“The People of Pompeii” At once sharply critical and deeply affectionate, the play captures the beauty, contradictions, and resilience of a tightly woven haven where neighbors show up for one another in an era of climate catastrophe, even as tensions around privilege, belonging and survival simmer beneath the surface. Written by Bernardo Cubría, and directed by Ellen Geer and Xochitl Romero, it runs August 1 through October 4 at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit theatricum.com.

“Dracula: The Musical” Set in Europe at the end of the Victorian Age, this story follows the famed vampire as he lusts for new blood, crossing oceans of time in pursuit of his long-lost love, Mina Murray. Dracula leaves a bloody nightmare in his wake as he hunts for Mina, facing off against her fiancé Johnathon Harker and the famed vampire hunter Professor Van Helsing. Mina struggles against her own mortal fears, her darkest desires, and the erotic temptations of the flesh. Written by Christopher Hampton and Don Black, with music by Frank Wildhorn, and directed by Justin Meyer, it runs August 6 through August 23 at the Nocturne Theatre in Glendale. For tickets visit www.thenocturnetheatre.com.

“Grease” A celebration of teenage dreams, rebellious hearts, and the magic of first love, audiences will step into the high school hallways of the 1950s where leather jackets shake and ponytails swing to timeless hits like Summer Nights, Greased Lightning, and You’re the One That I Want. Written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, with music by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, and directed by Oliver Azcarate, it runs August 6 through August 16 at the Mountain View Mausoleum in Altadena. For tickets visit www.altadenamusictheatre.com.

“Grave Mistakes” Meet Ray, a book editor who's head-over-heals for his co-worker, author Molly. But as they struggle to meet a book deadline, chaos ensues when a bizarre landlord and ghost hunter burst in with plans to transform their cozy workspace (which may actually be haunted) into a paranormal tourist attraction. Will love and terror collide in a hilarious explosion? Written by Ben Abbott, and directed by Jonathan Fahn, it runs August 7 through August 30 at the LACAE Theater in North Hollywood. For tickets visit www.onstage411.com/gravemistakes.

“MATTY: An Evening with Christy Mathewson” is the life story of Christy Mathewson, legendary hall-of-fame pitcher for the New York Giants (1900 to 1916), gentleman, philosopher, and first true American hero who inspired a whole generation of fans to make baseball America's pastime. Mathewson was arguably America's first major baseball legend - a college-educated all-American farm boy from baseball's age of innocence, a multi-faceted baseball player with homespun wit. Besides his ballpark records, still among the most impressive ever posted, he was an author of books for boys, toured in vaudeville, made a motion picture, and was a war hero, a coach, a sportswriter and very likely the first major sports figure to be a product spokesperson. Written by Eddie Frierson, and directed by Kerrigan Mahan, it runs August 15 through August 16 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 Ext. 1 or visit www.SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/Matty.html.

“Being Piaf” Actress, singer, and writer Eleanora Owen channels the “little sparrow,” sharing both her life story and repertoire with the audience. Multiple award-winning director Tim Byron Owen helms this original solo play with music that highlights Piaf’s joie de vivre, resilience, and triumph over a life of abject poverty and despair. Written by Eleanora Owen, and directed by Tim Byron Owen, it runs August 21 through August 30 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit OdysseyTheatre.com.

“Murder Mystery Dinner Party the Musical” When Edgar Allan Poe hosts a murder mystery dinner party for history's greatest authors, the fake murders suddenly become all too real. Packed with mystery, comedy, and original songs, it's a delightfully deadly night of theater you won't want to miss. Written by Edgar Allan Poe, and directed by Shipwrecked Comedy, it runs August 21 through August 29 at the Garry Marshall Theatre in Burbank. For tickets visit garrymarshalltheatre.org.

“Enemy of the People” Ripping Ibsen’s classic out of the 19th century, DeLorenzo relocates the action to America in 2026, where battles over public health, economic survival, misinformation, and political polarization have become defining features of American life. When Dr. Tom Stockmann discovers that the waters of the local hot springs are contaminated, the solution seems obvious: shut them down before more people are harmed. But protecting public health comes with a devastating price. As financial interests, political expediency, and public opinion collide, Stockmann finds himself branded not a hero, but an “enemy of the people.” Written by Henrik Ibsen, and directed by Bart DeLorenzo, it runs August 22 through September 27 at the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 Ext. 2 or visit  OdysseyTheatre.com.

