GO: The Old Settler: John Henry Redwood's bittersweet romantic comedy The Old Settler is set in 1943 Harlem in the comfy home (a handsome set by Thomas Brown) of middle-aged sisters Elizabeth (Ruby Hinds) and Quilly (Jolie Oliver). Elizabeth is dignified and restrained, while her sister is outspoken and nit-picky. These church-going ladies are often like oil and water, but there's an unmistakable sisterly love and devotion that underpins the acrimony. Their bond is tested when Elizabeth decides to take in as a renter the handsome, ultra-countrified Husband Witherspoon (John R. Davidson). He's come up from the South looking for his sweetheart, Lou Bessie (played with sass and attitude by Crystal Garrett), who is only interested in a good time and the man's money. It isn't long before Husband and Elizabeth are tenderly eyeing one another. The story of a May-December romance is an old one, but it receives a charming and inventive treatment by Redwood, and also offers a sobering glimpse into the pre-civil rights-era African-American experience. The outcome is predictable, but this doesn't detract from what is a thoroughly enjoyable production with emotionally vibrant performances under the direction of William Stanford Davis. (Lovell Estell III). Sundays, 3 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m. Continues through Oct. 27. Pico Playhouse, 10508 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, 310-204-4440, www.picoplayhouse.com.
Ordinary Days: A comedic musical by Adam Gwon, directed by Angel Creeks. Four young New Yorkers' lives intersect as they search for fulfillment, happiness, love and cabs. Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. Continues through Sept. 29. Victory Theatre Center, 3326 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank, 818-841-4404, www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org.
Our Town: Thornton Wilder's 1938 play, described as “the greatest American play ever written,” follows the small town of Grover's Corners through three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage,” and “Death and Eternity.” This production is narrated by a stage manager and presented minimally, in the playwright's definitive version, in honor of the play's 75th anniversary. Sat., Sept. 28, 8 p.m. Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310-828-7519, www.morgan-wixson.org.
Oy!: The story of two German Jewish sisters, Selma and Jenny, who in 1995 return to their home in Paris after a trip to the German city of their youth and try to investigate the swirl of emotions, opinions and memories that surfaced during their trip. This play questions forgiveness, the work of memory, and the state of modern racism in the world. Written by Hélène Cixous, directed by Georges Bigot. Thursdays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Continues through Oct. 20. Actors' Gang at the Ivy Substation Theater, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City, 310-838-4264, www.theactorsgang.com.
GO:
Pericles, Prince of Tyre: William Shakespeare's adventurous tale of Pericles, King Antiochus, and Dionyza, the King's daughter. Directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott. See Stage feature:
https://www.laweekly.com/2013-09-12/stage/miss-julie-dream-project-pericles/full/. Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 11, 8 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 12, 2 & 8 p.m.; Wed., Oct. 30, 8 p.m.; Thu., Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 24, 2 & 7 p.m. Continues through Sept. 28. A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, 626-356-3100, www.anoisewithin.org.
The Player King: Darin Dahms in a solo performance, portraying three famous men in 19th century America's most important acting family: patriarch Junius Brutus Booth; Edwin Booth, perhaps the greatest Shakespearean actor in American history; and his brother, John Wilkes Booth, best known as “the most handsome man in America” until one fateful evening when he pulled out a derringer and changed the history of the country forever. Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m. Continues through Nov. 2. The Met Theatre, 1089 N. Oxford Ave., Los Angeles, 323-957-1152, www.themettheatre.com.
