Women Laughing Alone With Salad
Through April 3. Sheila Callaghan (award-winning playwright and writer for such TV shows as Shameless and United States of Tara) wrote this raw comedy, having its West Coast premiere here, as a response to the ubiquitous, ridiculous advertising image referenced in the title. Through three different female characters—all wrapped up in the same man’s life—Callaghan challenges gender roles and women-shaming. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Father Comes Home From the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3)
Opening April 5. This epic tale—making its West Coast premiere here—takes place throughout the Civil War and follows a slave who is offered freedom if he joins his master in fighting with the Confederacy. The poignant work by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks won the 2015 Kennedy Center Prize for Drama. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Stage Kiss
Opening April 5. MacArthur “genius” Sarah Ruhl wrote this romantic comedy, a raucous play-within-a-play about two co-stars igniting an old flame. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
Beckett Trilogy
April 7-10. Irish actress Lisa Dwan’s performance is a true tour de force, as she acts out three of Samuel Beckett’s one-woman plays—Not I, Footfalls and Rockaby—in 55 minutes. The production has sold out theaters all over the world, so don’t miss the chance to see this unique theatrical experience before Dwan retires the program soon. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, 310.434.3200. thebroadstage.com
Sex with Strangers
Through April 10. This compelling two-character drama follows a female novelist and a younger blogger known for his sexual prowess. Their connection is complicated by questions of trust and literary identity, proving that, sometimes, “you can’t judge a book by its author.” Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
Kinky Boots
April 13-24. Everything about this 2013 Tony Award winner for best musical—back at the Pantages by popular demand—screams fun, including the thigh-high red boots alluded to in the title and the joyous music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. Watch as a struggling shoe-factory owner and drag queen Lola teach each other the importance of open-mindedness and standing out. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
The Revisionist
Through April 17. Oscar nominee Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) wrote this off-Broadway play—having its West Coast premiere here—about a writer who heads to Poland for solitude to aid his writer’s block but must deal with his 75-year-old second cousin who is eager to connect with her American relative. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.746.4000. thewallis.org
Endgame
Opening April 24. Often considered Samuel Beckett’s single greatest work, Endgame dives into his absurdist world and finds four characters preparing for oblivion throughout the course of one act. The prolific Alan Mandell both directs and stars in this version of the macabre comedy. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Chicago the Musical
Opening April 26. Grammy winner Brandy Norwood takes the stage as Roxie Hart, after making the role her own on Broadway. See the story about corruption and celebrity unfold while listening to the musical’s iconic songs, including “All That Jazz” and “Razzle Dazzle.” Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder
Continuing. This acclaimed musical comedy—it earned the 2014 Tony for best musical—arrives at the Ahmanson straight from New York. The play tells the story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune, who opts to take matters into his own hands by killing the eight relatives (all played by the same man) who stand in his way. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org