Whatever the season, it’s always a great time to go out and enjoy 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 check with the theater before attending a show to find out what is its 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 definite plans are made. 

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

Opening

“Bluebeard’s Castle” The long years of war are over and the towns and villages lie in ruins. The air is filled with the wails of widows and mothers in mourning but also with the peal of wedding bells as a young girl is married off to a war hero with a wicked past – it’s rumored that his previous wives were killed or buried alive in his castle. Who would give a girl to be the bride of a monster? 

Written and directed by Sofia Streisand, with music by Sergey Rubalsky and Artem Petaykin, lyrics by Elena Hanpira, it runs Nov. 1 through Nov. 30 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (310) 477-2055 or visit www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

“Grease” Featuring two alternating casts of impressive local and regional performers and accompanied by the VOPA Vinyl band, led by music director Lindsay Aldana, “Grease” tells the story of a group of high school seniors who find unexpected friendship and undeniable love, all against a backdrop of iconic 1950s nostalgia. With all the sass of the Pink Ladies, swagger of the Burger Palace Boys and toe-tapping hits like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “You’re the One That I Want,” this show delivers an irresistible mix of humor, heart and high-energy fun. 

Written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, with music by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey, and directed by Dylan F. Thomas, it runs Nov. 1 through Nov. 16 at the Debbie Reynolds Mainstage in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.

“The Heart Sellers” We meet the women – one Filipino, one Korean – during their chance meeting at a supermarket on Thanksgiving Day 1973. Longing for connection, Luna invites Jane to her apartment. While their medical-resident husbands work through the night, the women bond over life in America, the families they left behind and how to cook a frozen turkey. 

Written by Lloyd Suh and directed by Jennifer Chang, it runs Nov. 1 through Nov. 16 at the South Coast Repertory Julianne Argyros Stage in Costa Mesa. For tickets, call (714) 708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.

“Perfect World” A new musical based on the life story of Barbara Follett, a precocious and prodigious child writer who had an extraordinary love of writing and words. Since age 4, she wrote copiously and prolifically, all on a typewriter. She specifically wrote about Farksolia, her Perfect World where happiness reigns and people live in harmony with nature. Barbara wants nothing more than for people to read her books and turn her perfect inner world into reality. But life, and even love, conspire to thwart her every move. Despite publishing two full-length novels to wide literary acclaim by age 14 in the 1920s, Barbara struggles in all attempts to put the rest of her dream down onto the page. At age 25, she succumbs to life’s many pressures and disappears, leaving her brilliance unfulfilled. 

Written by Alan Edmunds, with music by Richard Winzeler, lyrics by Alan Edmunds, and directed by Kay Cole, it runs Nov. 1 through Nov. 9 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets, call (818) 508-4200 or visitwww.perfectworldthemusical.com.

“Peter Pan Goes Wrong” The team behind the hilarious hit “The Play That Goes Wrong” brings its trademark comic mayhem to the J. M. Barrie classic “Peter Pan.” The much-loved members of The Cornley Drama Society once again battle against technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes on their way to Neverland with hilarious and (of course) disastrous results. 

Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, & Henry Shields, and directed by Eric Petersen, it runs Nov. 1 through Nov. 23 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets, call (562) 944-9801 or visitwww.LaMiradaTheatre.com.

“Beside Myself” Step into the brilliantly inventive world where modern anxiety meets magical possibility as a revolutionary medical procedure creates an unexpected double dose of identity crisis. This witty, surreal comedy sparkles as two versions of one woman wrestle for control with hilarious and profound results. 

Written by Paul Slade Smith, and directed by David Ellenstein, it runs Nov. 2 through Nov. 16 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets, call (949) 497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

“Hello, My Name Is…” What do you do when the world makes no sense? Some people meditate. Some people travel. And some people … join a cult. In this razor-sharp satire, a ragtag group of seekers stumble into community, purpose and even a little joy in the unlikeliest of places. But as devotion twists and the “truth” grows harder to swallow each must decide: are they finally becoming who they are or are they disappearing entirely? Funny, unsettling and brutally honest, it explores the human hunger for meaning, the comedy of misplaced faith and the strange, surprising places where we end up finding ourselves. 

Written by Amy Dellagarino and directed by Darin Anthony, it runs Nov. 6 through Dec. 15 at the Moving Arts Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets, visit www.movingarts.ludus.com.

“Chicago” Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, “Chicago” is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer, who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate Velma Kelly by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids. 

