L.A. theater openings, May 18-25: Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ and more

Love hurts in Rajiv Joseph’s “Gruesome Playground Injuries” at Rogue Machine, George Bernard Shaw’s “The Philanderer” plays the field at Long Beach Playhouse, and Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” is brewing at Downtown L.A.’s Archway Theatre.

La Familia Emanuel Emanuel Larca’s solo show about a journey of self-discovery; in Spanish. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Sun., 7:30 p.m. $20. (818) 990-2324.

The Vagina Monologues Benefit performance of Eve Ensler’s hit show. The Speakeasy at Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village. Sun., 8 p.m. $25. (818) 785-7144.

Tom Rubin: Success Guru Rubin sends up motivational speakers. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Wed., 8 p.m. $25. (818) 990-2324.

Mystery Lit Staged reading of Unbound Productions’ new mash-up of classic Sherlock Holmes stories. Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Thu., 7 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m. Free; reservations recommended. (323) 332-2065.

Rachel Ray Staged reading of Henry Ong’s stage of Trollope’s romantic 19th-century tale. Grove Theater Center, 1100 W. Clark Ave., Burbank. Thu., 7 p.m. Free; reservations encouraged. (818) 528-6622.

Against the Wall World premiere of Charlie Mount’s comedy about an aspiring stand-up comic. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., L.A. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 29. $5-$34. (323) 851-7977.

Entershamement Amy G uses music, comedy and slapstick to deconstruct the concept of shame. The Carrie Hamilton Theatre at the Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends May 30. $25-$30. (626) 356-7529.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Christopher Durang’s Tony-winning, Chekov-inspired comedy set in present-day Pennsylvania. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends June 22. $29 and up. (619) 234-5623.

The Tempest Shakespeare’s fantasy gets a magic-filled, Victorian-era makeover. Archway Studio/Theatre, 305 S. Hewitt St., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 28. $18. (213) 237-9933.

Gruesome Playground Injuries L.A. premiere of Rajiv Joseph’s drama about two childhood friends whose paths continue to cross over three decades. Rogue Machine at Theatre Theater, 5041 Pico Blvd., L.A. Sat., 5 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends July 12. $15-$30. (855) 585-5185.

Educating Rita Willy Russell’s comedy about a British professor who tutors a twentysomething hairdresser. Theatre 40, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 22. $24, $2. (310) 364-0535.

The Lives of Me: A Musical Celebration Broadway’s Neile Adams shares songs and stories. Monroe Forum at the El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m. $40, $55. (818) 508-4200.

The Philanderer George Bernard Shaw’s comedy about a man pursued by two very different women. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 21. $14-$27. (562) 494-1014.

Haunted Walls and Apparitions Late-night horror-fantasy spectacular. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 11 p.m.; ends June 28. $15. (818) 202-4120.

Is There Sex After Marriage? A couple find themselves at a swingers’ party in Jeff Gould’s comedy; for mature audiences. Two Roads Theatre, 4348 Tujunga Ave., Studio City. Next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends July 13. $25, $34. (323) 960-5770.