GO: Point Break Live!: Creating a raucous, rocked-out party atmosphere by blasting preshow music (think “Welcome to the Jungle” at ear-splitting volume), the hilarious spoof show Point Break Live! offers super-soaked excitement in a grungy Hollywood nightclub setting. What do we mean by “soaked”? Let's just say you'd be wise to take them up on the $2 ponchos for sale before the show. The low-tech, seat-of-the-pants, interactive presentation of an abbreviated version of Kathryn Bigelow's slightly corny 1991 cop surf drama is further camped up by a fun-loving cast. The actor playing the central role of Johnny Utah — memorably portrayed onscreen by Keanu Reeves in his “Woah, dude” stoner phase — is recruited from among the dozen or so audience members who audition on the spot and are rated by the audience. The rookie performer then goes on to utter dialogue aided by cue cards. (Too bad opening night's guy was virtually illiterate and inexplicably prone to channeling Forrest Gump.) Utah's volatile detective partner, Pappas, is well played by Tom Fugedi, though he would benefit from a bit more crazy Gary Busey and a bit less Chris Farley in his performance. Tobias Jelinek is excellent as the bizarrely spiritual crime boss/surfer guru Bodhi. The plastic ponchos offer protection from the barrage of water spray, blood splatters and — uh — other bodily fluids. Stupid fun. Booze available. (Pauline Adamek). Sundays, 7:30 p.m. Continues through Sept. 29. Dragonfly, 6510 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, 323-466-6111, www.thedragonfly.com.
The Pokémusical: Winner of the 2013 Hollywood Fringe Festival's “Best Fringe Festival Musical Award,” this original satire follows the first journey of Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu and the rest of the crew from the original games as they traverse Kanto, this time with added song and dance. Book and Lyrics by Alex Syiek. Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 11:59 p.m. Continues through Sept. 28. Elephant Stages, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. See New Reviews.
Presidential Suite: A night in Las Vegas with eight of America's greatest presidents competing in a pageant that will determine which among them is the “Most Valuable President” in United States history. Book by Matthew Hoffman & William Norrett, music and lyrics by David P. Johnson. Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Continues through Oct. 27. Whitmore-Lindley Theatre Center, 11006 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, 818-761-0704.
GO:
R II: A new production of Shakespeare's
Richard II, conceived, adapted and directed by Jessica Kubzansky to be bare and raw, performed by only three actors. Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m.; Wed., Oct. 2, 8 p.m.; Wed., Oct. 9, 8 p.m. Continues through Oct. 13. Boston Court, 70 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena, 626-683-6883, www.bostoncourt.com. See
theater feature.
GO: The Rainmaker: A con-man/drifter walks into a small town, usually in the Midwest, and seduces a vulnerable local female. He not only seduces her, he awakens her to her true self and potential, which the opinions of others — her family and society — have been suffocating. Oh, brother. Get the broom and sweep off the cobwebs. In lesser hands than director Jack Heller's, watching The Rainmaker would be like trudging through a slightly dank, primeval marsh without rubber boots — the kind of experience where you might say, “Well, isn't this historic and curious. Where can I dry my socks?” The production is saved in part by its linchpin, Tanna Frederick's droll, rat-smart Lizzie. With subtlety and composure that often belies the text, she knows who she is and what she wants. Though the play is over-written, Frederick's performance lies so entrenched beneath the lines, it's as though she absorbs the play's excesses so that they don't even show. Her terrific performance is not enough to turn the play into a classic, but it does provide enough of an emotional pull to reveal the reasons why it keeps getting staged. (Steven Leigh Morris). Fridays, Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 5 p.m. Continues through Oct. 27. Edgemar Center for the Arts, 2437 Main St., Santa Monica, 310-399-3666, www.edgemarcenter.org.
GO: Rebecca's Gamble: Issues of science, medical ethics and criminal law propel Art Shulman and Robert Begam's provocative courtroom drama. Director Rick Walters has transformed this small venue into a courtroom interior surrounded by audience members, some of whom render a verdict at play's end. The site-specific setting is used to good effect. The accused, Dr. Rebecca Adler (Diane Linder), is charged with murder for her part in the cryonic disposal of her terminally ill patient. Counsel for the defense is Joe Purcell (Randy Vasquez), while the state is represented by Scott Novak (Jerry Weil), with Judge Dale Fox (Henry Holden) presiding. The format follows the procedures of a real court proceeding: Witnesses are called, testimony is given, cross-examination is allowed and a verdict is rendered. There are even a number of emotional outbursts, which are a bit overworked. The compelling thing about this thoughtfully written script is that it explores in detail some topical scientific, ethical and legal subjects that are easily grasped. Cast performances, on balance, are quite good, notwithstanding a few glaring instances of botched lines. (Lovell Estell III). Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Continues through Oct. 6. Theatrecraft Playhouse, 7505 1/2 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, 323-876-1100.