Written by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and directed by David Hyslop, it runs Nov. 7 through Nov. 9 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. For tickets, visit www.BroadwayInThousandOaks.com.

“Le Switch” is a romantic comedy that explores the anxieties and changing identities within the gay community following the rise of marriage equality. Set between 2011 and 2014, the story centers on David, a 35-year-old commitment-phobic New Yorker, who must re-evaluate his identity and relationships after gay marriage becomes legal. 

Written by Philip Dawkins and directed by Spenser Davis, it runs Nov. 7 through Nov. 15 at the Broadwater Blackbox in Los Angeles. For tickets, visitwww.onstage411.com/leswitch.

“Pointy Scissors” Arnie is a barber in the shop owned by his loving sister Betty. Ernie is a sweet man with self-esteem issues and he’s possibly mildly autistic. One day he’s giving a haircut to the meanest, nastiest gangster in town – Carlos – when Ernie accidentally sticks his new pair of pointy scissors into Carlos’ ear. Ernie tries to conceal Carlos’ body when Betty arrives. They are soon joined by Sammy, a fellow who clearly has a yen for Betty and who also owes Carlos a considerable sum of money. 

Written and directed by Clara Rodriguez, it runs Nov. 7 through Dec. 7 at the Theatre West in Studio City. For tickets, visitwww.theatrewest.org.

“Border Crisis” An average American family suddenly finds themselves at the center of an international border dispute. As the crisis unfolds, their home is invaded by a succession of government agents, diplomats and border guards who quickly turn everything upside down. The family – good, loyal citizens who just want to get along and be left alone – try their best to comply. But with the ever more complicated rules, regulations and the demands of a new authoritarian order, they find it harder and harder to do the right thing. 

Written by Charles A. Duncombe, based on “The House on the Border” by Sławomir Mrożek as translated by Pavel Rybak-Rudzki, and directed by Frédérique Michel, it runs Nov. 8 through Dec. 13 at the City Garage at Bergamot Station Arts Center in Santa Monica. For tickets, call (310) 453-9939 or visit www.ticketleap.events/tickets,/city-garage/border-crisis.

“Mariology” In a mythical fifth-grade classroom, indoctrination explodes into fantasy and rebellion in Nancy Keystone and Critical Mass Performance Group’s form-busting and exuberantly theatrical West Coast premiere. Mariology explores the Virgin Mary as both a source of faith and a weapon of control illuminating Mary’s roles in systems of gender, power and personal agency. 

Written and directed by Nancy Keystone, it runs Nov. 8 through Dec. 7 at the Boston Court Pasadena in Pasadena. For tickets, call (626) 683-6801 or visit www.bostoncourtpasadena.org.

“An Inspector Calls” This play occurs when a young woman meets with an untimely demise and a respectable family is subject to a routine inquiry in connection with the death. An inspector calls to interrogate the family and it is revealed that each member of the family is implicated lightly or deeply in the woman’s undoing. The friendly and close-knit family at the beginning of the evening is shown up to be selfish, self-centered and cowardly. Good fellowship turns to acid and dislike. A surprising revelation turns up in the end that makes this thriller one not to be missed. 

Written by J.B. Priestley and directed by Cate Caplin, it runs Nov. 13 through Dec. 14 at Theatre Forty in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets, call (310) 364-0535 or visit www.theatre40.org.

“Table 17” If your ex called would you answer? Jada and Dallas were once engaged – now, they’re meeting for dinner to untangle the past. Between cheeky waiters, old wounds and the undeniable spark that still lingers between them, their “casual” reunion may ignite a bomb neither of them can defuse. Fresh off its hit off-Broadway debut and from the creative minds of Douglas Lyons and Zhailon Levingston this witty new play serves up romance, regrets and the unexpected possibility of second chances. 

Written by Douglas Lyons and directed by Zhailon Levingston, it runs Nov. 13 through Dec. 7 at the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (310) 208-2028 or visitwww.geffenplayhouse.org.

“42nd Street” “42nd Street” follows Peggy Sawyer, a small-town dancer who uses her naïve charm to win her way into the hearts of the audience and onto the chorus line of the biggest show on Broadway. Beloved by generations, “42nd Street” celebrates the “hip hooray and ballyhoo” of musical theatre and the courage to chase one’s dreams. 

