L.A. theater openings, Aug. 2-9: ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ and more

This week: “Much Ado About Nothing” in Griffith Park, and some ado about several things at REDCAT.

Australian Theatre Company Summer Pool Party/Fundraiser Food, drink, and poolside entertainment. Private residence, address provided to ticket holders, L.A. Sun., 12:30 p.m. $150. RSVP to joinus@australiantheatrecompany.com.

Shakespeare by the Sea New productions of “As You Like It” and “The Tempest” at various outdoor venues around Southern California; details at www.shakespearebythesea.org. Ends Aug. 22. Free. (310) 217-7596.

Summer New Works Festival Ojai Playwrights Conference’s annual showcase includes workshop productions of plays by Mike Daisey, Ellen Fairey, Nick Gandiello, et al.; details at www.ojaiplays.org. Zalk Theater, 703 El Paseo Rd., Ojai. Sun., 7 p.m.; Fri., 7 and 9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m., 1, 4 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., noon, 3 and 6 p.m.; also, Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Rd., Ojai. Thu., 7 p.m. ends Aug. 9. $30. (805) 640-0400.

Sundayzed and Confused! All-new sketch comedy show. Groundlings Theatre, 7307 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. Sun., next Sun., 7:30 p.m.; ends Oct. 16. $16. (323) 934-4747.

Ghost Light The Echo Theater Company presents Deborah Puette in Tommy Smith’s solo fantasy drama about love and loss. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village. Wed., 8 p.m.; dark Wed., Aug. 19.; ends Thu., Aug. 27. $10. (310) 307-3753.

The Phantom of the Opera All-new production puts a darker spin on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical. Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Wed., 7:30 p.m.; Thu., 1 and 7:30 p.m; Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends Aug. 16. $39 and up. (714) 556-2787.

New Original Works Festival 2015 This 12th annual showcase for L.A.-based theater, dance and multimedia artists continues; program details at www.redcat.org. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. Thu.-Sat., 8:30 p.m.; ends Aug. 15. $14-$20; festival pass, $40. (213) 237-2800.

Alien vs. Musical A terrifying creature from science fiction lays waste to the world of musical theater in this satire. Theatre Asylum, Elephant Space, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Sept 12. $15. www.theencoreawards.com.

And the Stones Will Cry Out The discovery of an unusual fossil leads to a battle of wills between two 19th century scholars in the West Coast premiere of David Graham’s historical drama. Little Fish Theatre, 777 Centre St., San Pedro. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Sept. 5. $25, $27. (310) 512-6030.

Inside the Creole Mafia Mark Broyard and Roger Guenveur Smith’s comedic, New Orleans-themed exploration of race and identity politics. Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Aug. 22. $15, $20. (213) 389-3856.

Lonely at the Top A private eye probes a Hollywood director’s murder in Andy Shultz’s new mystery comedy. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri., 8:30 p.m.; ends Aug. 28 $15. (818) 202-4120.

Mary Poppins The young performers of South Coast Rep’s Summer Players present the hit musical about a magical British nanny. Julianne Argyros Stage, South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Sat.-next Sun., 1 and 5 p.m.; ends Aug. 16. $13, $16. (714) 708-5555.

Much Ado About Nothing The Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival continues as Independent Shakespeare Co. stages the Bard’s romantic farce in an outdoor setting. The Old Zoo at Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Spring Dr., L.A. Sat.-next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Aug. 30. Free. (818) 710-6306.

Thinking Shakespeare Live! Globe artistic director Barry Edelstein and a trio actors explore the language of the Bard. The Old Globe, San Diego, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. Sat., 11 a.m. $10, $15. (619) 234-5623.

Troubadour Theater Company’s The Funky Punks Kid-friendly interactive show features clowning and other circus arts. La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Next Sun., 1 and 3:30 p.m. $10, $15. (562) 944-9801.

Up Here A thirtysomething computer repairman romances a free-spirited T-shirt designer in this world-premiere musical comedy from “Frozen’s” Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. Mandell Weiss Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. Next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Sept. 6. $25-$110. (858) 550-1010.

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