Opposites attract, like finds like. We seem to always have an aphorism handy when two entities try to meet in the middle. But what happens when the meeting occurs onstage? Will those who meet clash forever, or will they unite to become better? The characters in these five theatrical productions connect in various circumstances and must decide on fight, flight or compromise. Meanwhile, we’re betting these shows, listed in order of closing date, are worth your theatergoing time and money this month.
Alright Then
Pacific Resident Theatre, through March 25
How do a man and woman from different generations and different places not only meet and marry but also maintain one of today’s happiest showbiz marriages? Real-life couple Alley Mills (The Wonder Years) and Orson Bean (Desperate Housewives, one of the nation’s great raconteurs) wrote and perform this world premiere piece to tell us how it’s done. Guillermo Cienfuegos directs.
703 Venice Blvd (310-822-8392). Thu–Sat at 8pm; Sun at 3pm. $25–$34.
Allegiance
East West Players and Japanese American Cultural & Community Center at JACCC’s Aratani Theatre, through April 1
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, America interned 120,000 Japanese-Americans in “camps.” This Broadway musical tells of the Kimura family: The son proves his patriotism by enlisting and fighting, while his sister actively protests her government. Music and lyrics by Jay Kuo; book by Kuo, Marc Acito and Lorenzo Thione. Snehal Desai directs the Los Angeles premiere, which stars George Takei (Star Trek) along with his fellow Broadway cast members Elena Wang, Greg Watanabe, Scott Watanabe and Janelle Dote.
244 S San Pedro St (213-625-7000). Wed-Fri at 8pm; Sat at 2, 8pm; Sun at 2pm. $25–$130.
ICE
24th Street Theatre, Mar 10–Apr 29
In this bilingual musical, two undocumented men arrive in Los Angeles, striving to become “American” and making their taco truck “the Uncle Sam of moveable feasts.” But all they have is their love of baseball and a great salsa recipe. Oh, and they work day and night to make it happen. World premiere by Leon Martell. Debbie Devine directs. Stars Jesús Castaños-Chima, Tony Duran, Davitt Felder and Andrew Huber. Appropriate for ages 7 and up.
1117 W 24th St (213-745-6516). Sat at 3, 7:30pm; Sun at 3pm. $10–$24.
An Undivided Heart
Echo Theater Company and Circle X Theatre Company at Atwater Village Theatre, March 14–April 22
Two of L.A.’s most-interesting purveyors of world premiere theater collaborate here to debut Yusuf Toropov’s play described as “part thriller and part spiritual mystery.” In the face of child-abuse allegations and a toxic-water scandal, a Catholic priest experiences visions and an encounter with a Zen priest, while a young widow struggles to make sense of her life. Asks the play, “How do we live with the suffering caused by others?” Chris Fields directs.
3269 Casitas Ave (310-307-3753). Fri, Sat at 8pm; Sun at 4pm; Mon at 8pm. $20–$34.
All’s Well That Ends Well
ISC Studio in the Atwater Crossing Arts + Innovation Complex, March 22–April 22
Clashing characters and clashing plotlines marks this Shakespeare comedy. Or is it a tragedy? Never mind the strict classification: Independent Shakespeare Co. has the knack for ironing out dramaturgic confusions and putting onstage some of the clearest, most accessible versions of the Bard in the Southland. Plus the play has a superb female protagonist. Melissa Chalsma directs. The, company known for outdoor summer Shakespeare, debuts its new indoor performance space, very near its old one.
3191 Casitas Ave, #130 (310-307-3753). Thu–Sat at 7:30pm, Sun at 2pm. $25-$35.