L.A. theater openings, June 5-12: ‘home/sick’ and more
This week: The revolution will not be televised, but it will be staged in a new drama about 1960s radicals. Plus, a double bill from Down Under, a sensitive look at Tourette’s Syndrome, and it’s time once again for the annual Hollywood Fringe festival.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Theatricum Botanicum’s annual staging of Shakespeare’s romantic fantasy. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Sun., 3:30 p.m.; ends Sept. 23. $10-$38.50; children 4 and under, free. (310) 455-3723.
Australian Double Feature L.A.-based Australian Theatre Company presents two plays from Down Under in repertory: Andrew Bovell’s psychological thriller “Speaking in Tongues,” about assorted characters caught up in film noir-ish scenarios; and the U.S. premiere of Brendan Cowell’s dark comedy “Ruben Guthrie,” about an ad man in Sydney with a serious drinking problem. Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave., L.A. “Speaking in Tongues,” Mon., Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends June 27. “Ruben Guthrie,” Tue., Thu., 8 p.m.; Sat., 4 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends June 28. $34.99 each; $50 for both shows. (323) 960-4443.
Invisible Staged reading of a new teen-themed pop-rock musical inspired by H.G. Wells’ “The Invisible Man.” Colony Theatre, 555 N. 3rd St., Burbank. Mon., 8 p.m. $22. Also, 3D Theatricals, 1255 N. Knollwood Circle, Anaheim. Tue., 8 p.m. Free. www.nmi.org.
Notes from the Field: Doing Time in Education Writer-performer Anna Deavere Smith’s latest project explores the school-to-prison pipeline. The Old Globe, San Diego, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. Mon., 7:15 p.m. $25. (619) 234-5623.
Nadya Ginsburg The female drag artist and celebrity impersonator returns, with special guests. Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. June 7. Tue., 8 p.m. $20, $25. (800) 838-3006.
Backstage in Biscuit Land Two-woman show uses comedy, puppetry, singing, etc., to explore Tourette’s Syndrome and celebrate neuro-diversity and inclusion. The Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. Wed.-Thu., 8 p.m. $12-$20. (877) 722-4849.
Works by Women Free Reading Series Australian Theatre Company presents a four-week, five-play showcase; details at www.AustralianTheatreCompany.com. Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave., L.A. Wed., 8 p.m.; Free. (323) 960-4443.
Hollywood Fringe Festival 2016 Seventh annual open-access performing-arts showcase features more than 200 comedies, dramas, solo shows, etc., at more than 30 area venues. Thu.-Sun., June 26. Tickets and info at www.hollywoodfringe.org. (323) 455-4585.
Carney Magic Sleight-of-hand artist John Carney performs in this theatrical comedy-and-magic show. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m. $17-$30. (626) 355-4318.
The Clean House Sarah Ruhl’s comedy about an aspiring comedian from Brazil who works as a housekeeper for two married doctors. Little Fish Theatre, 777 Centre St., San Pedro. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends July 16. $23-$27. (310) 512-6030.
Hamlet American Coast Theater Company stages Shakespeare’s tragedy, directed by Four Clowns’ Jeremy Aluma, in repertory with Tom Stoppard’s comedy “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead” (opened June 3). Vanguard University’s Lyceum Theater, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends July 1. $15, $19. www.ACTCtickets.com.
For the record, 11:08 a.m. June 3: An earlier version of this post misstated director Jeremy Aluma’s first name as Jerry.
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Taco Kisses Drag artist Kay Sedia reprises her hit show. Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 and 10 p.m.; ends June 25. $20. www.kaysedia.com
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Christopher Durang’s Tony-winning, Chekhov-inspired farce about a movie star who returns to her family’s home in Pennsylvania. International City Theatre, Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends July 3. $47-$55. (562) 436-4610.
Fallen Angels Ensemble Theatre Company stages Noël Coward’s classic comedy about two society women awaiting the arrival of a shared former flame. The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends June 26. $20-$65; discounts available. (805) 965-5400.
home/sick West Coast premiere of New York City theater collective the Assembly’s company-created work about the 1960s radical group the Weather Underground. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 4 p.m.; ends July 3. $25–$34. (310) 477-2055.
LABfest 2016 The Echo Theater Company presents staged readings of five new plays; details at www.EchoTheaterCompany.com. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., L.A. Sat., 1 and 4 p.m.; next Sun., 1 p.m.; ends June 18. Free. (310) 307-3753.
Marat/Sade Peter Weiss’ dark drama about the notorious Marquis de Sade attempting to stage a play in a mental asylum. The Studio at Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Sat., 8 p.m.; ends July 9. $14-$27. (562) 494-1014.
The 24 Hour Plays Los Angeles Six short plays created in 24 hours, staged as a benefit for Cornerstone Theater Company. Moss Theatre at New Roads School, 3131 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica. Sat., 8 p.m. $150. www.cornerstonetheater.org
Donnybrook! Musical Theatre West offers a staged reading of this musical adaptation of John Ford’s Oscar-winning 1952 drama “The Quiet Man” that starred John Wayne. University Theatre, Cal State Long Beach, 1250 N. Bellflower Blvd. (off 7th St. between East and West Campus Drive, Parking Lot 7), Long Beach. Next Sun., 7 p.m. $27, $32. (562) 856-1999. www.musical.org.
Shine Storytellers share inspirational tales about others who had an influence on their lives. Promenade Playhouse, 1404 3rd St., Santa Monica. Next Sun., 7 p.m. $10; discounts available. (310) 452-2321.
The Skin of Our Teeth Santa Monica Rep presents a staged reading of Thornton Wilder’s classic American drama. The Edye at the Broad Stage, 1310 11th St. Santa Monica. Next Sun., 2 p.m. $25. (310) 434-3200.
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