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STAGE LISTINGS FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, Nov. 14 – 20

OPENING THIS WEEK:

All Theaters, Region-Wide:

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S THE MURDER OF ROGER AYKROYD Christie’s tale of greed, blackmail and murder most foul, adapted by Mark Shanahan. Theatre Forty, 241 S. Moreno Drive, in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre, Beverly Hills. Opens Thurs., Nov. 14., Thurs.-Sat., 7:30. Sun., 2 pm; thru Dec. 15.  http://theatre40.org

FIRST DATE When blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serial dater Casey, a casual drink in a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high stakes dinner. A musical with book by Austin Winsberg, music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner. Chromolume Theatre, Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave., W. Hollywood. Opens Fri., Nov. 15; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 3 pm; thru Dec. 1. www.chrtheatre.com

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME  A musical based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Peter Parnell. Casa 0101  Theater, 2102 East First Street (at St. Louis Street), E. LA.Opens Fri., Nov. 15; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 3 pm dark Fri., Nov. 29; thru Dec. 22. www.casa0101.org

IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT, TYLER PRICE A musical that follows a middle school boy with big feelings who’s in big trouble after punching his bullying classmate for mocking his sister. Hudson Backstage Theatre, 6539 Sana Monica Blvd, Hollywood. Music and lyrics by Ben Decter, book by Ben Decter and Kristin Hanggi. Opens Thurs., Nov 14; Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 pm, Sun., 2:30 pm; thru Dec. 15. https://TylerPriceMusical.com.

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES  A musical comedy with a score by Jerry Herman and a script by Harvey Fierstein Pasadena about a gay couple who must clean up their act when their straight son decides to get married. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Opens Sun., Nov. 17; Tues.-Wed., Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Thurs. 7 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru Dec. 15. www.pasadenaplayhouse.org

PRIVATE EYES Steven Dietz’s twisty-turning plot involving adultery keeps the audience guessing. Theatre Palisades , Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd., Pacific Palisades. Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru Dec. 15. https://theatrepalisades.org/

THE STEAM-POWERED ROCKET RIDE TO THE MOON OR… GROUND CONTROL TO GUILLO AND ROD Heroes Rod McGirdlebutt and Guillermo “Guillo” Fao take on the dastardly villains threatening to destroy Long Beach’s beloved Pike in this family-friendly show. The Garage Theatre, 251 E. 7^th St., Long Beach. Opens Fri., Nov. 15; Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm, Nov. 15 to Nov.23 and Dec. 5 to Dec. 21, also Sat., Nov. 23, 2 pm; thru  Dec. 21. https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/553

WAITING FOR GODOT  As Vladimir and Estragon wait and wait for the arrival of the elusive Godot, a cast of mysterious misfits interrupt their endless vigil in Samuel Beckett’s tragi-comic masterpiece. Rainn Wilson and Aasif Mandvi are featured. Geffen Playhouse, Le Conte Ave., Westwood Opens Thurs., Nov. 14; Wed.-Sat, 8pm, Sat., 3 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru  www.geffenplayhouse.org.

CONTINUING PERFORMANCES

Larger Theaters, Region-Wide:

BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL In this show based on the movie, Marty McFly is a rock ‘n’ roll teenager who is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr. Emmett Brown. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; check website for schedule; thru Dec. 1.https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/events/detail/back-to-the-future

THE EMPIRE STRIPS BACK A return engagement of the burlesque parody of Star Wars. Stage Raw’s review from 2022 The Montalbán Theatre, 1615 Vine St., Hlywd.; Thurs, 7:30 pm; Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 7 & 9:30 pm; Sun., 4 pm; thru Dec. 1. https://theempirestripsback.com 

THE GIRL WHO MADE THE MILKY WAY A young girl evolves from struggling with her place and duties among her people to embracing her uniqueness, voice, courage, and identity in June Carryl’s play. Imagine Theatre, The Colony Theater, 555 N. 3^rd St; public and special student matinee available, check website for schedule; thru Nov. 22. imaginetheatreca.org

THE GODDAMN COUPLE DOWN THE HALL (OH…. AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!) Mark Wilding’s play about Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, LA.; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru Dec. 15. theatrewest.org

GREEN DAY’S AMERICAN IDIOT Center Theatre Group in partnership with Deaf West Theatre. Stage Raw’s review. Mark Taper Forum 135 N. Grand Ave., dwntwn; Tues.-Sat., 8 pm.; Sat., 2 pm; Sun., 1 & 6:30 pm; thru Nov. 16. https://ctgla.org

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Jason Alexander is featured in this revival of this musical based on the stories of Sholem Aleichem. La Mirada Theatre for The Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd. in La Mirada. Opens Sat., Nov. 9; Thurs., 7:30 pm;  Sat., 2 pm, Sun., 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm; dark Thanksgiving, added perf. Wed., Nov. 20 and Wed., Nov. 27; thru Dec. 1. www.lamiradatheatre.com

