shenanigans. Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9. $25-$60; food and drink minimums apply. (323) 466-2210. catalinajazzclub.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, Oct. 10 thru Dec. 1. $44 and up. theempirestripsback.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, Oct. 9 thru Nov. 10. $35 and up. (213) 628-2772. centertheatregroup.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, Oct. 10 thru 27. $28. onthestage.tickets
‘Dial M for Murder’ Radio show-style presentation of the 1952 Frederick Knott stage play that later became an Alfred Hitchcock thriller. Helen Borgers Theatre, 4250 ½ Atlantic, Long Beach. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11-13. $15. lbshakespeare.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. Fridays, Oct. 11, 18 & 25. $21 and up. drunktheatre.com
‘Historias’ Martin Matamoros enlists a raft of performers for this retrospective that revisits two decades’ worth of the Cuban American playwright’s autobiographical monologues. Highways Performance Space, 1651 18th St., Santa Monica. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 11-12. $25, $35. highwaysperformance.org
‘Och & Oy! A Considered Cabaret’ Tony winner Alan Cumming (“Cabaret”) and NPR host Ari Shapiro team up for a night of songs and stories. The Ford, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd E., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11. $59-$89. (323) 850-2000. theford.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, Oct. 11 thru 27. $20, $30. townestreetla.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, Oct. 11 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
‘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, Oct. 12 thru 27. $20-$30. (800) 838-3006. brownpapertickets.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; Oct. 12 thru 27. $25-$94. (805) 965-5400. etcsb.org
‘A Girl Grows Wings’ Latino Theater Company and Mexico’s Organización Secreta Teatro co-present Marisela Treviño Orta’s poignant fable based on the real-life stories of young undocumented immigrants. The Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 12 thru 20. Pay what you can ($10-$45). (213) 489-0994. latinotheaterco.org
‘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, Oct. 12 thru Nov. 16. $20-$30. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.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, Oct. 12 thru Nov. 3. $20-$35. (909) 734-6565. opheliasjump.org
‘Somebody Loves you, Mr. Hatch’ A lonely shoelace-factory worker gets a Valentine’s Day surprise in this kid-friendly puppet play from Vancouver-based Axis Theatre Company. Segerstrom Center’s Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 10 a.m. (sensory friendly) and 1 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. (ASL) and 3:30 p.m. Sunday; Oct. 12-13. $28 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.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, Oct. 12 thru Jan. 11, 2025. $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, Oct. 12 thru Nov. 23. $30-$40. 818-687-8559. whitefiretheatre.com
‘The Hebrew Hillbilly’ Shelley Fisher reprises her hit autobiographical solo musical. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13. $39. (310) 394-09779. santamonicaplayhouse.com
‘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. Opening night only, 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13; 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, Oct. 15 and Nov. 7. $25. neoensembletheatre.org
‘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, Oct. 15 thru Nov. 3. $56.75 and up. (323) 468-1770. broadwayinhollywood.com
‘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. 15, 22 and 29. $30, $40; series passes, $80. pamuseum.org
Comedy, poetry, spoken word
‘An Evening of Comedy, Music & Art Honoring George Wallace’ The veteran comic and actor is celebrated in this benefit hosted by Bill Bellamy. Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15. $109-$315; food and drink minimums apply. (323) 466-2210. catalinajazzclub.com
Continuing...