REDCAT's Radar L.A. Festival: An international festival of contemporary theater. REDCAT gathers the some of the most influential theater companies from around the globe to perform alongside innovative Los Angeles artists. Visionary works of theater from Latin America, the Pacific Rim, and Los Angeles in 18 productions performed in downtown's historic theaters and throughout the city. A professional symposium will highlight interdisciplinary approaches and new theatrical forms. REDCAT will be the late night festival hub with a line-up of DJs and informal performances. Visit
redcat.org/festival/radar-la-festival-2013 for a complete schedule. Through Sept. 29, 8 p.m.; Through Oct. 6, www.redcat.org/festival/radar-la-festival-2013. REDCAT: Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater, 631 W. Second St., Los Angeles, 213-237-2800, www.redcat.org.
Robert E. Lee: Shades of Gray: A one-man dramatic portrait of one of U.S. history's most enigmatic figures. Written by and starring Los Angeles Drama Critics' Circle Award-winner Tom Dugan. Sundays, 2 p.m.; Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 p.m. Continues through Sept. 29. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-667-2900.
Rockstar: A new musical featuring the music of the great pianist Franz Liszt and others, written and performed by Hershey Felder and directed by Trevor Hay. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 p.m.; Sundays, 2 & 7 p.m. Continues through Sept. 29. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949-497-2787, www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
Rodney King: New light is shed on the man whose famous question “Can we all get along?” continues to resonate 21 years after it was first posed to a riot-torn Los Angeles in 1992. Created and performed by Roger Guenveur Smith. Sat., Sept. 28, 7 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 29, 4 p.m.; Thu., Oct. 3, 8 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 5, 7 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 6, 1 p.m. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213-628-2772, www.centertheatregroup.org.
Romeo and Juliet: The Comedy of Errors: Colonials: An American Shakespeare Company presents this comedic new take on William Shakespeare's classic tragedy. Fri., Sept. 27, 8 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 28, 8 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 29, 2 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 6, 8 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 11, 2 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 13, 2 p.m.; Thu., Oct. 17, 8 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 19, 8 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 25, 8 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 27, 2 p.m. Miles Memorial Playhouse, 1130 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, 310-458-8634, www.milesplayhouse.org.
The Royal Family: The work's the thing in George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber's gentle 1927 spoof of the Barrymore dynasty, which forms the centerpiece of Theatricum Botanicum's 40th-anniversary season. The venerable, oak-nestled venue's own founding family fills in as the board-treading Cavendish clan. Artistic director Ellen Geer slings Downton Abbey-worthy zingers as dowager Fanny, while sister Melora Marshall and daughter Willow Geer carry the torch as the next generations of theatrical luminaries. All three women nail the benign entitlement and cozy security that comes from knowing you're an institution, but the dated material may be more thrilling for its cast than the audience. More compelling than the distant Barrymores is the play's exploration of pursuing the creative life at the cost of domestic and personal stability. Director Susan Angelo wisely avoids interfering with her cast's marvelous instincts, but a tighter rein would keep us from sharing Marshall's bewilderment when the madcap pace proves too frenetic. (Jenny Lower). Sat., Sept. 28, 4 p.m. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, 310-455-3723, www.theatricum.com.
Rumination: Written by Amir Khalighi and set in 13th century Persia, this play is a spiritual and physical journey into the heart of prolific poet Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhī, better known as “Rumi.” Starting Sept. 29, Sundays, 7 p.m. Continues through Oct. 27. Zombie Joe's Underground Theatre, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, 818-202-4120, zombiejoes.homestead.com.
Sheet Cake Sliding: A black comedy about a self-made business executive who tries to mold his family to conform to his plans, only to find that his family is a creation as complex and dangerous as Frankenstein's monster. Written by Stacia Saint Owens, directed by Nicholas Newell. Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m. Continues through Oct. 19. Theatre of NOTE, 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, 323-856-8611, www.theatreofnote.com. See New Reviews.
