L.A. theater openings, Oct. 19-26: ‘Doctor Faustus’ and more

The Tony-winning revival of “Pippin” plays at the Pantages, mask-theater troupe Mummenschanz goes quietly about its business in Northridge and Long Beach, and the devil’s in the details in Independent Shakespeare Co.’s staging of Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus.”

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. Sun., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. $20. (562) 985-7000.

Keep Your Eyes on the Road This benefit for the Road Theatre Company features Edward Asner, Ed Begley Jr., Doris Roberts, Stephen Tobolowsky and magician Albie Selznick. The Road on Magnolia at the NoHo Senior Arts Colony, 10747 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. 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 Avenue and East Artesia Boulevard, Long Beach. Sun., 6 p.m. Free.

Boss: The Untold Tony Danza Story Damien Luvara portrays the sitcom star in this examination of showbiz. Asylum Lab, 1076 N. Lillian Way, L.A. Mon., Sat., 10 p.m. $15. (323) 962-1632.

Pippin National touring production of this Tony-winning revival of the musical about a young prince on a journey of self-discovery; with John Rubinstein and Andrea Martin. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Tue.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.; ends Nov. 9. $25 and up. (800) 982-2787.

Rise & Shine With Bette & Juliette Halloween-themed edition of the comedy-variety drag show. Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Tue., 8 p.m. $20. (800) 838-3006.

Manxmouse: The Mouse Who Knew No Fear The Netherlands’ Theatergroep Kwatta performs; for ages 7 and up. The Edye Second Space, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. $15. (310) 434-3200.

Buffalo Soldier Revival of Mitch Hale’s drama about an African American regiment in the U.S. Army in the 1870s. Monroe Forum Theatre at El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Nov. 30. $34.99. (818) 508-4200.

The Capitol Steps The comedy-and-music troupe is back with more political satire. The Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga. Fri., 8 p.m. $28-$35. (909) 477-2752.

Icaro U.S. premiere of writer-performer Daniele Finzi Pasca’s fantastical tale of a clown struggling against his destiny. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m. $20-$40. (949) 854-4646.

The Importance of Being Earnest Queer Classics’ gay-themed reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s romantic comedy. Lounge Theatre, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 5 p.m.; ends Nov. 16. $20, $40. (323) 450-7399.

Mummenschanz The Swiss troupe specializing in nonverbal mask-theater performs. Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. Fri., 8 p.m. $25-$65. (818) 677-3000. Also at Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach. Sat., 8 p.m. Prices vary. (562) 985-7000.

A or B? World premiere of Ken Levine’s romantic comedy about love versus career in the corporate world. Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 4 p.m.; ends Nov. 16. $29-$59. (818) 955-8101.

Our Lady of 121st Street Los Angeles City College theater students perform Stephen Adly Guirgis’ comedy-drama about childhood friends from Harlem reuniting for a wake. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Nov. 1. $10, $20. (310) 477-2055.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Concert-staged performance of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony-winning musical thriller. Norris Center for the Performing Arts, 27570 Norris Center Drive, Rolling Hills Estates. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m. $25-$55. (310) 544-0403.

This Is Banned Two world-premiere plays by Samantha Macher — the story of firearms heiress Sarah Winchester and a tale of war in a dystopian future — in an immersive staging. NoHo Actors’ Studio, 5215 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Nov. 29. $15, $20. (800) 838-3006.

So You Want to Be a Vampire This late-night horror tale about an ill-advised romance comes with an advisory for stage-blood splatter for those seated in the first two rows. Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village. Fri.-Sat., 10:30 p.m.; ends Dec. 6. $15. (818) 508-3003.

Zealot World premiere of Theresa Rebeck’s drama about British and American diplomats reacting to a female-led protest in Mecca, Saudi Arabia; contains profanity. South Coast Repertory, Segerstrom Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Sat., 2 p.m., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.; ends Nov. 16. $22 and up. (714) 708-5555.

Doctor Faustus New adaptation of Christopher Marlowe’s 16th century satire about a man who sells his soul to the devil; may not be suitable for younger viewers. Independent Shakespeare Company in the Studio, 3191 Casitas Ave., No. 168, L.A. Sat., 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Nov. 23. $15-$25. (818) 710-6306.

Late Nite Catechism Las Vegas: Sister Rolls the Dice Writer-performer Maripat Donovan sends up all things Sin City in this satirical show. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Nov. 16. $20-$70; discounts available. (562) 944-9801.

Reasons to Live West Coast premiere of Meryl Cohn’s comedy about a dysfunctional family uniting in the face of adversity. Skylight Theatre, 1816 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Nov. 30. $30. (213) 761-7061.

Todd Ellison: Broadway’s Greatest Hits The veteran music director is joined by several musical-theater stars. Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. Next Sun., 3 p.m. $35-$65. (818) 677-3000.

Dylan Thomas Centennial This celebration features the poetry of Dylan Thomas and the songs of Bob Dylan. Found Theatre, 599 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach. Next Sun., 7 p.m. Free; donations accepted. (562) 433-3363.

Murder on the Air Vaudeville-style musical mystery set at a radio station. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Next Sun., 7 p.m. (626) 355-4318.