Fall is fast approaching, the kids are back in school and that means it’s time to go see one or more of these fabulous shows playing currently in our local theaters!

COVID protocols continue to be dictated by each individual venue so bring a face mask to wear during the show in case the venue requires it. It’s a good idea to first check with the theater before attending a show to find what is their current policy. 

The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing; however, it should be verified with the theater before making definite plans. 

Here are the shows that have announced opening dates for this month, or are already running:

Opening

“Adolescent Salvation” Over the course of one night, through a haze of tequila, texting and Taylor Swift, three teens banter, bicker and push each other to the edge of danger – with consequences that could prove lethal by morning. This searingly funny and fearlessly inquisitive play examines the moral complexity of the kinds of characters we judge most harshly – and the fatal consequences of ignoring our own complicity in the deeds that we condemn. 

Written by Tim Venable and directed by Guillermo Cienfuegos, it runs Sept. 5 through Oct. 12 at the Matrix Theatre – Upstairs on the Henry Murray Stage in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (855) 585-5185 or visitwww.roguemachinetheatre.org.

“Fly Me to the Sun” When Abuela Julia arrives from El Salvador to live with her family in a Chicago suburb, her grandson learns to see America through his grandmother’s eyes – while also teaching her to enjoy simple American pleasures. Relaying the story in the style of a late-night talk show in which the young BQ (Gerardo Navarro) is the host and Julia (magically portrayed as a hand puppet) is his special guest, “Fly Me to the Sun” weaves Quijada’s beautiful, semi-autobiographical story about the moments that move us and what calls us home. Meanwhile, older brother Marvin (Noe Cervantes) deejays with a playlist that pays homage to R&B, hip-hop, Latin-American music and American standards. 

Written by Brian Quijada, with music by Marvin Quijada, and directed by Raymond O. Caldwell, it runs Sept. 6 through Oct. 12 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (323) 663-1525 or visitwww.FountainTheatre.com.

 “One Man, Two Guvnors” Things start to look a little brighter for Francis Henshall, a hapless, out of work musician in England’s seaside town of Brighton, when he lands two jobs in one fantastic day. But now he’s working for two bosses at the same time, all the while keeping each unaware of the other’s existence. They, meanwhile, are just as busy – separated lovers on the run from the mob, they end up at the same pub, neither knowing that the other is there … which isn’t difficult, because one of them is in drag. Packed with physical comedy, quick wit and a live skiffle band, “One Man, Two Guvnors” is an evening of witty, irreverent social commentary, music and unapologetic farce. 

Written by Richard Bean, adapted from The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni with music by Gary Olding and directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott and Geoff Elliott, it runs Sept. 6 through Sept. 28 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets, call (626) 356-3100 or visitwww.anoisewithin.org.

“Pericles” Part adventure, part fairytale and all heart, this immersive production of Shakespeare’s “Pericles” invites audiences to travel through mystical lands, meet pirates and nuns, and dance alongside a cast of unforgettable characters. When Pericles leaves home in search of fortune, he crosses paths with a cast of strange and wondrous characters – wacky kings, mysterious nuns, evil queens and the love of his life. But when tragedy strikes and that love is lost at sea, Pericles keeps moving to outrun grief. Will he find his way home or something even better? Running time is 90 minutes. 

Written by William Shakespeare and directed by Amanda McRaven, it runs Sept. 6 through Sept. 21 at the Kings Road Park in West Hollywood. For tickets, visitwww.pericles-weho2025.eventbrite.com.

“Right” From 2024 to 2025 the number of U.S. measles cases has grown almost 450%; there have been three deaths so far this year. Over a quarter of a million kindergarteners are not vaccinated against measles. Fewer than 40% of Americans say they trust doctors. “Right” examines what happens when an expectant couple risks fracturing their family when they refuse to let their unvaccinated nephew near their baby, igniting a relentless battle over science, safety and loyalty. 

