Grey Gardens—The Musical
July 6-Aug. 14. This highly acclaimed Broadway musical—based on the cult-classic documentary about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ eccentric relatives—has its LA premiere at the Ahmanson. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Recorded in Hollywood
July 8-Aug. 7. This critically lauded musical—a guest production at the Kirk Douglas Theatre—chronicles the life of legendary Los Angeles music producer and mogul John Dolphin. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. recordedinhollywood.com
HAM: A Musical Memoir
July 9-10. Adapted from Tony Award-nominee and multi-platinum recording artist Sam Harris’ New York Times best-selling book, HAM: Slices of a Life, this musical comedy follows Harris’ life from a conflicted childhood in Bible-Belt Oklahoma to the dizzying roller coaster ride of a life in show business and the precarious balancing act of fatherhood. All performances will be filmed before a live audience, by attending a performance you consent to being filmed. $27-$82, use code SAMHAM20 to receive 20% off tickets. Pasadena Playhouse, S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, 626.356.7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org
The Imaginary Invalid
July 9-Oct. 2. Mary Jo DuPrey directs Constance Congdon’s fresh and hilarious adaptation of The Imaginary Invalid, Molière’s skewering of the health care profession from an entirely different century. Plagued by a growing pile of medical bills, Madame Argan (Ellen Geer), a chronic hypochondriac, will go to any length to marry her daughter off to a doctor. Of course, her daughter has other ideas. This potent elixir of romantic triangles, double entendres and mistaken identities proves, in the end, that laughter really is the best medicine. Also starring Alan Blumenfeld as Dr. Purgeon. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, 310.455.3723. theatricum.com
Cabaret
July 19-Aug. 7. Director Sam Mendes and choreographer Rob Marshall reunite for this direct-from-Broadway production of the classic musical set in pre-WWII Germany. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
Beautiful—The Carole King Musical
Through July 17. Beautiful, the Tony-winning Broadway play about the early life and career of Carole King, heads to L.A. Hear classic songs from King’s catalog, including “I Feel the Earth Move,” “So Far Away” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
Big Sky
Through July 17. This work by Pulitzer Prize-finalist playwright Alexandra Gersten-Vassilaros, which deals with family fallout and fragility, has its world premiere here, helmed by Tony-winning director John Rando. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
Disgraced
Through July 17. Ayad Akhtar’s 2013 Pulitzer Prize-winning play deftly and wittily tackles issues like identity, big-city aspiration, cultural assimilation and the American dream. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.com
Titus Andronicus
July 30-Oct. 1. How should a nation choose its leaders? What happens when a government insulates itself from the citizens it once served? What is the difference between justice and revenge? Will Geer’s Theatricum sets Shakespeare’s first tragedy, the bloody tale of a government gone awry, in the future to spark a flame of caution … but always with a flicker of hope. (Recommended for mature audiences due to adult themes and violence.) Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, 310.455.3723. theatricum.com
Romeo and Juliet
Through Oct. 2. Set in East Jerusalem, director Ellen Geer elucidates the continued relevance of this 421-year-old play, setting Shakespeare’s tale of forbidden love and warring families in a city beset by age-old prejudices, street violence and religious differences. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, 310.455.3723. theatricum.com
Tom
Through Oct. 1. A world premiere adaptation with music, written and directed by Ellen Geer, that brings a fresh perspective to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s classic novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Long before Black Lives Matter became part of our lexicon, Stowe’s great novel demanded freedom and equality for all, changing forever how Americans viewed slavery, galvanizing the abolition movement and contributing to the outbreak of the Civil War. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, 310.455.3723. theatricum.com