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L.A. theater openings, Sept. 11-18: ‘Teatro Moz’ and more

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This week: Musicals for every taste, including a Latino-themed celebration of Morrissey, the singer formerly known as the frontman for the British rock band the Smiths.

Assassins Stephen Sondheim’s darkly comic musical about John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, et al.; not recommended for children. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. Sun., next Sun., 2 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Oct. 16. $20, $24. (805) 583-7900.

The Fantasticks Two fathers conspire to arrange a love match between their children in an updated take on this classic musical; with Tony winner Hal Linden. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Sun., 5 p.m.; Tue.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 4 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Oct. 2. $25-$135. (626) 356-7529.

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I Am Alive Denise Gentilini and Lisa Nemzo’s new musical about survivors of the Armenian genocide. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Sun., 3 p.m. $25-$65. (818) 243-2539.

In the Next Room (or the vibrator play) Santa Monica Rep’s play-reading series wraps its first season with Sarah Ruhl’s comedy-drama about sexual repression in America at the turn of the last century. The Edye at the Broad Stage, 1310 11th St. Santa Monica. Sun., 2 p.m. $25. (310) 434-3200.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Phylicia Rashad directs August Wilson’s classic, song-filled drama, set in 1920s Chicago, about racism and exploitation in the music industry. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. Today, 7 p.m.; Tue.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends Oct. 16. $25-$85. (213) 628-2772.

Songs For a New World Disparate characters face moments of decision in a series of vignettes in Jason Robert Brown’s musical. Chromolume Theatre at the Attic, 5429 W. Washington Blvd., L.A. Sun., next Sun., 7 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Sept. 25. $30. (323) 205-1617.

Yarmy’s Army Veteran comics and others perform in a benefit for the Group Rep. Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. Sun., 7 p.m. $25. (818) 763-5990.

Monday Night Seminars Theatre 40 kicks off this eight-part series of staged readings, followed by post-show discussions, with “Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End.” Beverly Hills Unified School District Instructional Center, 255 S. Lasky Drive, Beverly Hills. Mon., 7 p.m. $10; $80 for the entire series. (213) 385-5515.

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Barbecue A dysfunctional family’s get-together turns into an intervention for one drug-addicted sibling in the West Coast premiere of Robert O’Hara’s comedy. Geffen Playhouse, Gil Cates Theater, 10866 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Oct. 16. $43-$84. (310) 208-5454.

Tiger Style! A brother and sister, high-achievers as children but failures as adults, travel to China together in the West Coast premiere of Mike Lew’s comedy. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. Wed., 7 p.m.; Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Oct. 2. $20 and up. (858) 550-1010.

Veteranos: 101 Interactive show features dramatic readings from actor-playwright Enriqué Castillo’s “Veteranos: A Legacy of Valor,” saluting Latino contributions to America’s defense through the centuries; program also includes live music, projections and an audience Q&A. The Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Wed., 8 p.m. Free. (866) 811-4111. www.thelatc.org.

A View From the Bridge The Young Vic’s Tony-winning revival of Arthur Miller’s classic drama about a Brooklyn longshoreman’s unhealthy obsession with his teenage niece. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends Oct. 16. $25-$125. (213) 972-4400.

The Beauty, the Banshee & Me Cathy Lind Hayes tells of being adopted at a young age by a showbiz couple, and of searching for her birth mother, in the West Coast premiere of her autobiographical solo play. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Thu., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Oct. 23. $25. (323) 960-1055.

Casting Confessions From La to LA Comic Amy Snowden discusses her Louisiana childhood, career aspirations, etc., in this solo show. The Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave., L.A. Thu., 8 p.m.; ends Oct. 6. $17. (323) 960-5770.

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Liner Notes Rita Wilson and special guests share songs and stories. Geffen Playhouse, Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Sept. 24. $79- $149. (310) 208-5454.

Love Songs, Storytime and Moon-Madness! With Theatricum company member Tom Allard and special guests. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Thu., 8 p.m. $10, $25. (310) 455-3723.

A Mexican Trilogy: An American Story The Latino Theater Company combines and performs Evelina Fernández’s trio of decades-spanning family dramas — “Faith,” “Hope” and “Charity” — over two consecutive evenings (Thu.-Fri.) and as consecutive afternoon and evening performances on weekends. Los Angeles Theatre Center, Tom Bradley Theater, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 5 and 8:30 p.m.; next Sun., 3 and 6:30 p.m.; ends Oct. 9. $50 per performance; $90 for both. (866) 811-4111.

