PLAN AHEAD: NEXT WEEKEND

The popular boy band the Backstreet Boys bring their “Black & Blue World Tour” to Staples Center, 1100 S. Figueroa St., downtown L.A., March 14 and 15, followed by performances March 17 and 18 at the San Diego Sports Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego. $46.50-$69.50. (213) 742-7340 or (619) 224-4171.

* “The Wooden Breeks,” Glen Berger’s darkly comic fairy tale about unrequited love and premature death, plays March 16-April 21 at the Open Fist Theatre, 1625 N. La Brea Ave., L.A. $15. (323) 882-6912.

* “The Lonesome West,” the West Coast premiere of Martin McDonagh’s Irish comedy about conniving brothers, runs March 16-April 15 at South Coast Repertory, Second Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. $18-$47; pay what you can March 17. (714) 708-5555.

* The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater presents five Southern California premieres during its March 14 to 18 engagement at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. $15 to $75. (213) 365-3500.

* The Boris Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg performs the West Coast premiere of “Russian Hamlet: The Son of Catherine the Great” from March 16 to 18 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. $20 to $60. (714) 556-ARTS.