L.A. theater openings, Aug. 7-14: ‘As Straw Before the Wind’ and more

This week: A new drama set in a San Gabriel Valley nursing home, a new comedy from actor-comic Steve Martin, and the nationally touring production of “Cabaret” moves from Hollywood to Costa Mesa.

Ladies of Magic Illusions and more, ranging in style from Victorian to contemporary. Greystone Mansion, 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills. Sun., 2 p.m. $50, $60. (310) 286-0119.

Meteor Shower Two couples spend an eventful evening together in the world premiere of Steve Martin’s adult-themed comedy; with Jenna Fischer (“The Office”) and Greg Germann (“Ally McBeal”). The Old Globe, San Diego, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. Sun., 7 p.m.; Tue.-Wed. 7 p.m.; Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Sept. 18. $29 and up. (619) 234-5623.

Shakespeare by the Sea Locally touring productions of the Bard’s “Cymbeline” and “Othello.” Various locations; details at www.shakespearebythesea.org. Sunday through Aug. 20. Free. (310) 217-7596.

Summer New Works Festival The Ojai Playwrights Conference’s 19th annual showcase includes workshop productions of plays by Jon Robin Baitz, Bekah Brunstetter, et al., plus a reading of a new musical about Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera; details at www.ojaiplays.org. Zalk Theater, 703 El Paseo Road, and Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Road, Ojai. Sunday through Sun., Aug. 21. $30. (805) 640-0400.

Cabaret Roundabout Theatre Company remounts Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall’s Tony-winning revival of the Kander & Ebb classic about the denizens of a seedy nightclub in pre-WWII Berlin. Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tue.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends Aug. 21. $29 and up. (714) 556-2787.

Hits Like You’ve Never Heard Vocal group Rockapella celebrates the songs of Elvis, the Beatles, Prince and many others. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Wed.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 1 p.m.; ends Aug. 28. $50-$60. (949) 497-2787.

Maestro Hershey Felder portrays Leonard Bernstein in the final West Coast engagement of Felder’s salute to the legendary composer-conductor. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. Wed., 6 p.m.; Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Aug. 28. $25-$85. (310) 746-4000.

D Deb Debbie Deborah West Coast premiere of Jerry Lieblich’s comedic exploration of identity, belonging, art, etc. Theatre of NOTE, 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun. 7 p.m.; ends Sept. 17. $20, $25. (323) 856-8611.

Hopping on Down the Bunny Trail Mark Hooker’s fantastical new comedy-drama about a gay man with early-onset Alzheimer’s, a transgender teen and a giant rabbit. The Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village. Thur.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Aug. 28. $15, $20. (323) 906-7295.

A Mexican Trilogy Reading of excerpts from Evelina Fernández’s play, plus cast Q&A, ahead of a full production this September. Sage Restaurant and Lounge, 6511 Greenleaf Ave., Whittier. Thu., 6 p.m. Free. (562) 945-1204.

As Straw Before the Wind A Filipina nurse, who lived through WWII, runs a convalescent home in the San Gabriel Valley in Felix Racelis’ new drama. The Ruby Theatre at the Complex, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Sept. 4. $12, $20. (800) 838-3006.

The Fruit Cake Follies: Race for the White House The comedy troupe presents an election-season satire. Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Sat., 3 and 9 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Aug. 14. $30. (800) 838-3006.

Richard III The Porters of Hellgate present a staged reading of Shakespeare’s historical drama. The Whitmore Theatre, 11006 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 7 p.m. Pay what you can. www.PortersofHellsgate.com.

A Phoenix Too Frequent Theatre 40 presents a reading of Christopher Fry’s 1946 drama about a Roman soldier, a grieving widow and her servant. Greystone Mansion, 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills. Next Sun., 6 p.m. $12, $15. (310) 285-6830.