L.A. theater openings, Oct. 12-19: ‘Broomstick’ and more

A Noise Within does “The Dance of Death,” Stuart Gordon’s “Re-Animator The Musical” lives again, and an Appalachian woman may or may not be a witch in “Broomstick.” Plus, the Encuentro 2014 Festival comes to LATC and other local stages.

SHINE The storytelling series presents tales of life-changing breakthroughs. Busby’s East, 5364 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Sun., 6 p.m. $12. (310) 452-2321.

Forever World premiere of writer-performer Dael Orlandersmith’s memoir inspired by her experiences at a famous cemetery in Paris and her formative years in Harlem. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Sun., 6:30 p.m.; Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends Oct. 26. $20-$30. (213) 628-2772.

Bright Colors and Bold Patterns A gay man has conflicted feelings about same-sex marriage in Drew Droege’s solo comedy. VS Theater, 5453 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. Sun., 7 p.m.; Tue., Thu., 8 p.m. $15. (323) 739-4411.

Pieces Adam Neubauer’s darkly-comic romantic thriller. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sun., next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Nov. 16. $15. (818) 202-4120.

A Fabulous Night Fundraiser for the Beverly Hills Performing Arts Center and Temple of the Arts features comic Rita Rudner and Beatles tribute band the Fab Four. Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. Sun., 8 p.m. $39-$500. (323) 658-9100.

Opium Den Staged reading of Julie Marie Myatt’s new drama about a privileged housewife and an Afghanistan war veteran. South Coast Repertory, Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Mon., 7:30 p.m. $15. (714) 708-5555.

Celebrity Autobiography Florence Henderson, Fred Willard, et al., put a comedic spin on the writings of Suzanne Somers, Justin Bieber and others in this benefit show. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Mon., 8 p.m. $50-$150. (818) 508-4200.

5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche Reading of Evan Linder and Andrew Hobgood’s satire set in the 1950s; with Tony winner Daisy Eagan. Akbar, 4356 W. Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake. Tue., 8 p.m. Free; reservations at www.6avenue.org.

Muppet Rocks! An evening of puppetry, comedy and music. Rockwell: Table & Stage, 1714 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. Tue., 8 p.m. $15-$25. (323) 669-1550.

Tongva After Dark: The Wonder Room Mini-festival features experimental puppetry troupe Automata, choreographer Mecca Vazie Andrews’ the MOVEMENT movement, and more. Tongva Park, 1615 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica. Wed., 7 p.m. Free.

The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord Three historical figures debate life, art, religion and politics in Scott Carter’s fantastical comedy. Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 p.m., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Nov. 16. $59-$74. (310) 208-5454.

Wordless! CAP UCLA presents cartoonist Art Spiegelman and avant-jazz composer Phillip Johnston and his sextet in this multimedia exploration of early 20th-century graphic novels. Royce Hall, UCLA, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Wed., 8 p.m. $19-$49. (310) 825-2101.

Fall Brawl Los Angeles Lady Arm Wrestlers’ fundraiser for a local charity mixes competition, performance art and burlesque. Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Thu., 7 p.m. $10-$25. (213) 389-3856.

Courtney Act — Boys Like Me The Australian drag performer stars in this cabaret show. Rockwell: Table & Stage, 1714 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. Thu., 8 p.m.; ends Oct. 23. $15-$25. (323) 669-1550.

In the Heat of the Night L.A. Theatre Works records Matt Pelfrey’s new adaptation of John Ball’s novel, about a black detective investigating a murder in a small Southern town in the 1960s, for its radio program. 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. $15-$60. (310) 827-0889.

Mariela En El Desierto (Mariela in the Desert) A Mexican couple is haunted by the ghost of their young son in Karen Zacarias’ drama; in Spanish with English supertitles; part of the inaugural Encuentro 2014 Festival. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Thu., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; ends Oct. 25. $35. (866) 811-4111.

Premeditation Evelina Fernandez’s comedy about a woman who hires a hitman to off her husband; part of Encuentro 2014 Festival. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Thu., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; ends Nov. 8. $35. (866) 811-4111.

