Fall arts preview 2014: Theater listings

‘Happy Days’

Sept. 13-Oct. 12

Director Andrei Belgrader reimagines Samuel Beckett’s existential fable as a parable about climate change and environmental catastrophe with Tony Shalhoub and Brooke Adams. Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. $34. (626) 683-6883. www.bostoncourt.org

‘Choir Boy’

Sept. 26-Oct. 26

A vocally gifted African American navigates life at an all-boys prep school in the West Coast premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s drama. Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. $39-$79. (310) 208-5454. www.geffenplayhouse.com

Fall arts preview 2014: The season in music, theater and more

‘Marjorie Prime’

Sept. 21-Oct. 19

World premiere of Jordan Harrison’s fantastical drama about an elderly woman (Lois Smith) coming to terms with her life with the help of her daughter, her son-in-law and a mysterious stranger. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. $25-$70. (213) 628-2772. www.centertheatregroup.org

‘The Trip to Bountiful’

Sept. 26-Nov. 2

Tony winner Cicely Tyson, Vanessa Williams and Blair Underwood reprise their Broadway roles in this revival of Horton Foote’s drama about an elderly woman (Tyson) who wants to see her Texas hometown one last time before she dies. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. $25-$115. (213) 972-4400. www.centertheatregroup.org

‘Bright Star’

Sept. 28-Nov. 2

A WWI soldier returns to North Carolina and confronts dark secrets from his past in the world premiere of this musical created by Steve Martin and singer-songwriter Edie Brickell. Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. $39 and up. (619) 234-5623. www.theoldglobe.org

‘Venus in Fur’

Oct. 11-26

In David Ives’ two-character drama, a director gets more than he bargained for when he auditions an actress for a play based on a 19th century erotic novel. South Coast Repertory, Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. $22-$72. (714) 708-5555. www.scr.org

‘Othello’

Oct. 18-Dec. 14

Odyssey Theatre and New American Theatre team up for a new production of Shakespeare’s tragic tale of lust, jealousy and murder. Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. $30. (310) 477-2055. www.odysseytheatre.com

‘King Lear’

Nov. 5-16

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre presents the Bard’s classic tragedy. Joseph Marcell (“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”) stars as the aging monarch who slips into madness as his realm falls to ruin. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. $53-$98. (310) 434-3200. www.thebroadstage.com

‘Stop Kiss’

Nov. 9-30

Diana Son’s poignant drama about two women whose budding romance is shattered by a shocking act of violence. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. $45-$125. (626) 356-7529. www.pasadenaplayhouse.org

‘Luna Gale’

Dec. 2-21

Chicago’s Goodman Theatre presents Rebecca Gilman’s new drama about a social worker who goes above and beyond to save the infant daughter of two drug-addicted teens. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. $25-$55. (213) 628-2772. www.centertheatregroup.org