JOAN  Daniel Goldstein’s play about iconic entertainer Joan Rivers, a pioneer and a mom who were one and the same. Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa; Wed.-Sat., 7:45 pm, Sat.-Sun., 2 pm also Tues., Nov. 19, 7 pm, Wed.-Thurs., Nov. 20-21, 7:30 pm; added perfs. Nov. 19-21; thru Nov. 24. https://www.scr.org/plays/productions/24-25-season/joan/

PACIFIC OVERTURES Set in 1853,  the play explores the intersection of Western and Eastern cultures during the pivotal moment in Japan’s history when it was opened to the West, through the lens of two friends caught in the change. East West Players, 120 Judge John Aiso St, downtown; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sat., 2 pm, Sun., 5 pm; thru Dec. 1. https://www.eastwestplayers.org/?gad_source=1

RECOMMENDED ROMEO AND JULIET

Robbie Macey and Miko Monroe (Michael Hardy Photography)

Shakespeare’s tragedy involving star-crossed lovers. Stage Raw’s review. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru Nov. 30. https://lbplayhouse.org

Intimate Theaters, Hollywood:

ADVENTURES IN THE GREAT BEYOND A musical in which a twenty-year old rebellious devotee of new age philosophy drops out of college to follow a gregarious guru and a band of soul-searching pranksters in the middle of the Arizona desert. Stage Raw’s review. The Hudson Mainstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 3 pm; thru Dec. 8. https://onstage411.com/greatbeyond

RECOMMENDED CIVIL TWILIGHT

Plays with People Productions in association with Road Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Shem Bitterman’s thriller about a popular A.M. radio personality who winds up in the same motel room with his biggest fan. Stage Raw’s review. The Broadwater, 1076 Lillian Way, Hlywd.; Fri.-Sat. 8 pm; Sun., 3 pm; thru Dec. 22.  https://theciviltwilight.ludus.com

HENRY IV PARTS I AND II Shakespeare’s kaleidoscopic portrait of a society at the crossroads is reflected in these two history plays staged by the Stage Raw’s review of Part I. Porters of Hellsgate. The Madnani Theatre, 6760 Lexington Ave., Hollywood. Henry IV; runs in repertory, check website for schedule; thru Nov. 24.https://www.eventbrite.com/e/henry-iv-parts-1-2-tickets-1007942833147

RECOMMENDED I, DANIEL BLAKE

Makara Gamble, JD Cullum and Philicia Saunders (photo by Cooper Bates)

Dave Johns adaptation of a film written by Paul Laverty about people coming together in the face of a Kafkaesque government bureaucracy that refuses to see them as human beings. Stage Raw’s review. Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., Hlywd; Fri., Sat., & Mon., 8 pm; Sun., 2 pm; thru Nov. 24. https://fountaintheatre.com

Intimate Theaters; Downtown LA, South LA, East LA:

ANTIKONI Beth Piatote’s play, based on a Greek classic, tells the story of a Nez Perce family trapped amidst the pressures of the outside world. Native American Voices, Southwest Campus, 234 Museum Drive Griffith Park; Thurs..-Fri., 8 pm, Sat.-Sun., 2 pm, student matinees, Nov. 15 and 22, 11 am; thru Nov. 24. https://theautry.org 

NIGHTINGALE A stage adaptation of HBO’s film about a grocery clerk wrestling with his identity after a life-altering decision. Written by Frederick Mensch. Starving Artists Us, Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater. Fri.-Sat., 7:30  pm, Sun., 5 pm; thru Nov. 17. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nightingale-tickets-1014821667927?aff=oddtdtcreator

Intimate Theaters, Valleys in LA County:

RECOMMENDED FOUR TOP

Photo courtesy of The Group Rep

Michael B. Kaplan’s new relationship comedy about the “sometimes confused, sometimes desperate and sometimes farcical search for love and meaning.” Stage Raw’s review. Lonny Chapman Theatre, Upstairs Stage; 10900 Burbank Blvd, NoHo; Thurs & Sun., 7 pm; Sat., 4 pm; extended thru Dec. 1 (check website for additional schedule). https://thegrouprep.com

RECOMMENDED THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

Jay Lee and Alessandra Mañón  (Photo by Jeff Lorch)

Antaeus Company presents Oscar Wilde’s comedy. Stage Raw’s review. Antaeus Company, 110 E. Broadway, Glendale; schedule varies, check website for details; thru Dec. 9. https://antaeus.org

MORE QUIET MORE NOISE The story of three people in their mid 30s whose lives intertwine forcing them to confront each other. Whiteface Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Thurs., 7:30 pm; through November 21. www.thewhitefiretheatre.com

RECOMMENDED ROBBIN, FROM THE HOOD

Rob Nagle and Geri-Nikole Love (photo by Lizzie Kimball)

A 17 year-old math genius creates a plan to “level the playing field of corporate greed, in Marlow Wyatt’s new play. Stage Raw’s review. Road Theatre Company, 10747 Magnolia Blvd., N. Hlwyd.; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm; Sun., 2 pm; thru Nov. 17. https://roadtheatre.org

