STAGE LISTINGS FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, March 20-26, 2025
OPENING THIS WEEK:
All Theaters, Region-Wide:
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. Theater 40 in the Mary Cutler Theatre, 241 South Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills. Opens Thurs., March 20; Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru April 20. http://theatre40.org
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. The Group Rep, The Group Rep Theater, 10900 Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. Opens Fri., March 21; thru April 27. https://thegrouprep.com/
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. Opens Sun., March 23; Sun., 8 pm and 10 pm; thru April 13. zombiejoes.com
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; Echo Theater Company, Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater. Opens Sat., March 22; 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
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. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Opens Fri., March 21; Fri.-Sat., 8:30 pm; thru April 5. zombiejoes.com
UNRECONCILED 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. Opens Fri., March 21; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sat.-Sun., 2 pm; thru March 31. https://movingarts.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200471467
CONTINUING PERFORMANCES
Larger Theaters, Region-Wide:
RECOMMENDED 44 THE OBAMA MUSICAL
Jenna Pastuszek, T.J. Wilkins and Chad Doreck (Photo by Bella Marie Adams)
A satirical look at the rise and presidency of Barack Obama. Stage Raw’s review. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City; Tues.-Sat, 7:30 pm, Sun., 1 pm; thru March 23. www.centertheatregroup.org
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
RECOMMENDED CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND
Foreground: Joe Ngo, Kelsey Angel Baehrens, and Tim Liu (Photo by Teolindo)
Lauren Yee’s play tells the powerful story of a Khmer Rouge survivor returning to Cambodia after three decades and his relationship with his daughter who prosecutes war criminals. Stage Raw’s review. East West players, downtown LA.; Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm, Sat., 2 pm, Sun., 5 pm; thru March 23. eastwestplayers.org
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 22 and 29, 2 pm, dark Thurs., March 20 and 27; 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
ONE FOR MY BABY A world premiere musical whose plot revolves around a sophisticated African-American diva who oversees a sexy nightclub. Billed as a tale of lust, heartbreak, greed and redemption. All Roads Theater Company, El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., N. Hollywood; Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 3 pm, Sat., March 22, 3 pm; thru March 23. https://ci.ovationtix.com/371/production/1210611
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 PIANO LESSON August Wilson’s play about a family divided about their duty to their past, represented by the family piano. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 East Anaheim St., Long Beach. Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru March 22. https://www.lbplayhouse.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
RECOMMENDED TOP DOG/UNDERDOG
Brandon Michael Hall and Brandon Gill (Photo by Jeff Lorch)
Two brothers in freefall struggle to find their footing as they hustle their way through life in Suzan-Lori Parks play. Stage Raw’s review. Pasadena Playhouse, El Molino Ave., Pasadena; Wed., Fri.-Sat., 8 pm; Thurs., 7 pm, Sat.-Sun., 2 pm; thru March 23. www.pasadenaplayhouse.org
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/
CABARET 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. 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
THE UNRAVELING 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. 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/
HAMLET Shakespeare’s tragedy reimagined by actor/adapter David Melville as a solo performance. Independent Shakespeare Company, 3191 Casitas Avenue, #130, Atwater; Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru April 13. https://iscla.org.
RECOMMENDED MUJERES ON THE VERGE
Ariana Raygoza, Alejandra Flores and Carmelita Maldonado (photo by Rudy Torres)
Four one act plays, celebrating women. Stage Raw’s review.CASA 0101 Theater in the Gloria Molina Auditorium, 2102 East First Street, East LA.; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm; Sun., 3 pm; thru March 23. https://casa0101.org
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 March 23. https://theatresixtyeightco.stagey.net/projects/11584
A COUPLE OF BLAGUARDS The play spans the trials of Frank McCourt and his brother Malachy in poverty-stricken Limerick, Ireland in the 1930s to their misadventures after the war in Brooklyn, New York. The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Santa Clarita; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru March 23. www.Blaguards.Eventbrite.com
FOUR WOMEN IN RED Four First American women search for lost loved ones while dealing with apathetic sheriffs and dwindling clues in Laura Shamas’s play. Stage Raw’s review. The Victory Theater Center, 3326 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 4 pm; thru March 23. thevictorytheatrecenter.org
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
OLD BLACK & WHITE HOLLYWOOD Set in 1954, two actresses who are friends, one Black and one White, compete for the same role in a film. Stage Raw’s review. Loft Ensemble, 11031 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 pm , Sun., 7 pm; thru March 23. www.loftensemble.org
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.
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
YBOR CITY 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. 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
ACCORDING TO RAY: RAY CHARLES’S MESSAGE TO AMERICA A program from MUSE/IQUE 2025: Make Some Noise: Music and Stories of American Defiance and Hope, Transformative American Artists and Thinkers. Mark Taper Forum, 130 N. Grand Ave., downtown LA. Fri.-Sun., March 21-23; Fri. and Sun., 7:30 pm, Sat.-Sun., 2:30 pm. muse-ique.com
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
CAN I BE FRANK Morgan Bassichis turns to the work of queer comedian, musician, and performance artist Frank Maya, who was among the first out gay comedians on network television and on the precipice of mainstream success before he died from AIDS-related complications in 1995. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown LA. Thurs.-Sat., March 20-22, 8:30 pm. https://ci.ovationtix.com/34348/production/1221354?mc_cid=40d0dd4662&mc_eid=0aeccd0e10
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
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
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE A man in a chair appears on stage to share his favorite record album: after which the recording unaccountably comes to life, and the cast invades the stage as the Man in Chair watches, comments, and offers inside information about the show. Musical Theatre Guild, Santa Monica Performing Arts Center, Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica. Sun., March 23, 7 pm. www.musicaltheatreguild.com.
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
I’M NOT A COMEDIAN I’M LENNY BRUCE Ronnie Marmo’s solo biopic about the iconic comedian. La Mirada Center for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Fri., March 21, 8 pm. https://www.lennybruceonstage.com/tickets
MY UTERUS Writer/performer Dina Morrone Dina digs deep into her pelvic cavity to explore what the uterus really is, what it means to own one, and how it continues to get screwed over again and again by those who have no business being in there. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, LA. Fri.-Sat., March 22-23; Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm. www.theatrewest.org
OPEN DOOR PLAYHOUSE A platform for presenting short plays in podcast form. Free. http://opendoorplayhouse.org
RHINESTONE COWBOYS Two hundred singers will sashay and sway to the legends, ladies, and icons of Country. Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills.Sat., March 22, 8 pm, Sun., March 23, 3:30 pm.www.GMCLA.org
SCHLITZIE: ALIVE AND INSIDE ERIC Fagundes’s play follows the story of an iconic and often misunderstood performer who was a star of the sideshow circuit during its heyday in the first half of the 20th century. Heritage Square Museum, 3800 Homer St., LA. Fri.-Mon., March 21-24; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 7 pm, Mon., 8 pm.
SHIPPING Set in 1845 Nantucket, the play follows the story of a young(ish) Quaker woman doomed to the same fate as all the island’s women until the island’s sea witch transforms her into a 30-ton sperm whale. The Elysian Theatre, 1944 Riverside Dr., LA. Sat.-Sun., March 22-23; Sat.-Sun., 7:30 pm, Sun., 3 pm.https://www.elysiantheater.com/shows/shipping
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. http://theatrewest.org
— Compiled by Deborah Klugman
