STAGE LISTINGS FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, March 27 – April 2, 2025
OPENING THIS WEEK:
All Theaters, Region-Wide:
ADANZA A musical where aerial artists meet music, dance, circus, storytelling, and bubbles: its story follows a hero who travels the world finding inspiration everywhere he goes and learning it’s never too late to be the person one’s meant to be. Eastwood Performing Arts Center, 1089 N. Oxford Ave., East Hollywood. Opens Fri., March 28; Fri.-Sat., 7 pm, Sat., 3 pm, Sun., 2 pm and 6 pm; thru April 5. https://www.adanzamusical.com/
ADOBE PUNK A theatrical production performed in real-time with original music, this new iteration of Adobe Punk finds a trio of young musicians squatting in one of L.A.’s oldest adobe homes in early 1980s Bell Gardens. Plaza de la Raza’s Margo Albert Theatre, 3540 N. Mission Rd., LA. Opens Fri., March 28; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 3 pm; thru April 13. https://shorturl.at/St0vz
ARISTOTLE/ALEXANDER When star philosopher Aristotle accepts the coveted position of court tutor for an adolescent Alexander the Great, an intellectual battle of wits between teacher and student collides with high stakes in Paul Lyras’s play. Company of Angels, 1350 San Pablo St., LA.; Opens Sat., March 29; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 3 pm; thru May 4. www.companyofangels.org/
CRAZY MAMA A solo play about a young girl’s decades-long dream of saving her mother from the soul-crushing grip of mental illness. Rubicon Theatre Company, The Karyn Jackson Theatre, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura. Opens Sat., March 29; Wed.-Sat., 7 pm, Wed., Sat.–Sun., 2 pm; thru April 6. www.rubicontheatre.org
FANCY NANCY A show for kids in which a little girl named Nancy is cast in the role of a tree instead of the role of a mermaid and must make the most of it. Chance Theatre, 5552 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim; Opens Fri., March 28; Sat.-Sun. 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm; thru April 13. www.chancetheater.com
THE FANTASTICKS A musical that tells the story of a boy and a girl whose loving fathers conspire to keep them apart. Inland Valley, Repertory Theater, Morgan Auditorium at the University of Laverne, 1950 3rd St., Laverne. Opens Sat., March 29; Sat., 7:30 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru April 6. https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=259078
HUGHIE Eugene O’Neill’s play about a small-time gambler, down on his luck, who shows up at a hotel wanting to talk with the recently deceased night clerk who’d always been ready to listen. Two Roads Theatre, 4348 Tujunga Ave. Studio City. Opens Sat., March 29; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 7 pm; thru April 20. www.tworoadstheater.com
INTO THE WOODS Stephen Sondheim’s musical journey through the world of classic fairy tales with an unexpected twist. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. Opens Sat., March 29; check website for schedule; thru April 13. https://musical.org/events/into-the-woods/
JANE EYRE Elizabeth Williamson’s stage adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s novel. A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena; opens Sat., March 29, 7:30 pm; perfs Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 pm; Sat.-Sun., 2 pm; thru April 20. (no matinee perf March 29); thru April 20. https://anoisewithin.org
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Shakespeare’s fantastical play filled with fairies and unrequited lovers. Long Beach Shakespeare Company, The Helen Borgers Theatre, 4250 Atlantic, Long Beach. Opens Fri., March 28; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru April 13. www.LBShakespeare.org.
