Autumn is quickly approaching now, the kids are back in school again, 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 check with the theater before you attend a show to find out what their current policy is.
The information presented in this column is the latest available at the time of printing, however you should verify it with the theater to confirm it 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 September 5 through October 12 at the Matrix Theatre – Upstairs on the Henry Murray Stage in Los Angeles. For tickets call 855-585-5185 or visit www.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 September 6 through October 12 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-663-1525 or visit www.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 September 6 through September 28 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3100 or visit www.anoisewithin.org.
“Pericles” Part adventure, part fairytale, and full of 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, they cross paths with a cast of strange and wondrous characters — wacky kings, mysterious nuns, evil queens, and the love of their life. But when tragedy strikes and that love is lost at sea, Pericles keeps moving to outrun grief. Will they find their way home or something even better? Running time is 90 minutes. Written by William Shakespeare, and directed by Amanda McRaven, it runs September 6 through September 21 at the Kings Road Park in West Hollywood. For tickets visit www.pericles-weho2025.eventbrite.com.
“Right” From 2024 to 2025 the number of measles cases in the US has grown almost 450%; there have been 3 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 September 6 through October 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 us 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 September 11 through October 5 at the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse in Westwood. For tickets call 310-208-2028 or visit www.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 which 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 September 12 through September 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 September 12 through October 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, 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 September 13 through September 28 at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster. For tickets call 714-793-1150 or visit www.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 September 13 through October 11 at the South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit www.scr.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 September 19 through October 19 at the Other Space @ 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 September 19 through October 26 at the Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.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 Mama’s and the Papa’s, The Beach Boys, Aretha Franklin, Simon & Garfunkel, Roberta Flack, Carole King, The Beatles, The Who, Jimi Hendrix and more! With songs performed including California Dreamin’, San Francisco, Good Vibrations, The Sound of Silence, Happy Together, Proud Mary, Respect, Pinball Wizard, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Hey Jude, Born to Be Wild, Foxy Lady, 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 us for a Concert Event of Beautiful, Fun & Cool!! See you there! Written by Victoria Lavan and John A. Goux, and directed by Victoria Lavan, it runs September 20 through September 21 at the Theatre West in Studio City. For tickets call 323-851-4839 or visit www.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 September 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 September 20 through October 12 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. For tickets call 562-944-9801 or visit www.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 September 20 through November 2 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit www.odysseytheatre.com.
Photo by Brian Hashimoto
Photo by Brian Hashimoto
“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 September 20 through October 19 at the Boston Court Pasadena in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-683-6801 or visit www.bostoncourtpasadena.org/events/iguana.
Riley Shanahan, George Vagujhelyi. Photo by Brian Hashimoto
“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 September 21 through October 5 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
“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 a new Democratic President, Woodrow Wilson 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 September 25 through October 19 at the Theatre Forty, in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call www.theatre40.org.
“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 September 26 through November 2 at the Group Rep Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.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 September 26 through November 2 at the Road Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-761-8838 or visit www.roadtheatre.org.
“Torch Song” the life of Arnold Beckoff, a torch song-singing, Jewish drag queen living in New York City, 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 September 26 through October 12 at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-828-7519 or visit www.morgan-wixson.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 September 14 at the Helen Borgers Theatre in Long Beach. For tickets visit www.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 September 28 at the Wisteria Theater in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-237-4643 or visit www.wisteriatheater.com.