GO: A Short Stay at Carranor: Anticipating a reunion with her married former childhood sweetheart, Irene (1955 Miss America and Barnaby Jones actress Lee Meriwether) enlists daughter Shelby (Corinne Shor) to ferry her to the family's lakeside cabin, Carranor. The septuagenarian divorcee dreads Chet (Don Moss) will break off their budding emotional affair, while her righteous offspring bristles at a presumed seduction that could leave her mother bereft. Reality, it turns out, proffers a more complicated synthesis. Meriwether's performance offers the best reason to see this production: Her stately grace brings dignity to a portrayal that feels both effortless and fully realized. As her conflicted paramour, Moss has the tougher battle but achieves a remarkable degree of sympathy. The staging's major flaw is the unerringly wrong-footed Shelby, who alienates even her husband with her grating presence and relentless harping. Ultimately the hard-working but miscast Shor can't salvage the character from its structural problems: Shelby is supposed to be a dogmatic liberal, but her particular brand of rigidity plays as distinctly more red-state. Yet the narrative resists simplistic moralizing, and for a certain theatergoer may offer a refreshing take on life's final analysis. John Gallogly's direction trades the saccharine for the bittersweet, while Jeff Rack's cozy set complements the December courtship. (Jenny Lower). Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Continues through Sept. 29. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., Los Angeles, 323-851-7977, www.theatrewest.org.
Silent Witnesses: Written and performed by Stephanie Satie. Decades after World War II, a group of women who survived the Holocaust as children meet in a group moderated by a therapist and begin to tell their stories for the first time. Based on true events. Directed by Anita Khanzadian. Sundays, 7:30 p.m. Continues through Oct. 27. Whitefire Theater, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818-990-2324, www.whitefiretheatre.com.
Smokey Joe's Cafe: This Tony Award-nominated and Grammy Award-winning tribute to legendary songwriters Leiber and Stoller is a song-and-dance celebration of thirty-nine of rock 'n' roll's greatest hits, from “Stand by Me” and “Fools Fall in Love,” to “Jailhouse Rock,” “Spanish Harlem,” and “Yakety Yak.” Book by Stephen Helper and Jack Viertel, music by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m.; Sundays, 2 & 7 p.m. Continues through Oct. 13. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, 626-356-PLAY, www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.
Something to Crow About: The Bob Baker Marionettes' musical “Day on the Farm.” Saturdays, Sundays, 2:30 p.m.; Tuesdays-Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. First St., Los Angeles, 213-250-9995, www.bobbakermarionettes.com.
St. Jude: Written and performed by Luis Alfaro and directed by Robert Egan, Alfaro faces his father's stroke and a flood of family memories with poignant clarity and gentle humor. Sat., Sept. 28, 8:30 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 29, 1 p.m.; Tue., Oct. 1, 8 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 4, 9 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 5, 4 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 6, 7 p.m. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213-628-2772, www.centertheatregroup.org.
Eat Your Words: A live storytelling event in the tradition of The Moth and This American Life, hosted by Greg Walloch. These stories are inspired by a food theme: food politics, the best meal you ever ate, a food memory. Thu., Oct. 3, 8 p.m.; Thu., Nov. 7, 8 p.m.; Thu., Dec. 5, 8 p.m. The Standard Hollywood, 8300 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323-650-9090, www.standardhotels.com.
GO:
Steel Magnolias: Robert Harling's classic southern comedy-drama about Truvy's beauty parlor and the women who regularly gather there. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Continues through Oct. 6. East West Players, 120 N. Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, 213-625-7000, www.eastwestplayers.org. See New Reviews.
Sublimity: David Bridel in the role of tormented English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, focusing in particular on the fateful evening in 1797 when he composed his famous pre-romantic masterpiece, Kubla Khan. Written by Bridel. Sun., Sept. 29, 7 p.m. Lyric-Hyperion Theater & Cafe, 2106 Hyperion Ave., Los Angeles, 323-906-8904, www.lyrichyperion.com.
The Sunshine Boys: Taxi stars Danny DeVito and Judd Hirsch reunite to perform as two reuniting vaudevillians in Neil Simon's 1972 classic comedy. Starting Oct. 2, Tuesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 p.m.; Sundays, 1 & 6:30 p.m.; Thu., Oct. 24, 2 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 27, 1 p.m.; Thu., Oct. 31, 2 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 3, 1 p.m. Continues through Oct. 20. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, 213-628-2772, www.centertheatregroup.org.
