Is anyone surprised that politics once again seems to be the topic most touched upon in Los Angeles theater this non-election November? Still, some of those politics are familial, some ancient, some futuristic and some on foreign shores. But all of it will feel immediate in the hands of these fine theatrical creators. That’s why we’re betting these five shows, listed in order of closing date, will be worth your theatergoing time and money this month.
Redline
IAMA Theatre Company at Lounge Theatre, through Nov 19
Anger is handed down from generation to generation. So are its repercussions. In the case of playwright Christian Durso’s two-hander, flawed men trying to live up to mistaken ideals cause irreversible destruction, starting with one road-rage incident and staying on that dark road. Directed by Eli Gonda, this world premiere stars superb actors James Eckhouse (Broadway’s All the Way) and Graham Sibley (EST/LA’s House of Gold).
6201 Santa Monica Blvd (323-380-8843). In repertory with Sinner’s Laundry Fri, Sat 8pm; Sun 2, 7pm. $30 or $50 for both shows.
The Red Dress
Argyle Road Productions at Odyssey Theatre, through Nov 19
In prewar Berlin, Alexandra is a famous film actor from a prominent Jewish family; her husband, Franz, wants to direct films. Alexandra’s connections lead Franz to profitable work making Nazi propaganda. Playwright Tania Wisbar offers this fictionalized account of her parents’ marriage and their forced divorce by the Nazis. Kiff Scholl directs this world premiere.
2055 S Sepulveda Blvd (323-960-5521). Fri, Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm. $30.
King Charles III
Pasadena Playhouse, Nov 8–Dec 3
Making its Los Angeles premiere, Mike Bartlett’s play look into the future, when Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II exists no longer and her son Charles is at long last upon the throne. Will Camilla be at his side? Will the utterly normal William and the utterly perfect Catherine support him or scheme against him? Will the perpetually perky Harry stay out of trouble? Or will this play look deeper, at the uneasiness of the head wearing that crown? Stars Jim Abele as Charles.
Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S El Molino Ave, Pasadena (626-356-7529). Thu, Fri 8pm; Sat 4, 8pm; Sun 2pm. $25–$96.
deLEARious
Open Fist Theatre Company at Atwater Village Theatre, Nov 10–Dec 16
Musical theater nerds, Shakespeare aficionados and Bible scholars, have we got a show for you! Open Fist revives its 2008 hit (book by Ron West, music and lyrics by Phil Swann and West) in which Phil and Ron are writing a musical about a famous Elizabethan playwright forced to tear his attention from his needy king wandering the heath and spend his time with a real-life king in need of a ghostwriter for his very special version of the Bible.
3269 Casitas Ave (323-882-6912). Fri, Sat 8pm; Sun 3pm. $30.
Spamilton
Kirk Douglas Theatre, Nov 5–Dec 31
It had to happen. Hamilton is just too much a juggernaut to avoid the skewering pen of Gerard Alessandrini, the mind behind the perpetually renewing “Forbidden Broadway” parodies of musicals. In its West Coast premiere, Spamilton will have the tough task of mocking the show people will pay up to $3,000 to see, the show some of us think is just perfect and un-mockable. Though, a $10 bill says Alessandrini finds the weak spots and makes us howl.
9820 Washington Blvd, Culver City (213-628-2772). Tue–Fri 8pm; Sat 2, 8pm; Sun 1, 6:30 pm. $25–$70.