SoCal theatre, Sept. 24-Oct. 1: ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ ‘Randy Newman’s Faust,’ National Bunraku Theater and more

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

Emerson Boatwright and Michelle Veintimilla co-star in a new staging of the musical “Little Shop of Horrors” at South Coast Rep. (SCR)

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.

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Theatre

Opening this week…

‘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, Sept. 26 thru Nov 2. $59-$119. bloodlove.com

‘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, Sept. 26 thru Oct. 27. $45 and up. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org

‘Guardian Angels’ Vietnam War veteran Brian Delate revisits an inexplicable 1973 event that changed his entire perspective on life, the universe, etc. in this solo show. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 8 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26 & 28-29. $25. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com

‘Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now’ “Hairspray: The Musical’s” Marissa Jaret Winokur, Kerry Butler and Laura Bell Bundy reunite to share songs and stories from their long and illustrious careers. The Wallis, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26. $59 and up. (310) 746-4000. thewallis.org

‘The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes’ A company of neurodivergent actors explores democracy, human rights, sexual politics, etc. in the age of artificial intelligence in this L.A. premiere from Australia’s Back to Back Theatre; contains adult themes and coarse language. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown L.A. 8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 26-28. $27. (213) 237-2800. redcat.org

Drunk Theatre One inebriated comic and five sober ones attempt to improvise a play in this recurring show. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27. $21 and up. drunktheatre.com

‘A Light in Dark Places: Plays for Hope’ This showcase for short plays that raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention returns for a ninth year. Stella Adler Theater, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sept. 27 thru Oct. 6. $20-$50. alightindarkplaces.org