Written by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, with music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin, and directed by Doug Vasquez, it runs Nov. 14 through Dec. 13 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (310) 645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“Passion” Set in Risorgimento-era Italy, the plot concerns a young soldier and the changes in him brought about by his obsessive love of Fosca, his colonel’s homely, ailing cousin. “Passion” is notable for being one of the few projects that Stephen Sondheim himself conceived (along with “Sweeney Todd” and “Road Show”). After opening on Broadway in 1994, it was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning four, including best musical. 

Written by James Lapine, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by James Esposito, it runs Nov. 14 through Nov. 30 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets, visitwww.chrtheatre.com.

“Bias” A professor accuses a student of cheating. Suddenly, the professor finds himself being investigated for discrimination. His reputation and livelihood are on the line. What will the findings be of the investigation? 

Written and directed by Art Shulman, it runs Nov. 21 through Dec. 14 at the Hudson Guild Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets, visitwww.onstage411.com/bias.

“Impact” There are no coincidences … only connections. Shortly after the 30th anniversary of the bombing of PanAm Flight 103, a remarkable chain of “follow-signs” led award-winning playwright/composer/performer Amy Engelhardt to Lockerbie, Scotland. What began as a bucket-list trip to honor lost friends evolved into a personal and global exploration of grace, kindness and simplicity. Moving, soul-stirring, hopeful and uplifting, “Impact” is a multimedia scrapbook of Engelhardt’s journey that unfolds through photographs, video, storytelling and original songs. 

Written and directed by Amy Engelhardt with music by Amy Engelhardt, it runs Nov. 21 through Nov. 23 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (323) 663-1525 or visitwww.FountainTheatre.com.

“Our Town” Emily Webb begins the play overjoyed at a successful speech she gave at school. She interacts briefly with her possible suitor/next-door neighbor George Gibbs, and suddenly they’re getting married. After giving birth to their second child – and through a strange twist of fate – Emily gets to relive a special day of her life but finds the experience illuminating and simultaneously tormenting realizing she took her wonderful life for granted. “Our Town” beautifully and poetically re-creates a theatrical picture of small town, USA and the precious nature of life we all seem to take for granted. Themes of family, home, cycles and the value of companionship resonate profoundly as they are woven lovingly into this tapestry/ portrait of life in America. 

Written by Thornton Wilder, it runs Nov. 21 through Dec. 21 at the Group Rep Theater in North Hollywood. For tickets, visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“Robin Hood and the White Arrow: The Holiday Feast of Stephen” Majestic, humorous and deeply moving, “Robin Hood and the White Arrow: The Holiday Feast of Stephen” follows Robin Hood, Maid Marian and their band of merry outlaws as they defy tyranny, fight for justice and discover that love is the truest treasure of all. 

Written by Kent Johnson, with music by Tim Nelson & Kent Johnson, and directed by Tim Nelson, it runs Nov. 21 through Dec. 21 at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster. For tickets, visitwww.rosecentertheater.com.

“A Christmas Carol” With its stirring original music, vivid storytelling and exuberant cast, “A Christmas Carol” at A Noise Within continues to capture the timeless magic of Dickens’ classic –and the enduring hope that kindness can redeem us all. 

Written by Charles Dickens, adapted for the stage by Geoff Elliott, with music by Robert Oriol, and directed by Geoff Elliott and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, it runs Nov. 30 through Dec. 24 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets, call (626) 356-3100 or visitwww.anoisewithin.org.

Continuing

“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, with music by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins, it runs through Nov. 9 at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura. For tickets, call (805) 667-2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org.

“Paper Walls” A family, profoundly affected by Hitler’s rise to power, finds themselves desperately fleeing persecution while awaiting entry into the United States. Restrictive U.S. immigration policies and antisemitism intensified their struggle. This poignant drama explores themes that are strikingly relevant to contemporary times, offering audiences profound reflection on resilience, hope and the quest for finding their place in an ever-changing world. 

Written by Elliot Shoenman and directed by Darin Anthony, it runs through Nov. 9 at the Broadwater Main Stage in Los Angeles. For tickets, call (310) 551-0918 or visit www.inkwelltheater.com.

“What Ever Happened to Baby Groundlings” delivers a wild mix of original characters, outrageous scenes and razor-sharp satire that is performed by some of the funniest comedians in the city. Expect the unexpected as the legendary comedy troupe dives into the campy, twisted and delightfully unhinged world of “Baby Groundlings.” 

Written by Groundlings and directed by Kevin Kirkpatrick, it runs through Nov. 22 at the Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets, visitwww.groundlings.com.

By
Steve ZALL and Sid FISH