Taylor Gilbert and Andrew Elvis Miller (Photo by Lizzy Kimball)
STAGE LISTINGS FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, Feb. 13 – 19, 2025
OPENING THIS WEEK:
All Theaters, Region-Wide:
ALABASTER 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. Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., East Hollywood. Opens Sun., Feb. 15; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm, Mon., 8 pm; thru March 30. FountainTheatre.com
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. Opens. Sat., Feb. 15; check website for schedule; thru March 23. https://theatresixtyeightco.stagey.net/projects/11584
CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND 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. East West players, downtown LA. Opens Thurs., Feb. 13; Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm, Sat., 2 pm, Sun., 5 pm; thru March 9. eastwestplayers.org
END OF TIMES THERAPY An original play by Solange Castro exploring class and gender in post- apocalyptic Los Angeles. The Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. Opens Sat., Feb. 15; Sat., 7:30 pm, Sun., 4 pm, Sun., March 8, 5:30 pm; thru March 8. https://www.showclix.com/event/end-of-times-therapy-a-world-premiere
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. The Victory Theater Center, 3326 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank. Opens. Fri., Feb. 14; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 4 pm; thru March 23. thevictorytheatrecenter.org
GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES Rajiv Joseph’s play about the odd relationship between two self-injurious individuals that spans 30 years. Playhouse West, 10634 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Opens Sat., Feb. 15; Sat., 7 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru March 2. www.onstage411.com/gpi
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSIVE CHILD The official eighth story in the Harry Potter franchise and the first to be officially presented on stage. Pantages Theatre, Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Opens Thurs., Feb. 13 ; check website for schedule; thru June 22. www.hollywoodpantages.com
JERSEY BOYS A musical that tells the true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Musical Theatre West, Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. Opens Fri., Feb. 14; check website for schedule; thru March 2. musical.org/events/jersey-boys/
LOVE GAME eight specifically selected Singles have been invited to mingle and follow their hearts (aka the science) to their “optimal relationship(s). Audience members participate as matchmakers. The Virgil, 4539 Santa Monica Blvd., East Hollywood. Opens Thurs., Feb. 13; Thurs., 8 pm, Sun., 7 pm, Sat., Feb. 15, 7 pm; thru March 2. https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/lastcalltheatre/love-game
MACBETH Shakespeare’s play about an ambitious Scottish thane who kills his way to the throne and regrets it. A Noise Within, 3352 Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Opens. Sat., Feb. 15; Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 pm, Sat.-Sun., 2 pm, dark Thurs., March 6; thru March 9. www.anoisewithin.org
LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE: THE MUSICAL Based on the film, this play for kids focuses on a family who moves to New York City, where their struggling son befriends a crocodile The Colony Theater, 555 N. Third St., Burbank. Opens Sat., Feb. 15; Sat.-Sun., 10 am and 1 pm, Fri., March 7 and 14, 6:30 pm; thru March 16. pasadenaplayhouse.org
MASTER CLASS Terrence McNally’s play in which Maria Calla. reflects on her own storied career, sharing her perspective about artistry, sacrifice, and the pursuit of perfection. Sierra Madre, Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Opens. Fri., Feb. 14; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sat., 2 pm, Sun., 4 pm; thru March 9. www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
OKLAHOMA! Valley Opera and Performing Arts (VOPA) present Rodgers & Hammerstein’s timeless classic. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood. Opens Sat., Feb. 15; Sat., 1 pm and 6 pm, Sun., 1 pm; thru Feb. 23. https://elportaltheatre.com/oklahoma.html
STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S OLD FRIENDS A show that features the life and work of Stephen Sondheim. See Stage feature. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown LA. Opens Thurs., Feb. 13; Tues.-Sat., 8 pm, Sat., 2 pm, Sun., 1 and 6:30 pm; thru March 9. www.centertheatregroup.org
THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG A musical about a prince who cares only about himself. Theatre West , 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, LA. Opens Sat., Feb. 15; Sat., 1 pm; thru June 7. http://theatrewest.org
RACHMANINOFF AND THE TSAR Hershey Felder’s newest musical play features him in the role of composer and pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff alongside British-Italian actor Jonathan Silvestri in the role of Tsar Nicholas II. South Coast Repertory, 655 Towne Center Dr., Costa Mesa. Opens Wed., Feb. 19; Wed.-Sat., 7:30 pm, Sat.-Sun., 2 pm; thru March 2. www.scr.org
THE SPHERE OF FIXED STARS IN THE HEAVENS between two people is portrayed in a series of encounters. Theater 68, 5112 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood. Opens. Thurs., Feb. 13; Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru Feb. 23. www.theatre68artscomplex.com/
TWELFTH NIGHT Separated from her twin brother in a shipwreck, a young woman is forced to make her own way disguised as a man in Shakespeare’s witty comedy. Antaeus Theater Company, 110 E. Broadway, Glendale. Opens Sat., Feb. 15; check website for schedule; thru March 17. https://ci.ovationtix.com/35088/production/1209307
UNCONDITIONAL, A MUSICAL MEMOIR Featuring a live four piece band, Margot Rose’s play with music is about two women in their mid-40s who go to extraordinary lengths to have children. Skylight Theatre, 1816 1/2 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz. Opens Sat., Feb 15; Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru March 9. unconditionalmusical@gmail.com
VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE Set in a quiet farmhouse in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the play centers on Vanya and Sonia, middle-aged siblings whose humdrum existence is turned upside down by the arrival of their glamorous, movie-star sister Masha and her boy-toy companion Spike. Opens Fri., Feb. 14; The Main, 24266 Main St., Newhall , Feb. 14-17; Olive Branch Theatricals, Town Center 24201 Valencia Blvd. Valencia, Feb 21-23 and Feb.28-March 2 . Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; For The Main: atthemain.org; For other shows: olivebranchtheatricals.com
WATERMARKS Set inside the most famous gift card shop in the world, a manager competes with his one and only customer over what is and what is not in Alexander play. Theatre West 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, LA/ Opens Fri., Feb. 14; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru Feb. 23. www.theatrewest.org
CONTINUING PERFORMANCES
Larger Theaters, Region-Wide:
FAKE IT UNTIL YOU MAKE IT An escalating rivalry between two Native American women from different tribes ensnares colleagues and bystanders, leading to the unraveling of secrets that highlight the absurdities of ambition and authenticity. Stage Raw’s review. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown LA.; Tues.-Sat., 8 pm, Sat., 2:30 pm, Sun., 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm. thru March 9. www.centertheatregroup.org
RECOMMENDED HAMLET
Corey Jones and Raphael Goldstein (Photo by Zach Mendez)
An adaptation by Margaret Shigeko Starbuck set in the 21st century where power, betrayal, and family dysfunction meet, cutting wit and existential angst. Stage Raw’s review. New Vic Theater, 33 Victoria St., Santa Barbara; Wed.-Thurs., 7:30 pm, Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru Feb. 23. http://www.etcsb.org or call (805) 965-5400.
RECOMMENDED NOISES OFF
Ora Jones, Audrey Francis and James Vincent Meredith (Photo by Jeff Lorch)
Michael Frayn’s British farce about a theater company desperately trying to get their act together. Stage Raw’s review. Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood; Wed.-Sat., 8 pm, Sat., 2 pm, Sun., 2 pm and 7 pm; thru March 2. www.geffenplayhouse.org
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Members of a stage ensemble encounter one the disaster after another as they attempt perform a play. La Mirada Theater for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada; Thurs., 7:30 pm., Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sat., 2 pm, Sun., 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm; thru Feb. 16. https://lamiradatheatre.com/
RECOMMENDED TICK, TICK… BOOM!
(Photo by Doug Catiller)
A musical exploring the life of Jonathan Larson as he confronts the pressures of turning 30 and creating a lasting legacy. Stage Raw’s review. Chance Theater @ Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sat.-Sun., 3 pm; thru Feb. 23. www.ChanceTheater.com
Intimate Theaters, Hollywood:
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 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 February 23. https://theciviltwilight.ludus.com
RECOMMENDED EVANSTON SALT COSTS CLIMBING
Michael Redfield and Hugo Armstrong (Photo by Jeff Lorch)
Two salt truck drivers battle the ice and snow and pass the time with jokes and stories as they fight off a creeping sense of dread in Will Arbery’s new play. Stage Raw’s review. Rogue Machine, Theater, Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Blvd., West Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 3 pm, Mon., 8 pm; thru March 8. https://www.roguemachinetheatre.org/
THREE EXORCISMS Avery Deutsch’s play about trapping ourselves and trapping each other, and what it takes to get out. All with a devilish twist. The Broadwater black box, Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm; thru Feb. 22. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/three-exorcisms-by-avery-deutsch-tickets-1141328798159?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Intimate Theaters; Downtown LA, South LA, East LA:
RECOMMENDED HERE COMES THE NIGHT
Meeghan Holaway and Julia Manis (Photo by Mae Koo Photography)
Lisa Kenner Grissom’s play examines the life choices women make through the prism of a long-time friendship. Stage Raw’s review. Moving Arts, 3191 Casitas Ave., Atwater; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 4 pm, Mon., 8 pm; thru Feb. 16. movingarts.ludus.com
Intimate Theaters, Valleys in LA County:
RECOMMENDED THE CURIOUS SAVAGE
Sara Shearer and Kathleen Taylor (photo by Doug Engalla)
In John Patrick’s play, a widow is incarcerated in a mental asylum by her three greedy stepchildren after she plans to use the money her husband left her to set up a fund for dreamers. Stage Raw’s review. The Group Rep Lonny Chapman Theatre (Main Stage) 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru Feb. 23. https://thegrouprep.com/show/the-curious-savage/
RECOMMENDED SLEEPING GIANT
Justin Lawrence Barnes (Photo by Brian Graves)
In Steve Yockey’s new play. a firework-filled marriage proposal goes wrong, and the accompanying explosions stir something old that has been sleeping in the nearby lake for thousands of years. Stage Raw’s review. The Road on Magnolia, 10747 Magnolia Boulevard, North Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru Feb. 23. www.roadtheatre.org
SOMETHING YOU DON’T KNOW A family tries to enjoy their weekend away at their cabin even as the shocking secrets they’ve been keeping come to light in Dani True and Kirsten Hall’s new play. Stage Raw’s review.Sawyer Playhouse, Loft Ensemble, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 7 pm; thru Feb. 15. 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
RECOMMENDED THE BROTHERS ABELSON SINCE 1946
Wendy Hammers and Rick Zieff (Photo by Sofia Riccio)
Family dynamics go awry when an young cartoonist living in New York revisits his family in Texas. Stage Raw’s review. Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave., Venice; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, dark Feb. 7 and Feb. 21; thru March 1. http://abelsonplay.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.