“Conscience” Fast-paced and emotionally charged, Conscience explores political courage, personal conviction, and the personal cost of speaking truth to power. It also highlights Smith’s groundbreaking role as a woman in American politics. She was the first woman elected from Maine to Congress and later to the U.S. Senate and, in 1950, the only woman serving among the Senate’s 96 members. Written by Joe DiPietro, and directed by Caryn Desai, it runs August 28 through September 13 at International City Theatre in the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-436-4610 or visit InternationalCityTheatre.org.

“Author! Author! - An Evening with Sholom Aleichem” Adapted from the stories and letters of Sholom Aleichem, Author! Author! is a magical musical melee - glorious and gentle, bold and bittersweet, mirthful and romantic, inviting audiences of all ages to celebrate the humor and wisdom of Sholom Aleichem as Chris DeCarlo reprises his award-winning portrayal of the world’s most beloved Yiddish author. And don't confuse this show with "Aleichem Sholom" - a different show from our Jewish Heritage Project. Written by Sholom Aleichem, and directed by Chris DeCarlo, it runs August 29 through October 11 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets visit SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/Author-Author.html.

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’” Set during a single, sweltering afternoon in 1927, “Mother of the Blues” Ma Rainey fights to retain control of her music even as her ambitious trumpeter, Levee, reaches for opportunity in a world determined to hold him back. Against a backdrop of racism and inequity, Wilson’s searing drama illuminates the struggle to claim dignity, voice and self-worth. Written by August Wilson, and directed by Gregg T. Daniel, it runs from August 29 through September 20 at the A Noise Within in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356-3100 or visit anoisewithin.org.

“Pericles” One of Shakespeare’s most adventurous and least staged plays, Pericles follows a young prince forced into exile after uncovering a deadly royal secret. What follows is a sweeping journey across oceans and kingdoms marked by storms, shipwrecks, separation, survival, and ultimately reunion. This re-conceptualization of Shakespeare’s Pericles in Ellen McLaughlin’s gorgeous translation embraces movement and music to tell a thrilling adventure tale that celebrates the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Written by William Shakespeare, translated by Ellen McLaughlin, and directed by Margaret Shigeko Starbuck, it runs August 29 through September 27 at the Boston Court Pasadena in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-683-6801 or visit bostoncourtpasadena.org.

“The Great Clown Bank Show” The gleefully deranged story follows the rise of the Greedy family — a scheming dynasty of powder-faced hustlers who transform their tiny carnival cashbox into the most powerful clown bank in America. Wildly funny, sharply satirical and packed with playful circus acts (a different guest performer every week), The Great Clown Bank Show skewers capitalist America with razor-toothed humor, exposing a world where wealth is the greatest magic trick of all — and everyone outside the ring is paying for it. Written and directed by Hank Jacobs, with music by Stephen Jacobs, songs by Michael Messer with lyrics by Jacobs and Messer, it runs through August 1 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets visit openfist.org.

“The Hour of the Star” follows Macabéa, a poor typist living on the margins who dreams of a better life in Rio de Janeiro. Narrated by the introspective Rodrigo S.M., the story is a meditation on human dignity, invisibility, and the right to be heard. This adaptation honors Lispector’s legacy by bringing her poetic, philosophical prose to the stage and reintroducing her work to new audiences. Written by Clarice Lispector, and directed by Alex Tietre, it runs through August 1 at the Broadwater Black Box Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets visit thehourofthestar.eventbrite.com.

“Significant Other” Jordan Berman is on the hunt for Mr. Right. The only wrinkle is each of his trio of close girlfriends is beating him to the altar! As his inner circle warps beyond expectation, Jordan must learn to navigate his newfound isolation while showing up as the companion his friends need. Written by Joshua Harmon, and directed by Elijah Green, it runs through August 1 at the Westchester Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“The Curse of the Banshee” Halloween night, 1925. Hank O’Brien enlists the help of his long-lost World War I buddy Otto to prevent Hank’s mother from being killed by his criminally insane father, who is hiding out in the local cemetery. Written and directed by Tom Dugan, it runs through August 2 at the Dugan’s Backyard Playhouse in Woodland Hills. For tickets send an email to dbptickets@gmail.com.

“Dead Man” a lone private eye investigates a crime everyone wants to forget: it will definitely take more than one clown to figure it out. Somebody’s dead. Somebody must find the killer. Different somebodies, but… you get the idea. Life is easier when everything’s black and white. Except for those pesky greys. a lone private eye investigates a crime everyone wants to forget: it will definitely take more than one clown to figure it out. Somebody’s dead. Somebody must find the killer. Different somebodies, but… you get the idea. Life is easier when everything’s black and white. Except for those pesky greys. Written and directed by Ann Noble, it runs through August 4 at the Echo Theater Company - Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 747-350-8066 or visit EchoTheaterCompany.com.

