L.A. theater openings, May 25-June 1: Rita Rudner, Ben Vereen and more

Show biz veterans Rita Rudner and Ben Vereen perform their respective solo shows. Also, the hit musical “Les Miserables” makes its L.A. regional theater debut at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Beijing Spring East West Players stages Tim Dang and Joel Iwataki’s sung-through musical about the Tiananmen Square protests in China in 1989. David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 N. Judge John Aiso St., L.A. Sun., 2 p.m.; Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 15. $31-$51; discounts available. (213) 625-7000.

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. Sun., next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends July 13. $25, $34. (323) 960-5770.

Jake & Monica’s Panic Attack Staged reading of Gary Goldstein’s comedy about two strangers who meet at their shrink’s office. Skylight Theatre, 1816 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. Sun., 7 p.m. $15 suggested donation. (213) 761-7061.

Festival of New Plays Staged readings of new works by three Native American playwrights. Wells Fargo Theater at the Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, L.A. Wed., 4 and 7:30 p.m.; Thu., 7:30 p.m. Free; reservations requested. (323) 667-2000.

The Blind Date Project Bojana Novakovic acts out a first date with a different guest performer each week in this improvised show. Three Clubs, 1123 Vine St., Hollywood. Wed., 8 p.m.; indefinitely. $20. (323) 388-3874.

Death of the Author World premiere of Steven Drukman’s drama about a professor who suspects a student of plagiarism; with Orson Bean. Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 29. $57-$72. (310) 208-5454.

Don’t Tell My Mother! Doris Roberts (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) joins in a post-Mother’s Day edition of the storytelling series. Cafe-Club Fais Do-Do, 5257 W. Adams Blvd., L.A. Thu., 8 p.m. $15, $20. (310) 780-6368.

Flag Day A dysfunctional family celebrates Christmas in June in the world premiere of Kres Mersky’s satire. 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.

Italian Bred Candice Guardino recalls her upbringing with songs and stories. Hudson Mainstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Thu., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 29. $20, $25. (323) 960-7774.

The Love List Two men meet a seemingly ideal woman in Norm Foster’s fantasy comedy. Theatre 40, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills. Thu., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends June 19. $24, $26. (310) 364-0535.

Cold Tangerines: The Play World-premiere adaptation of Shauna Niequist’s collection of inspirational stories. Fremont Centre Theatre, 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 29. $20-$35. (866) 811-4111.

Dorian’s Descent New musical inspired by Oscar Wilde’s fantastical tale “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Met Theatre, 1089 N. Oxford Ave., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends July 20. $20-$34.99. (323) 802-4990.

Muckrakers West Coast premiere of Zayd Dohrn’s drama about an encounter between a young female activist and a famous journalist. The Art of Acting Studio, 1017 N. Orange Drive, L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends July 2. $15. (323) 601-5310.

Sonata for Rimbaud Abbott Alexander’s one-man play inspired by the 19th-century French poet. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri., 8:30 p.m.; ends June 20. $15. (818) 202-4120.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales Family-friendly musical based on the award-winning children’s book. South Coast Repertory, Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Sat., 11 a.m., 2 and 4:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 4:30 p.m.; ends June 6. $20, $25; discounts for ages 4-12. (714) 708-5555.

Dates and Nuts West Coast premiere of Gary Lennon’s comedy about an animal-rights activist looking for love in NYC. Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Sat., 7 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends July 13. $18-$25. (213) 389-3856.

An Evening With Rita Rudner and Her New Dress The veteran comedian performs in this new solo show. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Sat.-next Sun., 7:30 p.m. $50-$60. (949) 497-2787.

Backyard The Echo Theater Company presents the world premiere of Mickey Birnbaum’s dark comedy set in suburban San Diego and along the U.S.-Mexico border; for mature audiences. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends July 13. $25, $30. (310) 307-3753.

Bright Light City World premiere of Nate Rufus Edelman’s Vegas-set comedy about a hitman who falls for his intended target. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends June 22. $20, $30. (866) 811-4111.

Collected Stories Donald Margulies’ two-character drama about a writing instructor and her student/protege; with Susan Clark. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 22. $39, $49. (805) 667-2900.

In My Corner Joe Orrach’s autobiographical show about boxing, dance and growing up in the Bronx. The Carrie Hamilton Theatre at the Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Sat., 8 p.m. $30. (626) 356-7529.

Les Miserables L.A. regional theater premiere of the hit musical based on the Victor Hugo novel; with James Barbour. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 22. $20-$70; discounts available. (562) 944-9801.

Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen The Tony-winning singer-dancer-actor performs. The Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga. Sat., 8 p.m. $65. (909) 477-2752.

Studio: Spring 2014 New theater, music, dance and multimedia works and works-in-progress. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. Sat., 8:30 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m. $12, $15. (213) 237-2800.