Surfing DNA: Written and performed by Jodi Long. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. Continues through Sept. 29. Working Stage Theater, 1516 N. Gardner St., Los Angeles, 323-521-8600, www.workingstage.com.
GO: The Taming of the Shrew: The slapstick, or batacchio, which originated in the commedia dell'arte of 16th-century Italy, is a wooden device used to create a loud, smacking sound. So it seems fitting that in staging Shakespeare's contemporaneous tale of a headstrong woman who finally meets her match, director Ellen Geer plays its physical comedy to the hilt, incorporating slide whistles, drums and other noisemaking devices to punctuate the onstage pratfalls, fisticuffs and acrobatics. The choice is mostly effective, but it's Geer's vivacious staging of the battle between Katharina (a hilariously histrionic Willow Geer) and Petruchio (a charmingly macho Aaron Hendry) that makes the show. Their terrifically torrential tango is complemented by Petruchio's servant, Grumio (Melora Marshall), who delivers perfectly pitched Shakespearean asides and wordplay, showcasing both sides of the “wise fool.” The remaining cast members, clad in Val Miller's gorgeous period costumes, admirably execute their roles as well. The play's conclusion, with its seeming support for the patriarchy (or is it to be merely taken as farce?) is a bit jarring. Nonetheless, this wonderful, sylvan hideaway, where 40 years ago its namesake founder created a haven for artists, retains its rustic charm and remains an excellent setting for a night of Shakespeare. (Mayank Keshaviah). Sun., Sept. 29, 3:30 p.m. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, 310-455-3723, www.theatricum.com.
Tracers: The stories of a group of young American soldiers who endure the horrors of combat in Vietnam and the PTSD challenges of coming home. A series of events intertwined with music, movement, and ritual. Written and directed by John DiFusco. Presented by Rogue Machine Theater Company and USVAA. Starting Sept. 28, Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 13, 3 p.m. Continues through Nov. 9. USVAA: United States Veterans' Artists Alliance, 10858 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310-559-2116, www.usvaa.org.
Trust: As the newly-crowned prince of rock n' roll, Cody is living a charmed life, which leads his fiancé Becca to seek her own adventures with the strangers around her. Written by Steven Dietz. Starting Oct. 3, Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m. Continues through Nov. 9. Crown City Theatre, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood, 818-605-5685, www.crowncitytheatre.com.
Twilight Zone Unscripted: There is good reason for live improv's reputation as the high-wire balancing act of comedy. But even the Flying Wallendas can have an off night. And in the case of Impro Theatre's long-form send-up of Rod Serling's 1960s sci-fi anthology classic, “off” can prove very deadly indeed. Directed by Jo McGinley and Stephen Kearin, the Impro troupers (who on this evening included Lisa Fredrickson, Brian Michael Jones, Brian Lohmann, Nick Massouh, Michele Spears, Floyd VanBuskirk and director McGinley) ad-lib four half-hour episodes from audience suggestions, replete with spot-on riffs of the series' signature Serling monologues. MVPs VanBuskirk, Fredrickson and Lohman each managed to knock at least one of their teammates' uninspired curves high into the stands. In between, however, the proceedings were a pointed reminder of why the outer limits of an improvised sketch remains four minutes: In live comedy, laughless seconds can seem like dog years to an uncaptivated audience. (Bill Raden). Wednesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 4 p.m. Continues through Sept. 29, falcontheatre.com/twilight_zone_unscripted.html. Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank, 818-955-8101, www.falcontheatre.com.
Uncle Ho to Uncle Sam: PlaywrightTrieu Tran recalls the harrowing journey he took from Vietnam to Canada to the United States, and his quest to find some place to belong. Written by Tran with Robert Egan and directed by Egan. Fri., Sept. 27, 8 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 28, 4 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 29, 7 p.m.; Wed., Oct. 2, 8 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 5, 8:30 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 6, 4 p.m. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213-628-2772, www.centertheatregroup.org.