TURKEYS THE MUSICAL A rafter of singing Turkeys discover the truth behind the massive Turkey-Disappearance that happens every year…all while navigating the trials of Turkey-Love, Turkey-Family, and even some double-trouble from the Dog Cops! ZJU Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd.,  N. Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8:30 pm; thru Nov. 30. ZombieJoes.TIX.com

THE WISDOM OF EVE Mary Orr’s tale of an unscrupulous ingenue’s rise to Broadway stardom through lies, cheating and blackmail, adapted from the familiar story by Orr, on which the film All About Eve and the hit musical Applause were based. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; Sat., 8 pm; thru Nov. 23. https://whitefiretheatre.com

Intimate Theaters, West Side and Beaches:

BIRDS OF PARADISE  Adam Harrell’s play follows a lovelorn ornithologist named Archie as he uses bird behavior to deconstruct his ill-fated romance with Emma, a struggling artist.2Rhythms, Willie Agee Playhouse, Inglewood; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sat.-Sun., 2 pm; thru Nov. 17. www.2rhythms.ticketleap.com/birds/

RECOMMENDED DEMOLITION

Keith Stevenson and Samantha Sloyan (photo by James Morrison)

Matthew Letscher’s play about a blue-collar worker and his relationship with his boss’s shy, college bound son. Stage Raw’s review. Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Blvd., Venice; Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 3 pm; thru Nov. 24. https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=prtve

A DOLL’S HOUSE Henrik Ibsen’s classic about a woman who comes to understand how her husband’s expectations have defined and oppressed  her. Stage Raw’s review. Beverly Hills Playhouse, 254 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills; Fri., 8 pm, Sun., 3 pm; thru Dec. 8.  https://www.bhplayhouse.com 

RECOMMENDED A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2​

Mia Christou and Lisa Robins (Photo by Joshua M. Shelton)

Lucas Hnath’s sequel to Ibsen’s play has Nora returning to the house she’d left behind 15 years prior. Stage Raw’s review. Beverly Hills Playhouse, 254 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills; Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 7:45 pm; thru Dec. 8. https://www.bhplayhouse.com 

RECOMMENDED HEADING INTO NIGHT: A CLOWN PLAY ABOUT…[FORGETTING]

Daniel Passer (Photo by Cooper Bates)

Cirque du Soleil clown Daniel Passer and director Beth F. Milles bring a clown ode to loss and remembrance to the stage, exploring the unexpected humor and discoveries to be found in the loss of memory, and deeply honoring the experience of people whose memories are fading. Stage Raw’s review.  Odyssey Theater, 2055 S Sepulveda Blvd., West LA.; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru Nov. 17.  www.odysseytheatre.com

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH John Cameron Mitchell and Steven Trask’s trans-gender musical. Long Beach Playhouse, Studio Theatre, 5021 Anaheim St., Long Beach; perfs Fri.-Sat., 8 pm; Sun., 2 pm; thru Nov. 17. Note: The Studio Theatre is an upstairs venue with no elevator access. https://lbplayhouse.org

HUGHIE A return engagement of this company’s 2021 production of Eugene O’Neill’ study of a 1928 motor-mouth lobby rat, and the taciturn hotel receptionist working the graveyard shift. Stage Raw’s review. City Garage, Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., Building T1, Santa Monica; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm; Sun., 4 p.m.; thru Nov. 24. https://citygarage.org

SPIDER’S WEB Based on an Agatha Christie mystery, the plot centers on the quick-witted wife of a diplomat who relishes in spinning tall tales of adventure—until a real murder lands in her drawing room. Westminster Community Playhouse, 7272 Maple Street, Westminster; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru Nov. 24. www.wcpstage.com

THE PROM The story follows Emma, a high school student who faces opposition from her school’s PTA for wanting to take her girlfriend to the prom. Morgan-Wixson Youth Education-Entertainment Series) Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica; Fri.-Sat., 7 pm, Sat.-Sun., 2 pm; thru Dec. 7 www.morgan-wixson.org,

TOPSY-TURVY (A MUSICAL GREEK VAUDEVILLE) Tim Robbins’ play is set in a hybrid world of classical Greek theater and a raucous vaudeville show, where the unity of a Greek Chorus of mortals is shattered by a mysterious illness. Stage Raw’s review. The Actors Gang, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City; Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru Nov. 16. www.theactorsgang.com

A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE Arthur Miller’s definitive American classic about a longshoreman whose life unravels when his niece falls for an immigrant. 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, no perf. Sun., Nov. 17, 5:30 pm; thru Nov. 17. www.lagunaplayhouse.com

Intimate Theaters, Neighboring Counties:

No productions submitted.

Special Events:

ART AGAINST WAR FESTIVAL The City of West Hollywood hosts this festival of visual art and performances from Belarussian, Russian, Ukrainian artists focusing on the plight of European refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. Fiesta Hall, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood; thru Dec. 5. https://shorturl.at/sWo5U