Sex with Strangers
Opening March 1. This compelling two-character drama follows a female novelist and a younger blogger known for his sexual prowess. Their real-life 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
Women Laughing Alone With Salad
Opening March 6. Sheila Callaghan (award-winning playwright and writer for such TV shows as Shameless and United States of Tara) wrote this raw comedy, making 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
Once
March 15-20. This Tony-winning musical is back by popular demand for a limited one-week engagement at the Pantages. A stage adaptation of the acclaimed film of the same name, Once tells the story of a street musician in Dublin buoyed by the encouragement of a beautiful young Czech woman. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder
Opening March 22. 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
The Revisionist
Opening March 29. Oscar nominee Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) wrote this off-Broadway play—making 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
Continuing
The Mystery of Love & Sex
Through March 20. Playwright Bathsheba Doran’s work explores sex and romance across generations, as protagonist Charlotte is in love with both her male and female friends—and doesn’t know how to explain this to her parents, who have their own secrets. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
An Act of God
Through March 13. Emmy-winning funnyman Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) takes on his loftiest role yet: He plays God himself and answers some of humanity’s most burning questions in this irreverent, highly acclaimed comedy. Written by The Daily Show alum David Javerbaum, the play arrives in L.A. for the first time after a successful Broadway run. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Barcelona
Through March 13. This play by Bess Wohl—making its West Coast premiere here—follows an American woman’s one-night stand in Spain that turns into a complicated game of cat and mouse. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
The Illusionists: Live from Broadway
Through March 13. Have your mind blown at this spectacular showcase, the best-selling magic show in Broadway history. A roster of incredible illusionists performs death-defying stunts and jaw-dropping magic tricks. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com