A View From the Bridge: Many consider Arthur Miller's dramas moral tragedies, but you also can think of them as mysteries, as their narratives contain events whose true meaning only becomes clear at the end. Longshoreman Eddie (Vince Melocchi) is a salt-of-the-earth type who thinks he's doing a good deed when he lets a pair of his wife's distant cousins, both illegal immigrants from the old country, move in with his family. He soon has reason to rue this decision, though, as his lovely niece, Catherine (Lisa Cirincione), falls in love with the more handsome of the two cousins, Rodolpho (Jeff Lorch) — and Eddie is destroyed by his own inexplicably over-the-top jealousy. This is a mostly powerful, admirably straightforward production by co-directors Marilyn Fox and Dana Jackson, which stumbles slightly during the clumsy, frenetically staged final sequence. The production is anchored by Melocchi's nicely gruff Eddie, whose turn suggests a character swept along by passions he lacks the articulacy to express. (Paul Birchall). Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m.; Thursdays, 8 p.m. Continues through Oct. 20. Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Blvd., Venice, 310-822-8392, www.pacificresidenttheatre.com.
WaveFest: A theater festival comprised of three “waves” of short plays over six weekends, centered on the theme “Go West.” The plays will explore stories of the Westside and Southern California through the lens of history, neighborhood, culture, myths, and the entertainment industry. For a complete schedule and line up visit SantaMonicaRep.org. Sat., Sept. 28; Sun., Sept. 29; Fri., Oct. 4; Sun., Oct. 6; Sat., Oct. 12; Sun., Oct. 13, www.SantaMonicaRep.org. Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill St., Santa Monica, 310-399-1631, www.churchop.org.
The Weir: A spooky play of supernatural tales, expertly told by country folk in an Irish pub setting. Written by Conor McPherson. Fri., Sept. 27, 8 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 28, 8 p.m.; Wed., Oct. 2, 8 p.m.; Thu., Oct. 3, 8 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 11, 8 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 12, 8 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 13, 2 p.m.; Thu., Oct. 17, 8 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 18, 8 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 19, 8 p.m. Little Fish Theatre, 777 Centre St., San Pedro, 310-512-6030, www.littlefishtheatre.org.
What Kind of God?: A life spent immersed in Catholic school and culture erupts into crippling disillusionment for 17-year-old Aaron (Brett Donaldson) when he can no longer deny his homosexuality. Unable to cope, and wracked with doubts about the faith and his calling to the priesthood, he turns to his mentor, Father Bart (Robert Keasler), who reveals that he is gay. As it turns out, the loathsome Bishop Michael (playwright Steve Julian) has returned to the parish where ghosts of his past sexual predations lurk, and has picked Father Bart to chair a committee looking into sexual abuse. The resultant events inexorably expose secrets and unravel the lives of those involved. This could have been an engaging drama about a topical subject had Julian gone beyond the superficial. Offered instead is an unwieldy, melodramatic tale about homosexuality in the priesthood, teen sexuality, family bonds and the underbelly of church life and politics, which is neither surprising nor of much interest. Aaron's progressive, shrill meltdown approaches parody after a while, and cast performances are only satisfactory under Aaron Lyons' direction. (Lovell Estell III). Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. Continues through Oct. 20. Elephant Stages, Lillian Theatre, 1076 Lillian Way, Los Angeles.
Wicked Lit 2013: Poe, Lovecraft and Sleepy Hollow in a Real Cemetery: “Immersive theatre” inspired by classic horror literature. Thu., Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m., $30-$60, wickedlit.org. Mountain View Mausoleum Cemetery, 2400 N. Marengo Ave., Altadena, 626-794-7133.
The Wizard of Oz: Follow the yellow brick road to the Pantages for this fun, timeless classic. This new production includes all the original songs plus new music by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Fri., Sept. 27, 8 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 28, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 29, 1 & 6:30 p.m.; Tue., Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m.; Wed., Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m.; Thu., Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 4, 8 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 5, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 6, 1 & 6:30 p.m. Pantages Theater, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, 800-982-2787, www.hollywoodpantages.com. See New Reviews.
The Year of Magical Thinking: Based on Joan Didion's Pulitzer-prize winning memoir about the year she lost both her husband and her daughter. Starring Janis Stevens as Joan Didion. Fri., Sept. 27, 8 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 28, 8 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 29, 2 p.m. Mount St. Marys College, 12001 Chalon Road, Brentwood, 310-954-4360.
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