SUBURBIA Eric Bogosian’s play follows a group of aimless twenty-somethings grappling with identity, purpose, and the challenges of transitioning into adulthood. Mojo Ensemble, The Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West LA. Opens Sat., March 29; Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 pm, Sun., 3 pm; thru April 13. https://Odysseytheatre.com
CONTINUING PERFORMANCES
Larger Theaters, Region-Wide:
CABARET In this Kander and Ebb classic, the seedy glamour of the Kit Kat Club provides an unsettling but fitting backdrop to the story of the hard-living entertainer Sally Bowles in the decadent nightlife of Germany in the early ’30s. 5-Star Theatricals, Scherr Forum Theatre, Bank Of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 pm, Sat.-Sun., 1 pm; thru March 30. www.5startheatricals.com
DAMN YANKEES A middle-aged baseball fanatic trades his soul to the devil for a chance to lead his favorite baseball team to victory in this musical comedy. The Gem Theatre, 12852 Main Street, Garden Grove; Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm, Sat., March 29, 2 pm; thru April 13. www.theGEMoc.com
RECOMMENDED HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES
The Company of “Here There Are Blueberries” (Photo courtesy of the artists and The Wallis)
Moisés Kaufman & Amanda Gronich’s play tells the story behind an album of historical photographs—what they reveal about the perpetrators of the Holocaust and, ultimately, about our own humanity. Stage Raw’s review. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. Wed.- Sat., 7: 30 pm, Sat., 2 pm Sun., March 16, 7 pm, Sun. March 23 and March 30, 2 pm; thru March 30. https://TheWallis.org/
RECOMMENDED HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSIVE CHILD
Julia Nightingale, Aidan Close, Emmet Smith (Photo by Matthew Murphy)
The official eighth story in the Harry Potter franchise and the first to be officially presented on stage. Stage Raw’s review. Pantages Theatre, Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; check website for schedule; thru June 22. www.hollywoodpantages.com
PARENTS IN CHAINS Six L.A. parents exchange texts as their 17-year-old daughters drive home from a weekend in San Francisco during the approach of a hurricane. Ensemble Theatre Company, The New Vic, Santa Barbara; Wed.-Thurs., 7:30 pm, Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Wed. and Sun., 2 pm; Sat., 3 pm; thru March 30. etcsb.org
THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG A musical about a prince who cares only about himself. Theatre West , 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, LA; Sat., 1 pm; thru June 7. http://theatrewest.org
THE REMARKABLE MR. HOLMES In this musical comedy murder mystery, Holmes must solve a series of baffling crimes without the help of his trusted partner. Stage Raw’s review. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach; Wed.-Sat., 7:30 pm, Thurs. and Sat., 2 pm; Sun., 1 pm and 5:30 pm; thru March 30. www.lagunaplayhouse.com
SUCH SMALL HANDS A world premiere by Adam Szymkowicz about a longtime married couple navigating life’s quirks. Chance Theatre @ Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sat.-Sun., 3 pm; thru April 6. www.ChanceTheater.com
Intimate Theaters, Hollywood:
RECOMMENDED ALABASTER
Laura Gardner and Virginia Newcomb (Photo by Julie Fowells)The journey of a noted photographer lands her in the mysterious realm of an undiscovered folk artist hiding away in North Alabama in Audrey Cefaly’s dark comedy. Stage Raw’s review. Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., East Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm, Mon., 8 pm; thru March 30. FountainTheatre.com
RECOMMENDED BACON
Jack, Lancaster and Wesley Guimarães (Photo by Jeff Lorch)
Sophie Swithinbank’s play about a pair of estranged teens who embark on an experiment that will alter their lives. Stage Raw’s review. Rogue Machine at the Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave, W. Hollywood; Fri. and Mon., 8 pm, Sat.-Sun., 5 pm, dark Mon., Feb. 10; thru March 30. https://www.roguemachinetheatre.org/
RECOMMENDED CABARET
The ensemble of “Cabaret” (Photo by Leva Redina)
Set in Berlin during the twilight of the Jazz Age as the Nazis rise to power, this Kander-Ebb musical focuses on the hedonistic nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and revolves around American writer Clifford Bradshaw’s relations with English cabaret performer Sally Bowles. Stage Raw’s review. Jaxx Theatricals, 5432 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood; Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm; thru March 29. www.Showclix.com/Event/Kit-Kat
THESE SHINING LIVES Factory workers exposed to radium in their jobs take action against the company responsible for their deteriorating health. Stage Raw’s review. Actors Co-op, Crossley Theatre, 1760 North Gower St., Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 7:30 pm; Sun., 2:30 pm; thru March 30. https://actorsco-op.org
TWO SMALL BODIES Neal Bell’s play concerns the relationship between a woman whose children are missing and a detective who suspects that she has murdered them. Jamaica Moon Productions at The GCC Theatre, 6502 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood; Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 7 pm; thru April 26. https://www.onstage411.com/newsite/show/play_info.asp?show_id=7351
RECOMMENDED THE UNRAVELING
Ronnie Clark, Sika Lonner and Camila Rozo (Photo by Austin Crowley)
Inspired by the mythical character of Circe, this contemporary piece centers around an aging classics professor, who feels increasingly disconnected from her students and the world. See Stage Feature. Stage Raw’s review. Ghost Road Company at The Broadwater Main Stage, 1076 Lillian Way, Hollywood; Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 3 pm; thru March 30. www.ghostroad.org
Intimate Theaters; Downtown LA, South LA, East LA:
RECOMMENDED BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL
Ben Raanan (Photo by John Dlugolecki)
The horror rock musical cult favorite based on a June 23, 1992 Weekly World News story about a half-boy, half-bat who grew up living in a cave. Stage Raw’s review. Open Fist Theatre Company, Atwater Village Theatre, Atwater; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 7 pm, Mon., 7:30 pm; thru April 6. https://openfist.org
FEAST. A unique solo play featuring a contemporary reimagining of the epic poem Beowouf as a cautionary tale. Stage Raw’s review. The Count’s Den, 1039 South Olive St., downtown LA.; Sat., 7 pm, Sun., 5 pm; thru April 6. https://www.leonixtheatre.org/
RECOMMENDED HAMLET (SOLUS) 
Shakespeare’s tragedy reimagined by actor/adapter David Melville as a solo performance. See Stage Feature. Independent Shakespeare Company, 3191 Casitas Avenue, #130, Atwater; Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru April 13. https://iscla.org.