Written by Darryl Vinyard and directed by Bryan Rasmussen, it runs Sept. 6 through Oct. 18 at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks. For tickets, call (818) 687-8559 or visit www.whitefiretheatre.com.

“Am I Roxie?” In this fiercely funny one-woman tour-de-force based on her own life, writer/actor Roxana Ortega navigates the chaos of her mother’s mental decline with outrageous humor and unbreakable spirit. Playing everything from a mermaid-obsessed aunt to a prickly sherpa, Roxie takes audiences on a wild ride into an opera house, up a killer mountain and through the doomscape of her own mind. Heartfelt and hilarious, “Am I Roxie?” explores duty, destiny and how facing your darkest fears can reveal who you truly are. 

Written by Roxana Ortega and directed by Bernardo Cubría, it runs Sept. 11 through Oct. 5 at the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Westwood. For tickets, call (310) 208-2028 or visitwww.geffenplayhouse.org.

“Ragtime the Musical” At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing … and anything is possible. Set in the volatile melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York, three distinctly American tales are woven together – that of a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician – united by their courage, compassion and belief in the promise of the future. Together, they confront history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair … and what it means to live in America. With a Tony Award-winning score that blends ragtime, blues, jazz and show tunes, it’s a powerful, sweeping saga of America! 

Written by Terrence McNally, with music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and directed by David Ralphe, it runs Sept. 12 through Sept. 21 at the El Portal Theatre Debbie Reynolds Mainstage in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.

“Real Women Have Curves” A young Hispanic woman navigates culture, tradition, expectations and her own dreams to forge an identity and inspire those around her. Set in an East LA garment factory, “Real Women Have Curves” captures the struggles five women face with immigration agents, partners and social judgment while they strive to meet impossible production deadlines. Both touching and funny, “Real Women Have Curves” speaks to the journey we all travel to find our true selves. 

Written by Josefina Lopez and directed by Marco Rivera, it runs Sept. 12 through Oct. 4 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (310) 645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“Annie” A spunky Depression-era orphan is determined to find her parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss (Agnes) Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and finds a new family and home in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy. 

Written by Thomas Meehan, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and directed by Tim Nelson, it runs Sept. 13 through Sept. 28 at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster. For tickets, call (714) 793-1150 or visitwww.rosecentertheater.com/annie.

“Million Dollar Quartet” tells the story behind a seminal moment in rock history, when four rock-and-roll legends – Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis – met by pure chance at Sun Records in Memphis. That serendipitous meeting on Dec. 4, 1956 turned into one of the most memorable jam sessions in the history of music. The Memphis Press-Scimitar newspaper chronicled the session the next day under the headline “Million Dollar Quartet.” 

Written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, and directed by James Moye and Kim Martin-Cotton, it runs Sept. 13 through Oct. 11 at the South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. For tickets, call (714) 708-5555 or visitwww.scr.org.

“All These Women” This world premiere play examines the almost insurmountable struggle women faced to get the right to vote in America. It is 1913 and women in America have been fighting for suffrage since 1848. Now that Woodrow Wilson, a new Democratic president, presides over a Democratic Congress, has the time finally come for women to win the right to vote? Hopes are high until a World War looms and divisions among the women themselves threaten to unravel it all. If they are to succeed, it’s time for desperate measures …

Written and directed by Melanie MacQueen, it runs Sept. 18 through Oct. 19 at the Theatre Forty in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets, visitwww.theatre40.org.

“Danny Boy” Danny showed promise as a talented writer. Crushed by publishing house rejections and a troubled past, he now ekes out a living as a street clown, entertaining children in the park. At least he gets to make them smile. 

Written and directed by Michael J. Harney, it runs Sept. 19 through Oct. 19 at the Other Space at The Actors Company in West Hollywood. For tickets, visit www.onstage411.com/DannyBoy.

