SoCal theatre, Sept. 10-17: ‘Whittier Boulevard,’ ‘Duel Reality,’ ‘Dragon Lady,’ ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and more

Theatre, musicals, cabaret, drag, standup comedy, poetry, spoken word, storytelling, and books & lit for LA & OC

Les 7 doigts de la main’s “Duel Reality” (David Bonnet)

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 arts & entertainment at the Los Angeles Times.

The curtain rises…

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Theatre

Opening this week…

‘Cyrano de Bergerac’ The title character has a way with words, but not so much with women in Martin Crimp’s acclaimed update of Edmond Rostand’s 18th century romantic drama; Chukwudi Iwuji (“Guardians of the Galaxy 3”) and Rosa Salazar co-star. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 7 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, thru Sept. 29; also 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29. $40 and up. (626) 356-7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org

‘Bright Blue Sky’ This poignant musical drama about the Sept. 11 attacks as witnessed by office workers in the North Tower of the World Trade Center returns for a two-night engagement. Rose Center Theater, 14140 All American Way, Westminster. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Sept. 11-12. $10-$23. (714) 793-1150. rosecentertheater.com

‘C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters’ The Devil’s in the details in this stage adaptation of the “Chronicles of Narnia” author’s fantastical satire; for ages 13 and up. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. 7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11-15. $69-$104. (949) 854-4646. thebarclay.org

‘Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express’ That dogged 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. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 12 thru Oct. 13; no performances Sept. 21, Oct. 8-10. $34 and up. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org

‘Dark Dark Ride Ride — Trick or Treat!’ Special Halloween-themed edition of this hit immersive horror-theatre experience for ages 18 and older only (mandatory signed waiver required before entry). Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Rides depart every 15 minutes from 7 to 11:30 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, Sept. 12 thru 22. $35 (good for up to 2 people). zombiejoes.com

‘Duel Reality’ Montreal-based cirque troupe Les 7 doigts de la main — aka The 7 Fingers — mixes circus arts, illusions, theatre, music and dance in their latest stage spectacular. Ahmanson Theatre, 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, Sept. 12 thru 22. $25 and up. (213) 972-4400. centertheatregroup.org

LA Escena 2024 Presented by UCLA’s Diversifying the Classics program, this bilingual festival showcasing works from the Spanish Golden Age returns with a full slate of plays by Sor Juana, Rodrigo de Cota, Lope de Vega, et al. UCLA Nimoy Theater, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. 7 and 8 p.m. Thursday; 7 and 9 p.m. Friday; 4, 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday; 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Sunday; Sept. 12-15 (plus a virtual reading at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17). Free with RSVP. Tickets and schedules at ucla.edu