L.A. theater openings, June 8-15: ‘The Last Confession’ and more

David Suchet investigates the death of a pope in “The Last Confession” at the Ahmanson Theatre, Homer’s Odyssey is the inspiration for “Penelope” at Rogue Machine, and the fifth annual Hollywood Fringe Festival takes over local stages.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Shakespeare’s beloved romantic fantasy. Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga. Sun, next Sun., 3:30 p.m.; ends Sept. 27.

Stoneface French Stewart portrays silent-film legend Buster Keaton in a revised version of Vanessa Claire Stewart’s bio-drama; Tony winner Daisy Eagan also stars. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Sun., 5 p.m.; Tue.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 4 p.m., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m., 7 p.m.; ends June 29. $34-$74. (626) 356-7529.

’Twas Brillig: The Nonsense of Lewis Carroll Celebration of the fantastical tales of the Victorian-era author. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sun., next Sun. 7 p.m.; ends June 29. $15. (818) 202-4120.

A Distant Country Called Youth Richard Thomas (“The Waltons,” “The Americans”) stars in this solo show adapted from the early letters of playwright Tennessee Williams. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. Mon., 7 p.m. $33, $35. (619) 234-5623.

If All the Sky Were Paper Laura Dern, Gary Cole, Ken Howard and others read the letters of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen and their loved ones from the American Revolution to the Afghanistan war. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Mon., 7:30 p.m. $25. (800) 838-3006.

Linda Eder: Night After the Tonys The Broadway star performs with special guests the Company Men and “American Idol’s” Constantine Maroulis. Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E., Hollywood. Mon., 8 p.m. $20-$95. (323) 461-3673.

Blood, Sweat and Mouseketears Former 1990s-era “Mickey Mouse Club” costar Lindsey Alley shares songs and stories. Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Tue., 8 p.m. $20, $25. (800) 838-3006.

The Blue Moon Dancing Ed Graczyk’s comedy about the denizens of a dance hall. The Production Company Workspace, 14731 Oxnard St., Van Nuys. Tue.-Fri., 8 p.m. $10. (800) 838-3006.

Journey of the Skeletons Teatro Mascara Magica stages Max Branscomb’s fantastical tale of a multiracial trio of angels beset by evil forces on their way to a Dia de Los Muertos celebration. La Jolla Playhouse, Shank Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. Wed.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat.-next Sun., 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.; ends June 22. $10-$25. (800) 838-3006.

The Country House Blythe Danner and “Scandal’s” Scott Foley star in the world premiere of Pulitzer winner Donald Margulies’s Chekov-inspired comedy about a family of performers. Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m., 7 p.m.; ends July 13. $37-$77. (310) 208-5454.

The Last Confession U.S. premiere of Roger Crane’s mystery drama about the death of Pope John Paul I; with Richard O’Callaghan and “Poirot’s” David Suchet. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 p.m.; ends July 6. $20-$105. (213) 972-4400.

Sexagenarian and An Interrogation Primer Two West Coast premieres: Writer-performer Alexandra Morgan’s solo show about a former flower child’s ongoing investigation of sensuality, and Sean Bolger performing Mike Nowacki’s account of his time as a military interrogator in Iraq; part of Solofest 2014. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Wed., 8 p.m. $20. (800) 838-3006.

The Hollywood Fringe Festival Fifth annual event features more than 100 new plays, revivals, musicals, solo shows, etc., by local, national and international companies and performers in multiple area venues. June 12-29. Tickets and info at (323) 455-4585 or www.hollywoodfringe.org

Jack Lemmon Returns Chris Lemmon portrays his Oscar-winning father in the West Coast premiere of this bio-drama written and directed by Hershey Felder. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Thu.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends June 22. $30-$45. (949) 497-2787.

The Hound of the Baskervilles L.A. Theatre Works records the California premiere of this adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic Sherlock Holmes mystery for its radio program; with Seamus Dever, James Marsters and Sarah Drew. James Bridges Theater, UCLA, 235 Charles E. Young Drive, Westwood. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 4 p.m. $15-$60. (310) 827-0889.

Zombies From Beyond The Visceral Company presents the L.A. premiere of James Valcq’s musical-comedy satire of 1950s sci-fi B-movies. The Lex Theatre, 6760 Lexington Ave., Hollywood. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends July 20. $32. 323-871-1150.

ABBAMEMNON Troubadour Theater Company’s latest musical mash-up blends Aeschylus’ classic tragedy with the sounds of the 1970s-era Swedish pop group. Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 4 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 4 and 7 p.m.; ends July 13. $27-$57. (818) 955-8101.

The Bargain & the Butterfly The Ghost Road Company presents the O.C. premiere of this fantasy-drama, inspired by a Nathaniel Hawthorne short story, about a brilliant young woman trying to restore the soul of her twin brother. South Coast Repertory, Nicholas Studio, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m. $15-$25. (714) 708-5555.

Land Line Ensemble Studio Theatre/LA presents the world premiere of Stephen Dierkes’s tale of a man who moves back in with his parents following a health crisis. The Speakeasy at Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village. Sat., 5 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends July 21. $25. (323) 644-1929.

Chekhov Shorts: The Proposal, The Bear and The Bet A man asks for his neighbor’s daughter’s hand, a widow argues with her landlord, and an attorney and a bank employee make an unusual wager in this trio of tales by the Russian playwright. Studio at Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends July 12. $14-$24. (562) 494-1014.

Coming Out Kinky: A Grown-Up Story Writer-performer Jean Franzblau recalls her sexual awakening in this solo show; for mature audiences; part of Solofest 2014. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Sat., 8 p.m. $25. (800) 838-3006.

Penelope A woman faces down four suitors in the L.A. premiere of Tony winner Enda Walsh’s contemporary dark comedy inspired by Homer’s Odyssey. Rogue Machine at Theatre Theater, 5041 Pico Blvd., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Aug. 10. $30. (855) 585-5185.

City of Angels Musical Theatre Guild closes its season with this Tony-winning send-up of film noir. Moss Theater at New Roads School, 3131 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica. Next Sun., 7 p.m. $45. (818) 848-6844.

For The Record: Tarantino This tribute show featuring songs and scenes from the “Pulp Fiction” director’s filmography is presented as a benefit for Center Theatre Group’s new-play production programs; with special guests. DBA, 7969 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. Next Sun., 7 p.m. $75-$125. (213) 972-3097.