The Object Lesson
Sept. 4-Oct. 4. With boxes stacked to the ceiling, actor-illusionist-inventor Geoff Sobelle (all wear bowlers, Elephant Room) returns to the Kirk Douglas Theatre and transforms the space into an epic storage facility of gargantuan proportion. You are free to roam and poke through the clutter in this immersive theatrical installation that unpacks your relationship to everyday objects. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., L.A., 213.972.4444. centertheatregroup.org
These Paper Bullets!
Opening Sept. 8. Subtitled A Modish Ripoff of William Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ this play, which lends the classic work a decidedly Fab Four twist, makes its West Coast premiere, boasting songs by Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
Real Women Have Curves
Sept. 8-Oct. 4. Set in a tiny sewing factory in East L.A., this award-winning comedy from acclaimed playwright Josefina López tells the story of five full-figured women racing to meet an impossible deadline to keep their sewing factory from going under. The Pasadena Playhouse, 39 South El Molino Ave., Pasadena, 626.356.7529. PasadenaPlayhouse.org
An Evening with Denzel Washington
Sept. 17. The two-time Oscar winner takes the stage to regale the audience with tales from his prolific career on screen and stage. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.746.4000. thewallis.org
The Sound of Music
Sept. 20-Oct. 31. Perhaps the world’s most beloved musical, The Sound of Music launches its North American tour at the Ahmanson, with a lavish new production directed by Tony winner Jack O’Brien. The story of Maria and the von Trapp family features familiar classics “My Favorite Things“ and “Edelweiss,“ among others. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Appropriate
Sept. 23-Nov. 1. Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ outrageous family drama tells the story of three grown children who discover a gruesome relic after their plantation-owner father’s death and must deal with both historical sin and the resentment they feel toward each other. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org