Weird On Top Improv-comedy troupe performs. Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village. Thu., 8 p.m. $10. (818) 508-3003.

Aliens, Immigrants & Other Evildoers Writer-performer José Torres-Tama puts a sci-fi/noir spin of the topic of Latino immigrants; part of Encuentro Festival 2014. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Thu., 8:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2:30 p.m.; ends Oct. 25. $35. (866) 811-4111.

Patience, Fortitude and Other Antidepressants Mariana Carreño King’s fantastical drama about female artist whose paintings come to life; part of Encuentro Festival 2014. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Thu., 8:30 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 and 8:30 p.m.; ends Oct. 25. $35. (866) 811-4111.

Zoetrope Part I Javier Antonio Gonzalez’s two-part, bilingual drama about a leftist Puerto Rican family. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Oct. 16-Nov. 8. Thu., 8:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; ends Nov. 8. $35. 866-811-4111 (866) 811-4111.

And Still I Rise — For the Rainbow Ladies Who Chose Life When Death Knocked! Breast-cancer survivors share their stories in E.P. McKnight’s dramedy. Grove Theater Center, 1111-B W. Olive Ave., Burbank. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Oct. 26. $30. (800) 838-3006.

The Diviners A troubled boy and a conflicted preacher form an unlikely friendship in Jim Leonard Jr.’s drama set in Depression-era Indiana. Actors Co-op, David Schall Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St., Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2:30 p.m.; ends Nov. 23. $20-$30. (323) 462-8460.

Einstein! Writer-performer Jack Fry portrays the famed physicist in this solo show. Lounge Theatre, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Nov. 22. $25. (310) 770-9076.

How I Fell in Love West Coast premiere of Joel Fields’ L.A.-centric romantic comedy. SFS Theatre, 5636 Melrose Ave., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Nov. 16. $20. (323) 860-6569.

Julius Caesar Non-traditional staging of Shakespeare’s tragedy performed by a mostly Latina/o cast; part of Encuentro 2014. Casa 101, 2102 E. 1st St., Boyle Heights. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 5 p.m.; ends Nov. 16. $15-$20. (323) 263-7684.

Maria’s Circular Dance New translation of Medardo Treviño’s drama about violence across the U.S.-Mexico border region; part of Encuentro 2014 Festival. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Fri., 8:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; ends Oct. 25. $35. (866) 811-4111.

Primal Scream: The Musical Benefit performance of psychologist Arthur Janov and composer David Foster’s new musical comedy inspired by Janov’s bestseller. Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Fri., 8 p.m. $45-$65. (310) 506-4522.

Re-Animator — The Musical Updated version of Stuart Gordon’s stage adaption of his Lovecraft-inspired 1985 horror-comedy. Steve Allen Theater, 4773 Hollywood Blvd. Center for Inquiry West, Hollywood. Fri.-next Sun., 8 p.m.; ends Nov. 2. $25. (800) 595-4849.

Your Problem With Men Emilio Williams’ fantasy-comedy about a young Latina who breaks off an engagement; part of Encuentro Festival 2014. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Fri., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Nov. 6. $35. (866) 811-4111.

Enrique’s Journey Anthony J. Garcia’s adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning L.A. Times series about a Honduran youth’s efforts to reunite with his mother in the U.S.; part of Encuentro 2014 Festival. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Fri., 8:30 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 and 8:30 p.m.; ends Nov. 7. $35. (866) 811-4111.

La Esquinita, USA Writer-performer Ruben C. Gonzalez portrays several residents of an economically-struggling former factory town in this solo show; part of Encuentro 2014 Festival. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Fri., 8:30 p.m.; next Sun., 7:30 p.m.; ends Nov. 7. $35. (866) 811-4111.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia performs in this family-friendly show. Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Sat., 11 a.m. $10, $12. (310) 506-4522. Also, Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach. Next Sun., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. $20. (562) 985-7000.

Manxmouse: The Mouse Who Knew No Fear The Netherlands’ Theatergroep Kwatta performs this family-friendly fable. Samueli Theater, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Sat., 1 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 3:30 p.m. $20 and up. (714) 556-2787.