“Parallel Process” The play is about two estranged brothers – Dennis, a respected clinical psychologist, and Bobby, a former district attorney – who are reunited decades after serving together in Vietnam. Bobby’s unexpected arrival forces them to confront the brutal childhood and wartime trauma they’ve long buried along with a devastating shared secret that could shatter the life Dennis has built. As the night unfolds, their reunion becomes a tense battle of wills, peeling back layers of guilt, betrayal and the moral injuries that still bleed long after the war’s end. 

Written and directed by David Kohner Zuckerman, it runs Sept. 19 through Oct. 26 at the Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles. For tickets, visitwww.OdysseyTheatre.com.

“The Age of Aquarius ’67 to ’72: The Songs of Rock N’ Soul” 1967 to 1972 – The Age of Aquarius – an era when rock ‘n’ roll evolved from popular music into a powerful force set against the backdrop of introspection, social unrest and military action under a burgeoning umbrella of peace and love. 

Theatre West’s “The Age Of Aquarius” is a joyful celebration of the music of the soul of this extraordinary time. Highlighting artists like Tina Turner, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, The Mamas & the Papas, The Beach Boys, Aretha Franklin, Simon & Garfunkel, Roberta Flack, Carole King, The Beatles, The Who, Jimi Hendrix and more! Songs performed include “California Dreamin’,” “San Francisco,” “Good Vibrations,” “The Sounds of Silence,” “Happy Together,” “Proud Mary,” and “Take It Easy” (to name just a few). Audience members will be dancing in the aisles and singing out loud as they leave the theatre. This is a Theatre West Concern Event not to be missed! So, join in a concert event of beautiful, fun and cool! 

Written by Victoria Lavan and John A. Goux, and directed by Victoria Lavan, it runs Sept. 20 and Sept. 21 at the Theatre West in Studio City. For tickets, call (323) 851-4839 or visitwww.theatrewest.org.

“Come from Away” is based on the true story of how, unexpectedly, the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on Sept. 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar, and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family. 

Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, with music by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and directed by Richard J. Hinds, it runs Sept. 20 through Oct. 12 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets, call (562) 944-9801 or visitwww.LaMiradaTheatre.com.

“Go Play!” is a poignant comedy about three strangers and their dogs meeting for the first time at a dog park. The flamboyant show poodle, pampered Yorkie, and scrappy rescue have plenty to say behind their clueless owners’ backs and often make more sense than they do. As the humans fumble through personal crises and unexpected connections, their four-legged sidekicks watch –and comment – on it all. 

Written and directed by Barra Grant, it runs Sept. 20 through Nov. 2 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets, visit www.odysseytheatre.com.

 “The Night of the Iguana” tells the story of the Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon, a defrocked minister now conducting guided tours through Mexico on the verge of a nervous breakdown. As he struggles with his connection to God and yearns to escape his own tortured existence, he is surrounded by two equally imperfect women, one of whom offers him sensuality, the other spirituality as a means of easing his tormented soul. Taking place over the course of one turbulent night at the Costa Verde Hotel on the verge of a world war, the play asks what constitutes escape, what bargains are we willing to make with ourselves and how much we yearn for real human connection – especially when we’re at the end of our rope. 

Written by Tennessee Williams and directed by Jessica Kubzansky, it runs Sept. 20 through Oct. 19 at the Boston Court Pasadena in Pasadena. For tickets, call (626) 683-6801 or visitwww.bostoncourtpasadena.org/events/iguana.

“Torch Song” is the story of the life of Arnold Beckoff, a torch song-singing, Jewish drag queen living in New York City. It is dramatized over the span of the late 1970s and 1980s. “Torch Song” follows Arnold’s odyssey to find happiness and lasting love. His desires take him on a universal journey to find a loving relationship to share his life, a child and even a pair of bunny slippers that fit. A visit from his overbearing mother challenges his life and makes him realize that more than anything he requires respect. With fierce honesty and touching vulnerability, “Torch Song” is a celebration of chosen family and the enduring power of self-expression. 

Written by Harvey Fierstein and directed by Jeffrey Lesser, it runs Sept. 20 through Oct. 12 at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets, call (310) 828-7519 or visitwww.morgan-wixson.org.

