L.A. theater openings, Aug. 16-23: ‘Assassins,’ ‘Fences’ and more

This week: “Assassins” descends on the Pico Playhouse, and International City Theatre swings for the “Fences.”

The Lollygaggers Climate change-themed musical comedy co-written by Rani O’Brien and NASA-JPL oceanographer Josh Willis. Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. Sun., 7 p.m. $8, $10. (562) 590-3100.

Shakespeare by the Sea New productions of “As You Like It” and “The Tempest” at outdoor venues around Southern California; details at www.shakespearebythesea.org. Ends Aug. 22. Free. (310) 217-7596.

Craig100 Globe founding director Craig Noel is saluted in a special evening of reminiscences and performances. The Old Globe, San Diego, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. Mon., 7 p.m. $50, $100. (619) 234-5623.

Season Preview Live performances from upcoming productions including “The Sound of Music” and “Disney’s The Lion King.” Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Mon., 7 p.m. $10; reservations required. (714) 556-2787

The Madonnalogues Variety Hour Nadya Ginsburg and special guests send up the Material Girl and pop culture in this comedy show. Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Tue., 8 p.m. $20, $25. (323) 662-4255.

Empire Burlesque Staged reading of a new vaudeville-style musical comedy about the Spanish-American War. The Edye at Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Aug. 23. $20. (310) 434-3200.

Martin & Music Gerald C. Rivers and singer Charles Holt celebrate the legacy of civil-rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Thu., 7 p.m. $9.99, $25. (310) 455-3723.

Assassins Stephen Sondheim’s darkly comic musical about John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, John Hinckley, et al.; for ages 15 and up. The Pico Playhouse, 10508 W. Pico Blvd., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Sept. 27. $30. www.assassinsmusicalLA.com.

Fences 30th-anniversary revival of August Wilson’s Pulitzer- and Tony-winning drama about a 1950s family man and onetime star player in baseball’s Negro Leagues. International City Theatre, Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Sept. 16. $46-$54. (562) 436-4610.

Fishers of Men Writer-performer Rick Segall’s solo show about the last days of the apostle Peter in Nero’s Rome. Hudson Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Aug. 30. $20. www.plays411.com.

Isaac Babel and the Black Sea Workshop production of Tim McNeil’s new drama about the famed Soviet writer. Stella Adler Theatre, Studio B Stage, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Sept. 13. $5, $15. (323) 455-3111.

Stages Musical Theatre Festival Concert readings of six new musicals. New Musicals Inc., 5628 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 1, 4 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 and 8 p.m.; also Aug. 28-30 in Anaheim. Free; donation of $10 or more guarantees seating. Details and reservations at www.nmi.org.

Café Society Five self-absorbed customers are trapped in a West L.A. coffeehouse in the world premiere of Peter Lefcourt’s comedy. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Oct. 11. $25, $30. (323) 960-1055.

The Comedy of Errors Shakespeare’s tale of identical twins and mistaken identity. The Old Globe, San Diego, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. Sat.-next Sun., 8 p.m.; ends Sept. 20. $29 and up. (619) 234-5623.

The Oresteia New adaptation of Aeschylus’ tragic triptych about the ill-fated house of Atreus. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 8:30 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Aug. 29. $15. (818) 202-4120.

Full Tilt Staged reading of Sarah Pitard’s new drama about one woman’s response to a national tragedy. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Next Sun., 11 a.m. Free; donations appreciated. (310) 455-3723.

Shine True-life tales about the life-changing effects of music. Promenade Playhouse, 1404 3rd St., Santa Monica. Next Sun., 7 p.m. $10. (310) 452-2321.

Walt Whitman Sings Shakespeare Orange County presents this solo play with music starring John Slade as the 19th-century American poet. Mike Fountain Stage, Festival Amphitheatre, 12762 Main St, Garden Grove. Next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Aug. 30. $20. (714) 590-1575.