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L.A. theater openings, Feb. 16-23: ‘My Name Is Asher Lev’ and more

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“My Name Is Asher Lev” introduces itself at the Fountain Theatre, “A Steady Rain” descends at Odyssey Theatre, and Moliere’s “Tartuffe” is up to his old tricks at A Noise Within.

DNA New Work Series Two-week showcase includes readings of new plays. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. Mon., Thu., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 3 p.m.; ends March 1. Free; reservations required. (858) 550-1010.

The Who & the What World premiere of Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar’s drama about an aspiring writer and her conservative Muslim family in Atlanta. Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. Wed., 7:30 p.m.; Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends March 9. $15 and up. (858) 550-1010.

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Noel Coward’s Brief Encounter Multimedia production merges elements of Coward’s romantic drama “Still Life” and its 1954 film adaptation; with the original Broadway cast. Bram Goldsmith Theater, The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends March 23. $59-$129. (310) 746-4000.

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The Foreigner Larry Shue’s comedy about a mild-mannered Englishman who takes on the KKK in Georgia. Crown City Theatre, 11031 Camarillo St. St. Matthew’s LGBT Church, North Hollywood. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends April 27. $30. (818) 605-5685.

Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to Bayard Rustin Workshop production of Michael Benjamin Washington’s new drama, directed by Phylicia Rashad; part of the DNA New Work Series. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends March 2. $15. (858) 550-1010.

Coco Peru The singer/monologist/drag performer returns. L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Renberg Theatre, 1125 N. McCadden Place, L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m. $25. (323) 860-7300.

Disassembly L.A. premiere of Steve Yockey’s dark comedy about an accident-prone man holed up in his apartment after being assaulted. Theatre of NOTE, 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends March 22. $20, $25. (323) 856-8611.

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CRITICS’ PICKS: What to watch, where to go, what to eat

The Producers 3-D Theatricals stages Mel Brooks’ Tony-winning musical comedy; contains strong language and adult humor. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends March 2. $35-$65. (714) 589-2770.

SIT Theatre by the Blind presents company member Sheila Walker’s semi-autobiographical account of growing up sightless. Promenade Playhouse, 1404 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica. Fri., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends March 2. $15. (310) 902-8220.

The Trip Back Down Revival of John Bishop’s drama about a former NASCAR driver who returns to his hometown. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends March 29. $15, $25. (323) 960-7712.

What a Drag A young drag queen goes on a journey of self-discovery in this Catharsis Productions presentation. Studio at Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m. $12. (562) 494-1014.

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Here’s to the Ladies: An Exploration of Women’s Names in Song Craig Pomranz performs. The Gardenia Restaurant and Lounge, 7066 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 9 p.m. $15. (323) 467-7444.

Carmilla World premiere of David MacDowell Blue’s dark supernatural thriller about a lonely orphan. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 11 p.m.; ends March 15. $15. (818) 202-4120.

Megan Mullally The two-time Emmy winner (“Will & Grace”) is joined by comic-pianist Seth Rudetsky for songs and stories. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Sat., 5 and 8 p.m. $79-$108. (310) 434-3200.

Closely Related Keys An African American attorney discovers she has an Iraqi half-sister in Wendy Graf’s drama. Lounge Theatre, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 4 p.m.; ends March 30. $25, $30. (323) 960-7774.

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Derby Day L.A. premiere of Samuel Brett Williams’ Arkansas-set dark comedy about brothers reunited for their father’s funeral. Elephant Stages, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; ends March 22. $20. (323) 960-7779.

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Henry V Reimagined version of Shakespeare’s historical drama. Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Blvd., Venice. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends March 23. $20. (310) 822-8392.

My Name Is Asher Lev L.A. premiere of Aaron Posner’s adaptation of Chaim Potok’s novel about an aspiring artist in Brooklyn’s Hasidic Jewish community. Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., Hollywood. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 19. $25, $34. (323) 663-1525.

A Steady Rain L.A. premiere of Keith Huff’s drama about two Chicago cops whose lifelong friendship is severely tested. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 20. $25-$45; pay what you can Feb. 28, March 21 and April 2. (310) 477-2055.

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Tartuffe Moliere’s classic satire about a con artist posing as a man of faith. A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends May 24. $34 and up. (626) 356-3100.

The Glorious Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber Dale Kristien and Bill Hutton perform. Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo. Next Sun., 3 p.m. $28-$33. (949) 480-4278.

The Vagina Monologues Eve Ensler’s hit show, accompanied by American Sign Language, is presented as a benefit for deaf victims of violence. More info at www.tvmasl.com. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Next Sun., 7:30 p.m.; ends March 2. $35. (404) 500-8242.

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