L.A. theater openings, Jan. 10-17: ‘1984’ and more

This week: Classic thrillers from Agatha Christie and Ira Levin and a stage adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece “1984.”

The Dock Brief Return engagement of John Mortimer’s comedy about an unsuccessful lawyer tasked with defending an accused murderer. Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Blvd., Venice. Sun., next Sun., 3 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Jan. 24. $25-$34. (310) 822-8392.

Twelfth Night New adaptation puts a classic-Hollywood spin on Shakespeare’s comedy. Archway Studio/Theatre, 10509 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. Sun., next Sun., Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Feb. 13. (818) 980-7529.

1984 The U.K.’s Headlong Theatre stages its adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian novel set in a world of propaganda, government surveillance and perpetual war. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Wed.-Fri.. 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Feb. 6. $30-$100. (310) 434-3200.

Thom Pain (Based on Nothing) “The Office’s” Rainn Wilson stars in Will Eno’s solo drama that examines the vagaries of existence. Geffen Playhouse, Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Feb. 14. $89, $99. (310) 208-5454.

The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey Writer-performer James Lecesne portrays multiple characters in this solo show about a missing New Jersey teenager; with original music by Tony winner Duncan Sheik. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends Jan. 31. $25 and up. (213) 972-4488.

Flashdance: The Musical Stage adaptation of the 1983 movie about an aspiring dancer in Pittsburgh. Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Thu., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Jan. 17. $29 and up. (800) 745-3000.

Pierre Richard III The French actor shares stories from his life and career in this one-man show; in French with no subtitles. Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, Le Lycee Francais de Los Angeles, 10361 W. Pico Blvd., L.A. Thu., 7:30 p.m. $25, $35. (310) 286-0553.

Deathtrap Ira Levin’s hit thriller about a Broadway playwright who hatches a murderous scheme. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2:30 p.m.; ends Feb. 20. $17-$30. (626) 355-4318.

Den of Thieves 2Cents Theatre stages Stephen Adly Guirgis’ comedy-caper about a gang of would-be crooks. Hudson Guild Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Feb. 7. $20, $25. (323) 960-5770.

Digested Disney Two-person show spoofs all of the studio’s animated films. The Studio at Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Jan. 23. $10. (562) 494-1014.

Hay Fever Theatre Palisades presents Nöel Coward’s classic farce about a fractious theatrical family. Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Road, Pacific Palisades. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Feb. 21. $18, $20. (310) 454-1970.

New Voices Festival Staged readings of new American plays by established writers. The Old Globe, San Diego, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 4 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 4 p.m.; ends Jan. 17. Free. (619) 234-5623.

Dick Van Dyke & the Vantastix The showbiz veteran performs with his a capella quartet. Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga. Sat., 8 p.m. $63-$70. (909) 477-2752.

Geronimo: Life on the Reservation Rudy Ramos portrays the Apache leader in this solo show written by Janelle Meraz Hooper. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Feb. 20. $20. (800) 838-3006.

The Mousetrap Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit about a group of strangers, one of whom is a murderer, holed up together during a snowstorm. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Feb. 13. (562) 494-1014.

My Sister Janet Schlapkohl’s new play with music about identical twin sisters — one an aspiring singer, the other a writer with cerebral palsy — in 1930s Berlin. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 5 p.m.; ends March 6. $15-$34. (310) 477-2055.

Private Eyes Married actors find their relationship upended as they rehearse a play about infidelity in Steve Dietz’s comedy. Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Feb. 7. $23 and up. (310) 828-7519.

Stand Up! A Night of Comedy With Michael Schirtzer, Laurie Kilmartin, et al. Malibu Playhouse, 29243 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. Sat., 8:30 p.m. $15, $20. www.malibuplayhouse.org.

Artists at Adler A discussion with playwright, journalist and author Patricia Goldstone. Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Floor, Hollywood. Next Sun., 3 p.m. Free. (323) 465-4446.

Reunion of the Champagne Music Makers Former stars of “The Lawrence Welk Show” perform. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Next Sun., 3 p.m. $40-$65. (562) 467-8818.