Throw Me on the Burnpile and Light Me Up
Through Oct. 2. Lucy Alibar, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter behind Beasts of the Southern Wild, spins yarns about a unique childhood that included a run-in with a lecherous goat and Pentecostals on the radio in this play, having its official world premiere here. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Macbeth
Oct. 5, 8, 13, 16. LA Opera kicks off its 2016-2017 season with a new production of Giuseppe Verdi’s Macbeth. Tony Award winner Darko Tresnjak directs this adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragic tale, with LA. Opera general director Plácido Domingo playing the title role. It’s the company’s first staging of the opera since 1987—a reprise that music director/conductor James Conlon calls his and Domingo’s “offering to the international recognition of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.” Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave. laopera.org
The Model Apartment
Oct. 11-Nov. 20. Max and Lola are retiring to Florida, desperately hoping to live out their golden years in relaxation and respite. But the life they have left behind quickly comes calling, plunging their deluxe seaside condo into a nightmare tinged with the brutality of their past. Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
Barbecue
Through Oct. 16. Award-winning playwright Robert O’Hara’s comedy about a dysfunctional family barbecue that turns into an intervention for a drug-addicted sister gets its West Coast premiere, with a cast including Yvette Cason, Dale Dickey and Frances Fisher. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
Celebrate Forsythe
Oct. 21-23. The Music Center kicks off its dance season with Celebrate Forsythe at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. 135 N. Grand Ave. musiccenter.org
Vicuna
Oct. 23-Nov. 20. The World premiere of this hot-off-the-presses satire from Jon Robin Baitz tells the story of a tailor to the wealthy, powerful, and famous struggles to serve a very unusual client: a blustering real estate tycoon and reality TV star who—to everyone’s surprise—becomes a major party’s nominee for President. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
For The Record: Scorsese–American Crime Requiem
Through Oct. 16. Subtitled American Crime Requiem, this production explores over 40 years of the legendary Martin Scorsese’s storytelling by bringing his films’ soundtracks (including Goodfellas, The Departed, The Wolf of Wall Street) to life. Stop by before the show for Scorsese-inspired cocktails from the newly opened The Bar @ The Wallis, dine on handmade pasta and desserts from the Prince of Venice food truck and enjoy pre- and post-show entertainment and performers. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.746.4000. thewallis.org
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Through Oct. 16. Phylicia Rashad directs August Wilson’s groundbreaking play—inspired by the real-life Gertrude “Ma” Rainey—which depicts the racism and exploitation in the music industry present during a 1927 recording session in Chicago. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
A View from the Bridge
Through Oct. 16. Fresh off recent Tony wins and sold-out runs on Broadway and the West End, this production of Arthur Miller’s play follows a Brooklyn longshoreman obsessed with his 17-year-old niece and his raging jealousy over her love of an immigrant. For a more intimate experience, opt for onstage seating. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org