BOUNDS Tino Caspanello’s play about five women stranded on a beach who are competing to be the chosen one. Stage Raw’s review. City Garage Theatre, at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica. Opens Thurs.., Feb. 6; Thurs., Fri., 8 pm, thru March 14. https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/city-garage/bounds
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.
RECOMMENDED I WANT A COUNTRY
Alyssa Frey, Andy Kallok, Shane Weikel and Angela Beyer (Photo by Paul Rubenstein)
A group of people who have lost their country wander in search of a new one in this timely allegory. Stage Raw’s review. City Garage Theatre, at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica; Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 4 pm; thru March 16. https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/city-garage/i-want-a-country
RECOMMENDED KRAPP’S LAST TAPE
Anthony Cronin (Photo by Peyton Whiteside)Anthony Cronin is featured in Samuel Beckett’s solo performance about an aging man grappling with his memories ensconced in a taper recorder. Stage Raw’s review. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica; various Fridays and Saturdays thru March 8. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/samuel-becketts-krapps-last-tape-tickets-1162405268449?aff=oddtdtcreator
RECOMMENDED LISTING
Ian Riegler and Michele McGregor (Photo by Kirstin Stancato)
The hopes and plans of a real estate agent are thrown into chaos when catastrophe strikes and the terms of a sale are hijacked. Stage Raw’s review. Theatre 40, 241 S. Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills; Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru Feb. 16. www.theatre40.org
RECOMMENDED THE SEAGULL
Carlos Carrasco (Photo by Miguel Perez)
A star-struck young woman becomes entangled with a famous actress, her famous writer-boyfriend, and her troubled son in this Chekhov classic. Stage Raw’s review. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West. LA.; Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru Feb. 23. https://www.theseagull-la.com/
Intimate Theaters, Neighboring Counties:
END OF THE RAINBOW A play with music that delves into the final years of Judy Garland’s life. One More Productions at The GEM Theatre, 12852 Main St., Garden Grove; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 2 pm; thru Feb. 23. https://www.theGEMoc.com
Special Events:
ADORATION The show follows Simon, an orphaned high school student, as he grapples with his family history, racism, and intolerance in our digital age, in an adaptation of Atom Egoyan’s 2008 film. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown LA. Wed.-Fri., Feb. 19-21, 8 pm, Sun., Feb. 23, 2 pm. https://www.laopera.org/performances/2025/adoration?mc_cid=4f554efc4d&mc_eid=0aeccd0e10
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
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
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
LATE NIGHT WITH CUPID An interactive comedy featuring a mischievous Cupid as the host. ZJU Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., Feb. 14-15, 10 pm and 11 pm. zombiejoes.com
MONDAY NIGHT THEATRE APPRECIATION SEMINARS Play readings followed by a Q&A. Theater 40, 241 Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills. Mon., 7 pm; through March 10. Non-ticketed event, donation, $10.
This week: Dark this week
NOTHING BUT SKIN A celebration of love, lust and queer excellence, featuring dance, live vocals, burlesque and drag. Three Clubs, 1130 N. Vine St., Hollywood. Sat., Feb. 15, 8:30 pm. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nothing-but-skin-tickets-1117274109939?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=bdsshcopyurl
OPEN DOOR PLAYHOUSE A platform for presenting short plays in podcast form. Free. http://opendoorplayhouse.org
THEATRE WEST PLAYREADING SERIES A series of 10 new plays written, directed and performed by company members. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, LA. Opens Tues., Feb. 18; Tues., 7:30 pm; thru April 15, then Sun., April 20 and 27, 6 pm. http://theatrewest.org
Tues., Feb. 18 — A Christmas Carol by Tom Walla
THERE ARE FAIRIES AT THE BOTTOM OF OUR GARDEN A new work-in-progress by writer/performer John Fleck follows a boy channeling the spirit of the iconic 1930s theatrical song stylist, Beatrice Lillie. Threshold of Invention series, Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West LA. Sat., Feb. 15, 8 pm.www.OdysseyTheatre.com
ZENI: 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
— Compiled by Deborah Klugman