‘Abducted’ Intimate and immersive alien abduction-themed horror experience for ages 18 and up only; only two audience members per time slot; signed waiver required at the door; wheelchair accessible. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. First entry 7 p.m., last entry 10 p.m., Thursdays and Sundays thru Oct. 17. $23, $28. zombiejoes.com
‘Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express’ Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is on the case in the West Coast premiere of Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of the classic mystery thriller. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, ends Oct. 13. $34 and up. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.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’ 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
‘Brooklyn’s Way’ A young writer’s assistant works with a Hollywood screenwriter in playwright Sam Henry Kass’ new dramedy; Ronnie Marmo directs. Theatre 68 Arts Complex’s Rosalie Theatre, 5112 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, ends Oct. 13. $25. theatre68.com
‘Clarkston’ Echo Theater Company stages the West Coast premiere of Samuel D. Hunter’s poignant drama about two troubled young men who develop an attraction for each other while working the night shift at a big box store in a small Washington town. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and Mondays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 21. $38; Mondays, pay what you want. (747) 350-8066. echotheatercompany.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 thru Oct. 27. $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 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
‘Demolition’ A construction worker in Michigan takes his boss’s shy, college-bound son under his wing in Matthew Letscher’s comedy drama. Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Blvd., Venice. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, ends Oct. 13. $30-$45; student rush, $12. (310) 822-8392. pacificresidenttheatre.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
‘Gloria’ Ambitious young editorial assistants are presented with an unexpected opportunity to jump several rungs up the ladder of journalistic success in the Orange County premiere of playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ darkly comic tale. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 20. $41-$44. (888) 455-4212. chancetheater.com
‘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. 10:30 a.m., 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays; 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sundays; other days, dates and times thru Nov. 10. $25; ages 2 and under, free. (213) 250-9995. bobbakermarionettetheater.com
‘Hamilton’ Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony-winning blockbuster musical about the fiscally savvy Founding Father returns. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, ends Oct. 13; also 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10. $56.75 and up. (323) 468-1770. broadwayinhollywood.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. Wednesdays, Oct. 16 & 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
‘The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latiné Vote’ A university professor reluctantly signs to be campaign advisor in Bernardo Cubría’s timely satire; features pre-show discussions Oct. 3 & 16. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Various dates and times thru Oct. 20. $15-$60; ages 4 and under, free; pay what you will, Oct. 3. (310) 455-3723. theatricum.com
‘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
‘Jane Austen in 89 Minutes’ The beloved author’s Regency-era romantic novels serve as the stuff of this new comedy from writer-director Syrie James. Theatre Forty, Mary Levin Cutler Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, ends Oct. 13. $35. (310) 364-0535. theatre40.org
‘The Joy Ride’ Immersive outdoor staging of Jesse Bliss’ new drama about four close friends who hit the highway together in a classic convertible; includes strong language and adult content, for ages 18 and older only. Graff Angeles Gallery, 1100 E. 5th St., downtown L.a. Arts District. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturday, ends Oct. 12. $20, $25. therootsandwingsproject.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
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ 5-Star Theatricals stages Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s hit sci-fi/horror musical comedy based on Roger Corman’s classic 1960 B-movie. Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 1 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 20. $37-$67. (805) 449-2787. 5startheatricals.com
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s hit sci-fi/horror musical comedy based on Roger Corman’s classic 1960 B-movie; for ages 13 and up. South Coast Repertory, Segerstrom Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 19. $29-$105. (714) 708-5555. scr.org
‘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
‘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
‘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
‘The Passion of Dracula’ Bram Stoker’s classic vampire thriller gets a saucy makeover in Bob Hall and David Richmond’s melodrama. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 19. $20-$30. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.org
‘Phoenix’ A one-night stand might or might not lead to something more in Aegis Theatre Company’s staging of Scott Organ’s dramedy. Broadwater Blackbox, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 19. $25. eventbrite.com
‘Primary Trust’ A 38-year-old loses his job at a small-town bookstore and must find a new path forward in the West Coast premiere of Eboni Booth’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 20. $30-$129. (858) 550-1070. lajollaplayhouse.org
‘Spy for Spy’ Two seemingly mismatched souls fall in love but the audience will decide which scenes play in what order in the L.A. premiere of Kieron Barry’s LGBTQ-themed romantic comedy. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Ends 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10. $38. whitefiretheatre.com
‘Sugar Daddy’ Sam Morrison remembers a love lost to COVID-19 in this poignant one-man show; contains explicit sexual language and mature subject matter. The Wallis’ Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. 8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday, ends Oct. 13. $35 and up. (310) 746-4000. thewallis.org
‘Tartuffe: Born Again’ Freyda Thomas’ update of Molière's classic satire about a con artist posing as a godly man. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Ends 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13. $15-$60; pay-what-you-will, Monday, Sept. 9. (310) 455-3723. theatricum.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
‘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; also 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 12 & 19. $25-$35. (323) 462-8460. actorsco-op.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
‘Waitress’ An unhappily married small-town waitress and pie maker yearns for something more in this romantic musical with songs by Sara Bareilles and based on the 2007 comedy-drama. La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, ends Oct. 13. $19-$85; discounts available; children under 3 not admitted. (562) 944-9801, (714) 994-6310. lamiradatheatre.com
‘Wangle Dangle’ Celebrity culture comes in for a spoofing in this mix of slapstick and satire. Hudson Backstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 19. $40. onstage411.com
‘Whittier Boulevard’ Latino Theater Company reprises its noir-ish company-created satire about a faded Chicana starlet living in a dystopian City of Angels in the not-too-distant future. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays thru Oct. 20. $10-$48. (213) 489-0994. latinotheaterco.org