L.A. theater openings, July 12-19: ‘Girlfriend’ and more

A very musical week indeed with new productions of “Girlfriend,” “Rent,” “Hairspray” and “Oklahoma!”

Shine Storytellers explore the topic of feeling out of control. Promenade Playhouse, 1404 3rd St., Santa Monica. Sun., 7 p.m. $10. (310) 452-2321.

Danny and the Deep Blue Sea John Patrick Shanley’s romantic fable about two troubled young people who meet in a Bronx bar. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Sun., next Sun., 3 p.m.; Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends July 26. $22, $30. (213) 489-0994.

To Kill a Mockingbird ‘Read-a-Thon’ Actors from Theatricum Botanicum take part in a celebration of the beloved Harper Lee novel. Bookstar/Barnes & Noble, 12136 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. Mon., 1:30 p.m. Free.

Two Sisters Staged reading of Gail Louw’s drama about two elderly women who discover the truth about their past. Theatre 40, Reuben Cordova Theater, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills. Mon., 8 p.m. Free; reservations at playwrightworks@aol.com.

I Am Already Well Clinical psychologist Dr. Denee Jordan examines the inner workings of her own mind in this solo show. Hudson Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Tue.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Aug. 1. $20. www.plays411.com.

The Dresser Staged reading of Ronald Harwood’s drama about an aging British actor and his long-suffering personal assistant. A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Wed., 7 p.m. Free. (626) 356-3100.

Dutchman A white woman and a black man have a sexually charged encounter on an NYC subway train in Amiri Baraka’s drama; with Tanna Frederick. Edgemar Center for the Arts, 2437 Main St., Santa Monica. Wed., 7 p.m.; ends July 29. $10. (310) 392-7327.

Chico’s Angels: Chicas in Chains The drag trio returns in this new mystery-comedy. Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Thu., 8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 9 p.m.; next Sun., 3 and 8 p.m.; ends Aug. 2. $35. (323) 662-4255.

Dating: Adults Embracing Failure Two actors play multiple roles in this one-act comedy about romance and relationships. The Hudson Guild Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Thu., 8 p.m.; ends Sept. 3. $20. www.plays411.com.

Dear Elizabeth L.A. Theatre Works records Sarah Ruhl’s drama about the poets Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell for its radio program; with Jobeth Williams and Julian Sands. James Bridges Theater, UCLA, 235 Charles E. Young Drive, Westwood. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 4 p.m.; ends July 19. $15-$60. (310) 827-0889.

Rent Tony-winning musical about impoverished young artists and musicians on New York’s Lower East Side. The Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends July 26. $49-$130. (888) 645-5006.

The Screwtape Letters Stage adaptation of the C.S. Lewis novel about demons and spiritual warfare. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 4 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends July 19. $32-$92. (949) 854-4646.

Songs to My Soul Author and songwriter Cynthia Waring chronicles her musical childhood. The Gardenia Restaurant and Lounge, 7066 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Thu., 9 p.m. $15 cover with two-drink minimum. (323) 467-7444.

Bare Naked Angels: Angels Unabated Cast members share their personal stories in this company-created show; contains adult themes and profanity. Actors Workout Studio, 4735 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Aug. 9 $20. www.fringetheatreco.com.

Oklahoma! Cabrillo Music Theatre stages the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic. Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends July 26. $30-$75. (805) 449-2787.

The Porcini Test A woman under house arrest is visited by old friends and lovers, etc., in the world premiere of Laureen Vonnegut’s dark comedy. Promenade Playhouse, 1404 3rd St., Santa Monica. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Aug. 22. $30. www.tickettailor.com.

Walk Like a Man: The Songs of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons Celebration of the chart-topping 1960s-’70s vocal group. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends July 19. $42, $49. (818) 508-4200.

Campfire Tales of love, mystery, terror and abduction. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 8:30 p.m.; ends Aug. 8. $15. (818) 202-4120.

Hairspray Hit musical based on John Waters’ 1988 comedy about a full-figured, dance-obsessed teen in 1960s Baltimore. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Aug. 9. $25-$45. (714) 777-3033.

Little Heart Staged reading of Irene O’Garden’s new play about artist and educator Sister Corita Kent; with Amanda Plummer. All Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid Ave., Pasadena. Sat., 2 p.m. Free. www.allsaints-pas.org.

Cabaret & Coffee Andrea Marcovicci sings movie songs from the 1930s to the 1980s. Greystone Mansion, 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills. Next Sun., 3 p.m. $50, $60. (310) 286-0119.

A Celebration of Harold Pinter Julian Sands salutes the British poet and playwright in this solo show directed by John Malkovich. Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Blvd., Venice. Next Sun., 7:30 p.m. $50. (310) 822-8392.

Cirque Musica Cirque artists from around the world perform, with live accompaniment by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. Next Sun., 7:30 p.m. $13-$177. (323) 850-2000.

Funland Fool Fest Rogue Artists Ensemble’s “Pinocchio”-themed theatrical party/fundraiser. El Cid, 4212 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A. Next Sun., 8:30 p.m. $25, $50. www.rogueartists.org.

Our Voices Our Stories Issues faced by women, urban youth and disabled young adults are explored in monologues, music and dance. Promenade Playhouse, 1404 3rd St., Santa Monica. Next Sun., 2:30 p.m.; ends July 26. $30. www.ourvoicesourstories.com.

Girlfriend Two teenage boys in small-town Nebraska explore a relationship over the course of a summer back in the 1990s in Todd Almond and Matthew Sweet’s rock musical. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Next Sun., 6:30 p.m.; ends Aug. 9. $25-$55. (213) 628-2772.