Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Nov. 1-27. Glee’s Darren Criss stars alongside Tony winner Lena Hall in the L.A. premiere of this genre-bending rock musical by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask. Recommended for mature audiences. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
Girl Gods
Nov. 3-6. The powerful contemporary dance and multimedia production is Seattle-based choreographer Pat Graney’s newest work. It is set within an immersive video and sculptural environment. With a physical language expressing undomesticated and long-buried feelings, the dancers fiercely reveal the emotional underbelly of the female experience. REDCAT, 631 West 2nd St., downtown, 213.237.2800. redcat.org
Akhnaten
Nov. 5, 10, 13, 17, 19, 27. In ancient Egypt, Akhnaten ascends to the throne with his bride Nefertiti. He has a vision for his people, one that abandons the worship of many gods for just one: The Sun God reigns supreme. But Akhnaten’s bold attempt to alter the course of history with a single revolutionary idea ultimately leads to his violent overthrow. L.A. Opera presents a new production of Akhnaten by renowned director Phelim McDermott, led by the company’s new artist in residence, young conductor Matthew Aucoin. Akhnaten’s mesmerizing score by Philip Glass is filled with driving rhythms and exquisite choral harmonies. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.8001. laopera.org
Icebergs
Opening Nov. 8. Alena Smith’s (The Affair, Newsroom) Silver Lake-set comedy about aimless 30-somethings has its world premiere here. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
The Beauty Queen of Leenane
Nov. 9-Dec. 18. This dark comedy follows protagonist Maureen Folan and her aging mother, who meddles in her daughter’s romantic relationship with horrific results. Tony winner Garry Hynes helms this production by the renowned Irish Druid Theatre Company. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Model Apartment
Through Nov. 20. This early work by Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies follows an elderly couple who retire to Florida but can’t escape their brutal past. Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
Robert Wilson/Mikhail Baryshnikov: Letter to a Man
Nov. 18-19. Mikhail Baryshnikov steps inside the splintering psyche of one of the greatest dancers in history in director Robert Wilson’s staging of Vaslav Nijinsky’s diaries. Royce Hall, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Ave., Westwood, 310.825.2101. cap.ucla.edu
Asterion
Nov. 19. Inspired by the the myth of the Minotaur, Asterion explores the life of one man who has seen the dark side of his nature and fights to regain his humanity. The play is by Katharine Noon, developed by the Ghost Road Company and reflects the ensemble’s recent work with renowned Polish theater company, Teatr Zar. Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades. getty.edu
A Taste of Honey
Through Nov. 27. Written by Shelagh Delaney when she was nineteen, the work is one of the great defining and taboo-breaking plays of the 1950s. Bursting with energy and daring, this dynamic and angry depiction of harsh, working-class life in post-war Salford is shot through with love and humor and infused with jazz. Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 310.477.2055 x2. odysseytheatre.com
Vicuña
Through Nov. 20. A timely entry for election season, this satirical play—having its world premiere—follows the tailor of a real-estate tycoon/reality TV star turned presidential nominee. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Merrily We Roll Along
Opening Nov. 22. This rarely staged Stephen Sondheim work (based on the 1934 play of the same name) navigates the bumpy history of three friends who began their careers in show business together and features songs like “Good Thing Going” and “Our Time.” Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.746.4000. thewallis.org