Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin
Aug. 4-16. Hailed for his one-man shows about musical greats, multitalented Canadian performer Felder tackles the master of American music himself, Irving Berlin. The work follows Berlin’s origins in czarist Russia to his embodiment of the American dream. Expect classic songs such as “God Bless America” and “White Christmas.” Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
Much Ado About Nothing
Through Aug. 30. The Independent Shakespeare Company performs the Bard’s classic work as part of its Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival, reimagining the tale as a World War II-era comedy set in Messina, Sicily. Old L.A. Zoo, Griffith Park Drive, Griffith Park, L.A., 818.710.6306. iscla.org
A Night with Janis Joplin
Aug. 23. Janis Joplin exploded onto the music scene in 1967 and, almost overnight, became the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The unmistakable voice filled with raw emotion and tinged with Southern Comfort made her a must-see headliner from Monterey to Woodstock. A Night with Janis Joplin is a musical journey celebrating Janis and her biggest musical influences – trailblazers like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith, who inspired one of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s greatest legends. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, 626.356.7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org
Girlfriend
Through Aug. 9. Set to the music of singer Matthew Sweet’s eponymous 1991 pop album, this rock musical tells the story of two teenage boys’ summer of self-discovery and first love. (photo Craig Schwartz) Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Bent
Through Aug. 23. This love story by Martin Sherman follows two gay men trying to survive in Nazi Germany. This version of the play, directed by Moises Kaufman, is the work’s first major U.S. revival since its 1979 Broadway premiere. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Andy Garcia and The CineSon All Stars
Aug. 21-22. Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winner Andy Garcia brings his Cuban musical group, Andy Garcia and the CineSon All Stars, to the Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse for two exclusive concert nights. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
Empire Burlesque
Aug. 19-23. Empire Burlesque is a satirical Vaudeville romp, hosted by Mark Twain, chronicling America’s bumbling first foray into empire–the Spanish-American War. The revue features the red-hot vocal stylings of Emma Goldman, William McKinley’s patriotic sleight-of-hand, Teddy Roosevelt’s tap dance up San Juan Hill, and a bevy of all-American showgirls. The Edye, Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, 310.434.3200. thebroadstage.com