Road to Kumano East West Players and Taikoproject join forces for this new retelling an ancient Buddhist fable. David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso St., L.A. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Sept. 25. $35-$50. (213) 625-7000.

Road to Nirvana Revival of Arthur Kopit’s comedy about two former movie moguls who reunite in hopes of co-producing a female rock star’s bio-pic. The Art of Acting Studio, 1017 N. Orange Drive, L.A. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Oct. 15. $20 in advance, pay what you can at the door. www.artofactingstudio.com

An Evening with Sophia Loren The screen legend shares stories from her life and career. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Fri., 8 p.m. $90-$150. (562) 467-8818.

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Anita Bryant’s Playboy Interview Fact-based play recalls the former beauty queen’s campaign against gay rights in Dade County, Fla., in the late 1970s. Cavern Club, 1920 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Oct. 11. $20, $25. (213) 308-1108.

Fault Lines Young adults in L.A. try to make sense of their lives in Jake Minton’s new ensemble comedy. The Lyric-Hyperion Theater and Café, 2601 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Fri., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Sept. 25. $10. (800) 838-3006.

Our Town Actors Co-op opens its 25th season with Thornton Wilder’s classic American drama. Actors Co-op, David Schall Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St., Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2:30 p.m.; ends Oct. 23. $20-$30. (323) 462-8460.

The Play About the Baby Edward Albee’s dark meta-comedy about a young couple, a mysterious older couple and a missing child. The Road on Magnolia, NoHo Senior Arts Colony, 10747 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Nov. 5. $17.50, $34. (818) 761-8838.

Punch and Judy The School of Night presents this dark, live-action update of the classic puppet show; not recommended for children. The Ruby Theater at the Complex, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Fri., Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Oct. 2. $15. (800) 838-3006.

Sawed in Half Actress-comic Andrea Mezvinsky plays multiple roles in her new solo show about having to play multiple roles in her own life. ACME Theatre 5124-5126 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Oct. 8. $17, $20. (800) 838-3006.

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Teatro Moz Latino fans’ love for the British singer Morrissey is celebrated in short plays and musical performances. Casa 0101 Theater, 2102 E. 1st St., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 5 p.m.; ends Oct. 16. $20-$25. (323) 263-7684.

Throw Me on the Burnpile and Light Me Up Writer-performer Lucy Alibar revisits her colorful childhood growing up in Florida in her new solo show. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends Oct. 2. $25-$70. (213) 628-2772.

Blueberry Toast The Echo Theater Company presents Mary Laws’ new, darkly comic look at a dysfunctional family; contains graphic language and violence. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 4 p.m.; ends Oct. 24. $30. (310) 307-3753.

Build a New Home Fundraiser Theatre 68 holds a star-studded gala benefit at its new venue, featuring live music and more. Theatre 68, 5112 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 6 p.m. $150. (323) 960-5068.

The Country Wife Classical Theatre Lab stages William Wycherley’s naughty 17th-century farce. Kings Road Park, 1000 N. Kings Road , West Hollywood. Sat.-next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Oct. 23. Free; donations accepted. (323) 960-5691.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame L.A. premiere of Stephen Schwartz and Alan Menken’s stage adaptation of the Disney musical based on the Victor Hugo novel. La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Oct. 9. $20-$70. (562) 944-9801.

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A Slight Ache A married couple’s life is upended by a mysterious stranger in Harold Pinter’s tragicomedy. Upstairs at the Group Rep (not handicapped accessible), the Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 2 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Oct. 9. $15. (818) 763-5990.

(Give) Back to School Show! The Mad Jackrats improv troupe performs in this benefit for homeless children in L.A. Sacred Fools, Second Stage, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Next Sun., 7:30 p.m. $12, $16. www.lpnsimprov.com.

Shine Storytellers share true-life tales about the power of art to change lives. Promenade Playhouse, 1404 3rd St., Santa Monica. Next Sun., 7 p.m. $10; discounts available. (310) 452-2321.

Wild Kratts — Live! Family-friendly stage show based on the animated series. Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Next Sun., 1 and 4:30 p.m. $29.75. (714) 556-2787.

The Woody Guthrie Story Musical salute to the Depression-era songwriter. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Next Sun., 1 p.m. $10, $20; children 4 and under, free. (310) 455-3723.

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