David Melville (Photo by Gretel Cortes)
ONE JEWISH BOY A Jewish boy from North London falls for a girl of mixed race in Stephen Laughton’s play. Fri. and Mon., 8 pm; Stage Raw’s review. Echo Theater Company, Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater; Mon. and Fri., 8 pm, Sat., 7 pm, Sun., 4 pm, Thurs., April 10, 17, and 24, 8 pm; thru April 28.www.EchoTheaterCompany.com
RECOMMENDED UNRECONCILED
Jay Sefton (Photo by Melanie Freedom Flynn)
Jay Sefton and Mark Basquill’s play tells of a survivor’s journey as he confronts his past as a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a Catholic priest. Moving Arts, 3191 Casitas Ave., Atwater; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sat.-Sun., 2 pm; thru March 31. https://movingarts.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200471467
Intimate Theaters, Valleys in LA County:
BILL W AND DR. BOB A play about the chance meeting of the two men who started Alcoholics Anonymous. Theater 68, 5112 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood; check website for schedule; thru May 4. https://theatresixtyeightco.stagey.net/projects/11584
DRAT! THE CAT! An inept private eye falls for the burglar he is supposed to be apprehending in this musical with music and lyrics by Ira Levin. Stage Raw’s review. The Group Rep Theater, 10900 Magnolia Blvd., Burbank; thru April 27. https://thegrouprep.com/
FROU FROU: A MENAGERIE OF SORTS A riff on Tennessee Williams The Glass Menagerie in which two queer siblings, yearn to be understood despite their mothers archaic expectations. Boston Court, Mentor St., Pasadena; Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 pm; Sun., 2 pm; thru March 30. https://bostoncourtpasadena.org
MODERN MYTHS AWAKENED The show is billed as an unrelenting journey into the darkest corners of folklore. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood; Sun., 8 pm and 10 pm; thru April 13. zombiejoes.com
ROD HINCKLEY BREAKS THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR LONGEST USABLE GOLF CLUB A man who builds the world’s longest golf club has an adventure that takes him from the murky recesses of the Columbus Ohio Sewer, to being hunted by secret “G” men to being hurtled into the Cosmos, all with his golf club tagging along. Stage Raw’s review. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8:30 pm; thru April 5. zombiejoes.com
Intimate Theaters, West Side and Beaches:
ALEICHEM SHOLOM: THE WIT AND WISDOM OF SHOLOM ALEICHEM A show based on the writer’sletters and stories, the controversy surrounding his work, and his passionate involvement in the creation of a new homeland. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. Sat., 7 pm, Sun. 3 pm on select weekends, check website for schedule. theatre@santamonicaplayhouse.com
BARNYARD MAGIC WITH THE THREE LITTLE PIGS A family musical that follows the three singin’ McPig sisters as they try to keep the doors open to their family musical cafe Porky’s, all while keeping the wolf from the door. Santa Monica Playhouse, Santa Monica; Sat., 2 pm, Sun., 12:30 pm; thru April 13. www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/Barnyard-Madness-with-the-Three-Little-Pigs.html.
BEATNIK GIRL In Leda Siskind’s play, a young woman struggles with misogyny, antisemitism, and an unwanted pregnancy while trying to be a beat poet. Stage Raw’s review. Theater 40 in the Mary Cutler Theatre, 241 South Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills; Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru April 20. http://theatre40.org
RECOMMENDED THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS
Jazz McIlwain (Photo by Randi Roberts)
A satirical musical that tells the story of the closing of a high profile brothel in Texas. Stage Raw’s review. Morgan-Wixson, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru April 6. www.morgan-wixson.org
BROTHERS OF AFFLICTION Paris Crayton’s play follows three brothers who are forced to confront their fractured relationships after a volatile night together. Willie Agee Playhouse, 714 Warren Lane, Inglewood; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru March 30. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brothers-of-affliction-tickets-1127110520909
CINDERELLA Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie’s musical adaptation of the fairy tale receives a multimedia makeover. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica; Sat., 2 pm, Sun. 12:30 pm. SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/Cinderella.html.