“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” dukedom? Eliminate the eight relatives standing in his way – of course! With charm, wit, and just a dash of homicide, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” takes you on a madcap romp through Edwardian England where the bodies pile up, the laughs roll in, and love proves to be the deadliest weapon of all. Experience the Tony Award-winning musical that’s a perfect blend of big laughs, wicked plot twists and impossibly quick costume changes. This show features snappy dialogue, surprising twists and a cast of quirky characters. Whether you’re here for the drama, the romance, or the body count … this show slays … (literally)! 

Written by Robert L. Freedman, based on a novel by Roy Horniman, with music by Steven Lutvak and directed by Noelle Marion, it runs Sept. 21 through Oct. 5 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets, call (949) 497-2787 or visitwww.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“My Spirits Soar” A young coed from America encounters more challenges than she bargained for as she embarks on her junior year abroad. The once fearless, problem-solving, undaunted wunderkind astounds everyone with her ingenuity, bravery and creativity … until she is confronted with the one thing she swore she’d avoid doing at all costs: fall in love. Ghosts. Magic. Art. Music. Love. Dancing. It all spins together in a sometimes humorous, sometimes chilling, effervescent evening in the theater. This is a contemporary take on a beloved short story and the music style is Broadway-Pop – perfect for the entire family. 

Written by Doug Haverty, with music by Adryan Russ, lyrics by Doug Haverty and Adryan Russ, and directed by Kathleen R. Delaney, it runs Sept. 26 through Nov. 2 at the Group Rep Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 763-5990 or visitwww.thegrouprep.com.

“Otherkin” Olive is 14 years old and identifies as a dragon. It’s three weeks till the end of the world and all hell has broken loose. Olive is searching for her biological mother, just met her biological father and his husband and, on top of everything, she is visited by three “elemental guardians” who inform her that she’s the one who must save mankind. 

Written by N.T. Vandecar and directed by Christina Carlisi, it runs Sept. 26 through Nov. 2 at the Road Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 761-8838 or visitwww.roadtheatre.org.

Continuing

“A Doll’s House” A groundbreaking work when it premiered in 1879, “A Doll’s House” shocked audiences with its unflinching look at gender roles, marriage and personal freedom. More than a century later, its themes remain as urgent and relevant as ever. The play centers on Nora and Torvald Helmer, a seemingly perfect middle-class couple. Torvald, a respected bank lawyer, prides himself on being the moral compass of his home. But when a long-buried secret comes to light –that Nora once committed fraud to secure a loan to save her husband’s life – their carefully curated world begins to unravel. Blackmail, deception and shifting loyalties ignite a storm that forces Nora to make a life-altering decision: to break free from her marriage and discover her own identity. 

Written by Henrik Ibsen and directed by Michael Hovance, it runs through Sept. 14 at the Helen Borgers Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets, visitwww.lbshakespeare.org.

“Into the Woods” is a mesmerizing musical that intertwines the adventures of iconic fairy tale characters on a journey of dreams, adventure and consequence. As Cinderella flees the ball, Jack climbs to new heights and Little Red embarks on a daring path, they cross paths with the Baker and his Wife, who are desperate to lift a curse. With Stephen Sondheim’s iconic score and a story filled with heart, humor and surprises, this production is a must-see for audiences of all ages. Wisteria reimagines Sondheim’s beloved “Into the Woods” like you’ve never seen before – where classic fairytales intertwine with bold new twists, unexpected turns and a touch of theatrical magic only Wisteria can conjure. Familiar characters. Unfamiliar choices. A spellbinding journey that reinvents happily ever after. Come experience the woods in a whole new light! 

Written by James Lapine, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Brayden Hade, it runs through Sept. 28 at the Wisteria Theater in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 237-4643 or visitwww.wisteriatheater.com.

 

Sincerely,

Steve Zall, Publisher, Scene In LA 
Sid Fish, Co-Publisher & Editor, Scene In LA