Theater

Theatrical events mentioned in Michael Phillips’ roundup. (Page 7).

An Antigone Story (A Greek Tragedy Hijack) (Subway Terminal Building, 417 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, [213] 613-1700, Ext. 31). Greek tragedy hits the 21st century. “Subtitled ‘A Hijack,’ this seductive Cornerstone Theater multimedia update of the Sophocles tragedy--in which Antigone (Page Leong) defies the state in order to bury her brother--unfolds in a wonderful, cavernous section of the Subway Terminal Building. Director-adapter Shishir Kurup deploys the space well and, without assaulting our senses, this riff gives them plenty to take in.” (M.P.) Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m. Ends Aug. 20. $15.

Expecting Isabel (Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles, [213] 628-2772). West Coast premiere of Lisa Loomer’s comedy. A couple goes through a wild reproductive roller coaster ride of fertility treatments, support groups, obstetricians and adoption facilitators. Tues.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 2:30 p.m. Dark this Saturday. Ends Aug. 27. $29-$42.

The Good Doctor (Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, [800] 233-3123). Harry Groener and Michael Learned headline in a revival of Neil Simon’s collection of short pieces set in Russia, most of them based on writings of Chekhov, staged by Stephanie Shroyer. Anne Gee Byrd replaces Learned as of Sunday. “More Simon than Chekhov. Some funny and clever sketches in the first act, but the second is a disappointment” (D.S.). Tue.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 5 and 9 p.m.; Sun., 2 and 7 p.m. Ends Aug. 20. $15-$42.50.

How to Steal an Election (Actor’s Gang Theater, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, [323] 465-0566). Political skulduggery through the ages provides the framework for Calvin Coolidge as he undertakes the education of two pure-at-hearts in the political facts of life. Previews: Today and Fri. at 8 p.m., pay what you can (suggested donation, $5). Opens Sat. Ends Sept. 23. Thurs.-Sun., 8 p.m. $15.

James Joyce’s The Dead (Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles, [213] 628-2772). West Coast premiere. “A truly unique musical, low-key in the extreme. The book by director Richard Nelson, who co-wrote the lyrics (adapted from various poetic sources) with composer Shaun Davey, sticks to its stubbornly anti-musical guns in relaying the Joyce tale set at the annual Christmas party of the Morkan sisters. It’s a particular pleasure to see Sally Ann Howes and Marni Nixon, as the elder Morkans, let their hair down ever so gently and deliver ‘Naughty Girls.’ ” (M.P.) Tues.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m., Sun. and Aug. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Today Aug. 17, 31 at 2 p.m. Dark this Sat. Ends Sept. 3. $25-$70.

The Master and Margarita (Zoo District at Hudson Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, [323] 769-5674). “A rich comic nightmare of censorship and the devil. It’s a newly translated adaptation of Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel, in which a Russian novelist and his lover share a city (Moscow) with Satan and his various assistants, costumed brilliantly by Maro Parian and Sofi Khachmanyan. Too long and overpacked, the Zoo District staging is nonetheless quite a sight” (M.P.). Thur.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m. Ends Aug. 27. $20.

Our Town (Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, [310] 455-3723). Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Sat., 8 p.m. through Sept. 30. Also today and Fri. at 8 p.m.; Aug. 26 and Sept. 2 at 4 p.m.; Oct. 7, 14 and 21 at 3 p.m. Ends Oct. 21. $13-$20.