JUNIE B. JONES IS NOT A CROOK In this family show, a kindergartner finds herself in a predicament involving her new furry mittens, leading her to ponder questions relating to right versus wrong. Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica; Sat.-Sun., 11 am; thru March 30. https://morgan-wixson.org
TRAGEDY GIFTSHOP A franchising gift shop professing to be a balm for the all-too-common American tragedy opens in a small town following a mass shooting in Ryan McClary’s play. The Garage theater, 251 E. 7th St., Long Beach; Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm; thru April 5. https://www.thegaragetheatre.org
RECOMMENDED YBOR CITY
Mariana DaSilva (Photo: Courtesy of The Actors’ Gang)
Following a shocking death in a cigar factory, Nena, a grieving employee, emerges as the first female reader and reluctant leader of a revolutionary movement in Mariana Da Silva’s play. Stage Raw’s review. The Actors’ Gang, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., March 30, 2 pm; thru April 5. https://ci.ovationtix.com/35132/production/1191229
Intimate Theaters, Neighboring Counties:
No productions submitted.
Special Events:
ARMS AROUND AMERICA (PODCAST) A podcast for everyone who wants to end gun violence, even if we disagree on how to get there. Each episode of “Arms Around America” features a short immersive audio drama based on stories of real families from around the country whose lives have been shaped by guns. https://www.danfroot.com/podcast
BINGE FREE FESTIVAL A month-long festival of free shows. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. Opens Tues., Feb. 25; check website for schedule; thru March 30. For tickets email theatre@santamonicaplayhouse.com
CHEERS, MOM! EULOGY FOR A LIVING PARENT Writer/performer Candace Fox presents an intimate journey through grief, love, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. The Black Box at The Broadwater Theatre, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Fri.-Sun., March 28-30, 7 pm. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cheers-mom-eulogy-for-a-living-parent-tickets-1253714556989?aff=oddtdtcreator
CIRCUMSTANCES AFFECTING THE HEAT OF THE SUN’S RAYS An LA Theatre Works production by Amanda Quaid about an amateur scientist, inventor and women’s rights activist in the 1800s who became the first to identify carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas and as the principal cause of global warming, now streaming. streaming.latw.org
COMEDYSPORTZ LA Improv. LA Connection comedy theatre, 3435 West Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. 2001 An Improv Odyssey (LAC’s Top Team) or Consensual Emu (formerly Temporary Insanity, a Veteran Improv Team) rotating every other Saturday. Sat., 8 pm. For reservations: 818-710-1320, ext. 2. email theatre@santamonicaplayhouse.com
DEAN OF THE DIAMOND A new play by Mas Moriya based on the true-life story of the man often referred to as “the father of Japanese American baseball.” An audio theater piece by LA Theatre Works. Available now at streaming.latw.org
DEVISE FEST A celebration of the work of students of the Youth Theatre Conservatory sponsored by The Usual Suspects with 2-4 short plays per show. at the Dr. Maya Angelou Community High School MPR Stage, 300 E. 53rd St., LA. Fri., March 28, 6 pm.
GOLDEN SHIELD A tale of technology, international intrigue and the delicate art of translation was recorded as part of LATW’s acclaimed Relativity Series of science-themed plays. A state-of-the-art recording by LA Theatre Works. latw.org
LOS ANGELES WOMEN’S THEATER FESTIVAL An opening night gala award ceremony and a program of plays by women playwrights focused on the experiences of women in the world. Barnsdale Gallery Theatre, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., East Hollywood, and Theatre 68 Arts Complex, The Rosalie, 5112 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood. Thurs.-Sun., March 27-30. Check website for schedule. http://www.lawtf.org
OPEN DOOR PLAYHOUSE A platform for presenting short plays in podcast form. Free. http://opendoorplayhouse.org
Available April 2: The Little Match Girl Isn’t Going To Die by Kevin B — The classic tragic figure takes matters into her own hands and changes her fate.
PYRO: HOW TO BLOW UP A LIFE A staged reading of Khanisha Ford’s play, which explores the journey of a woman who, on the eve of her 40th birthday, discovers her husband’s infidelity. Chance Theatre, Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center, Anaheim. Wed., April 2, 8 pm.www.ChanceTheater.com
THE WORLD IS MY HOME — THE LIFE OF PAUL ROBESON Stogie Kenyatta’s solo portrayal of the famous actor and activist. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth St., Santa Monica. Sat., March 29, 7 pm. https://www.showclix.com/event/paul-robeson-2024
THEATRE WEST PLAYREADING SERIES A series of 10 new plays written, directed and performed by company members. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, LA. Tues., 7:30 pm; thru April 15, then Sun., April 20 and 27, 6 pm. https://theatrewest.org
— Compiled by Deborah Klugman