Dreamscape A young woman recalls her life and tragic death in a police shooting in Rickerby Hinds’s hip-hop infused drama; part of Encuentro Festival 2014. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Sat, 2:30 and 8:30 p.m.; ends Oct. 25. $35. (866) 811-4111.

Victoria Tennant CAP UCLA presents the actress-author in a spoken-word performance inspired by the life and career of her mother, legendary ballerina Irina Baronova. Little Theater, Macgowan Hall, UCLA, 245 Charles E. Young Drive East, Westwood. Sat., 4 p.m. $29. (310) 825-2101.

Inara George and Friends The singer-songwriter and others pay musical tribute to William Shakespeare in this fundraiser. Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga. Sat., 6 p.m. $35. (310) 455-3723.

2 Pianos 4 Hands Two actor-pianists portray multiple characters in this comedy featuring music by Beethoven, Bach, Elton John, Jerry Lee Lewis and others. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Sat., 7 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Nov. 16. $52-$62. (805) 667-2900.

The Merchant of Venice Parson’s Nose Theater presents a staged reading of the Shakespeare classic. Lineage Performing Arts Center, 89 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena. Sat., 7 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m. Pay what you will. (626) 403-7667.

Broomstick Jenny O’Hara stars in the West Coast premiere of John Biguenet’s solo play, written in verse, about an Appalachian woman who may or may not be a witch. Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., Hollywood. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Nov. 30. $15-$34. (323) 663-1525.

Cirque Zuma Zuma Circus troupe made up of performers from 16 different African nations. Beckman Auditorium, Caltech, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Sat., 8 p.m. $10-$32. (626) 395-4652.

The Dance of Death West Coast premiere of Conor McPherson’s adaptation of August Strindberg’s dark dramedy about a disintegrating marriage. A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Nov. 23. $40 and up; student rush, $20. (626) 356-3100.

Painting in Red World premiere of Luis Alfaro’s modern-day adaptation of 17th-century Spanish author Pedro Calderon de la Barca’s “El pintor de su deshonra (The Painter of His Own Dishonor).” Greenway Court Theatre, 544 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Nov. 9. $15, $25. (323) 655-7679.

Scream! “Modern Family’s” Sarah Hyland stars in the world premiere of this unauthorized musical parody of the 1996 thriller. Rockwell: Table & Stage, 1714 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Nov. 15. $15-$50. (323) 669-1550.

Spring Awakening Tony-winning rock musical based on a controversial 19th-century German play about teenage sexuality. Studio at Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Nov. 15. $14-$24. (562) 494-1014.

Think Again, God A collection of comedic tales about spiritual misadventures. Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village. Sat., 8 p.m. $15. (818) 508-3003.

Villa Thrilla World premiere of Anna Nicholas’ holiday-themed mystery-comedy. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Nov. 23. $32. (800) 838-3006.

Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White Alice Childress’ classic drama about an interracial couple fighting for the right to marry in the South during WWI. Antaeus Theater, 5112 Lankershim Blvd., N. Hollywood. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Dec. 7. $30, $34. (818) 506-1983.

The Winter’s Tale The Porters of Hellsgate present Shakespeare’s fable of jealousy, love and redemption. dark Oct. 31 Actors Forum Theatre, 10655 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Nov. 15. $20, $25. (818) 325-2055.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia performs in this family-friendly show. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach. Next Sun., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. $20. (562) 985-7000.

Keep Your Eyes on the Road Edward Asner, Ed Begley Jr., Doris Roberts, Stephen Tobolowsky and magician Albie Selznick take part in a benefit for the Road Theatre Company. The Road Theatre Company on Magnolia, 10747 Magnoloa Blvd., North Hollywood. Next Sun., 5 p.m. $125. (866) 506-1248.

A Lot Long Beach Playhouse presents a family-friendly shadow-puppet play as part of this outdoor event that also includes music and dance performances. Vacant lot, northeast corner, Atlantic Ave. and E. Artesia Blvd., Long Beach. Next Sun., 6 p.m. Free.