“The Full Monty” The Nocturne Theatre’s 2026 production of The Full Monty delivers laughter, heart, and an unforgettable story of connection and courage. At its core, this beloved Broadway musical is a deeply human tale about a father’s desperate and tender journey to reconnect with his son in the face of uncertainty and change. Struggling with pride, identity, and the fear of being overlooked, he and his group of unlikely heroes band together to take a leap of faith — not just for the laughs, but for love. What makes this production resonate so powerfully is its heart. Amid the razzle-dazzle and uproarious moments, we meet real people with real hopes: a dad trying to bridge the gap between himself and his child, workers navigating economic hardship, and friends learning to find strength in vulnerability. Audiences will laugh at the outrageous antics, boisterous choreography, and cheeky humor, but they’ll also find themselves genuinely moved by the earnest, emotional beats woven throughout the story. At the same time, The Full Monty thrives on its comedic energy — from the unforgettable audition scenes to the riotous build-up toward the show’s daring climax. The Nocturne Theatre’s production leans into the musical’s irreverent spirit with spirited performances, smart timing, and a joyful embrace of the absurd, making for an experience that’s as side-splitting as it is soul-warming. This staging is a celebration of resilience, friendship, and the messy, beautiful work of opening your heart to those you love — all wrapped in a parade of laughs that will have audiences cheering from start to finish. Written by Terrence McNally, with music by David Yazbeck, and directed by Justin Meyer, it runs through August 16 at the Nocturne Theatre in Glendale. For tickets call 818-839-0984 or visit thenocturnetheatre.com.

“How High the Moon” It’s July 4, 1952. The lives of two neighboring families in the San Fernando Valley will never be the same. It’s the 25th birthday of beautiful Amy who is questioning her marriage to Russell. But Harris- Russell’s older brother and Amy’s former love interest- unexpectedly shows up and turns everyone’s life upside down. It’s the dawn of the housing boom in the Valley. Times are changing. People have new dreams, and some old ways may be left behind, to the chagrin of folks clinging to their old traditions. Sibling conflicts and long-buried family secrets come to the fore and decisions must be made: Will Russell follow his father’s path as a dentist or pursue his real estate dreams? Will Harris remain a member of the Silent Generation or sign a Loyalty Oath? Will it be a Happy 4th of July? Written by Barbara Nell Beery, and directed by Asaad Kelada, it runs through August 16 at the Theatre West in Studio City. For tickets call 323-851-4839 or visit www.eventbrite.com/e/how-high-the-moon-tickets-1991900688580.

“Mean Girls” Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. Written by Tina Fey, based on the screenplay by Jeff Richmond, with music by Jeff Richmond, lyrics by Nell Benjamin, it runs through August 16 at the Wisteria Theater in North Hollywood. For tickets visit www.wisteriatheater.com.

“Lakefront” Do you ever get the feeling you’ve lost your moxie? Retirees Christina and Robert were feeling that way when they met at a wedding a few weeks ago. During the reception, their intoxicated selves concocted an idea to help them get over their respective anxieties. Renting a lakefront cabin seemed like a great idea at the time---but now that they’re sober, they have to go through with it. They have rented a lakefront cabin together to see if spending a night or two together, to test the intimacy waters, can help them find their mojo again. What could go wrong? Written by Norm Foster, and directed by Larry Eisenberg, it runs through August 23 at Theatre Forty, in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-364-0535 or visit theatre40.org.

“My Lawyer is an Angel” a serious comedy that underscores the importance of family and how terribly things can go awry when we place the bottom line at the top of the list. "Angel" fulfills Mayer's life-long crusade against ambulance chasers, those predators whose faces leer down at us from every billboard in town, and the angel of an attorney (yes, there is such a thing) who’s on a mission to chase them off the road. Written by Jerry Mayer, with music by Steve Mayer, and directed by Chris DeCarlo, it runs through August 23 at the Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica. For tickets call 310-394-9779 or visit SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/My-Lawyer-is-an-Angel.

“F**king Strangers” Ru hasn’t left his bedroom in six years. Mick can’t stop paying for affection. Julianne mourns the life she never pursued. Dylan sells companionship to anyone who can afford him. As real-life and online obsessions blur into genuine intimacy, long-buried truths begin to surface. What starts as role-playing and fantasy spirals into a wildly unpredictable collision of sex, secrecy, family and redemption — with consequences that are both shocking and wickedly funny. Written by Erik Patterson, and directed by Chris Fields, it runs through August 24 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. For tickets call 747-350-8066 or visit EchoTheaterCompany.com.

“Applause” The musical is based on the 1950 film All About Eve. An earnest, respectful understudy, endears herself to a Broadway actress and then engineers a way to go on in place of the star and steal all the thunder. The musical adaptation team is top flight: Strouse (wrote Annie) with Adams wrote Bye Bye Birdie. Comden and Green also wrote many hits for stage and screen including the classic Singin’ in the Rain. Great story, wonderful score. Written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, with music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Lee Adams, it runs through August 30 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-763-5990 or visit www.thegrouprep.com.

“Pageant of the Masters’: The Greatest of All Time” Each year, the Pageant challenges its team to re-create some of the world’s most celebrated works of art on a monumental scale. This summer’s theme, The Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.), raises the bar, spotlighting legendary artists and masterpieces that have shaped art history across centuries and styles. Audiences will be taken on an unforgettable journey through the works of Michelangelo, Picasso, Monet, van Gogh, Velázquez, Norman Rockwell, Kahlo, and more to determine who truly deserves the title of G.O.A.T.. Masterpieces will come alive in a breathtaking blend of art, music, and theatrical wonder presenting a dynamic series of living tableaux where real people step into and embody these iconic works. Directed by Diane Challis Davy, it runs through September 4 at the Festival of Arts Grounds in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 800-487-3378 or visit www.foapom.com.

“Matt & Ben” What would you do if a script that you've never seen before fell from the sky into your living room? And that script just so happened to the screenplay for "Good Will Hunting"? Oh, and it's 1995 and you're Matt Damon or Ben Affleck and you're definitely not famous yet. Would you try to make the movie and keep its origin a secret? Would you pick a fight with your best friend? Or would you keep chugging along as if none of this ever happened? You can expect so-so guitar playing, very fictionalized versions of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck (and perhaps some other celebs?), and a vintage computer that hopefully lasts through the entire run. Oh, and snacks. Lots of snacks. Written by Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers, and directed by Max Downs, it runs through September 5 at the Sherry Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/e/matt-and-ben-tickets-1990745462267.

“The Eaves” A paranormal investigator is called to assist a grieving mother whose home has become the center of a disturbing presence. As the investigation deepens, what begins as a haunting reveals itself to be something far more personal — blurring the line between external forces and internal reckoning. Content Advisory: This production includes themes of grief and loss, unresolved family trauma, psychological distress, and supernatural phenomena. While no graphic violence occurs onstage, the emotional intensity and sustained suspense may not be suitable for all audiences. Written and directed by Justin Meyer, it runs through September 27 at the Upstairs at the Nocturne Theatre in Glendale. For tickets visit thenocturnetheatre.com.

“Treasure Island” The story opens at the Admiral Benbow Inn, run by Jim Hawkins’s mother (Willow Geer), where a mysterious former pirate, Billy Bones (Jeff Bergquist), has taken up residence. His uneasy stay is shattered when a fellow pirate, Black Dog (Daniel Kean), arrives seeking a treasure map in Bones’s possession. Soon after, the ominous Blind Pew (Ethan Haslam) delivers the “Black Spot,” a chilling warning that Bones’s time is running out if he refuses to surrender it. Before the threat can be carried out, Bones dies suddenly of a stroke. In the aftermath, Jim discovers the hidden map and brings it to Dr. Livesey (Aaron Hendry) and Squire John Trelawney (Steven C. Fisher). Determined to claim the treasure, they quickly organize an expedition. They set sail aboard the three-masted Hispaniola, led by the capable Captain Smollett (Arthur Hankett) and a hastily assembled crew (Sam Cowan, Jesse Corwin, Tomás François, Tim Halligan, Nik Moradieh Kashani, Christopher Miles, Matthew Pardue, Andy Stokan). Among them is the charismatic and enigmatic one-legged cook, Long John Silver (Gerald C. Rivers), whose true intentions may prove far more dangerous than they first appear. Written by Robert Louis Stevenson, adapted by Ellen Geer, and directed by Ellen Geer, it runs through October 3 at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit theatricum.com.

“Waiting in the Wings” Set in “The Wings,” a charity home for retired actresses, Coward’s 50th play is a witty and poignant portrait of nine opinionated, funny, difficult and full of life women, each of whom once basked in public admiration — but who must now learn to face old age together, long after the curtain has fallen. A tribute to the theater that evokes the lives of aging stars, their lingering jealousies and the enduring power of friendship, it is a meditation on community and forgiveness. Old grievances linger here like half-remembered roles, but this suggests that bitterness is heavy to carry, and that reconciliation, no matter when, can be liberating. Written by Noël Coward, and directed by Willow Geer, it runs through October 3 at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga. For tickets call 310-455-3723 or visit theatricum.com.