In ancient times, in up-to-the-minute America, in nations around the globe, we somehow reach out beyond our daily existence for something different, more-considered, better. At the neighborhood watering hole, in the classroom or on a stage, we stop and think, “what if?” And then we take action, for better or worse. So it goes in these five shows, listed in order of closing date, which we bet are worth your theatergoing time and money this month.
The World Goes ’Round
Reprise 2.0 at Freud Playhouse, Sept 5–16
From Cabaret and Chicago to lesser-known musicals such as The Rink, Funny Lady and Kiss of the Spider Woman, John Kander’s music and Fred Ebb’s lyrics bravely and wisely show us at our worst and best. This musical revue—conceived in 1991 by director Scott Ellis, choreographer Susan Stroman and librettist David Thompson—showcases songs from these shows and more. Here, they’re directed by Richard Israel, with choreography by John Todd and musical direction by Gerald Sternbach. The production stars Larry Cedar, Kelley Dorney, Dawnn Lewis, Valerie Perri and Michael Starr.
UCLA’s North Campus (310-281-1800). Tue–Fri at 8pm; Sat at 2, 8pm; Sun at 2, 7pm. $30–$110.
Bacchae
SITI Company at J. Paul Getty Museum, Getty Villa, Aug 30–Sept 29
This ancient Greek tragedy by Euripides, considered by some to be the greatest play ever written, examines the supreme dichotomy in all of humankind: our capacity for joyous celebration and for darkest anger. On the Getty Villa’s outdoor stage, SITI Company, with its alternative to Stanislavski-based acting techniques and its amalgamation of artists from around the world who bring their own aesthetics, is sure to also highlight the dichotomy between classical and present-day. The company’s founding co-artistic director Anne Bogart directs this new translation by Aaron Poochigian.
17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades (310-440-7300). Thu–Sat at 8pm. $25–$49.
School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play
Kirk Douglas Theatre, Sept 2–30
In Ghanaian-American writer Jocelyn Bioh’s play, teen girls halfway across the globe struggle with body image as the Miss Universe pageant casts its Western-ideals shadow over the impressionable students at Ghana’s most exclusive boarding school. Will the students welcome the beautiful, talented newcomer, or does the play’s title give all away? We hear others have called the work heartwarming, humorous and deep. Rebecca Taichman directs.
9820 Washington Blvd, Culver City (213-628-2772). Tue–Fri at 8pm; Sat at 2, 8pm; Sun at 1, 6:30pm. (No shows Sept 18, 20 and 2pm on Sept 22). $25–$72.
Sweat
Mark Taper Forum, Aug 29–Oct 7
In this play by Lynn Nottage (Intimate Apparel), race, politics and economic status have nothing on the personal conflicts when layoffs, promotions and strikes threaten to tear apart fellow factory workers who have spent decades of their workdays and free time together. Lisa Peterson (Electricidad) directs Kevin T. Carroll, Grantham Coleman, Will Hochman, John Earl Jelks, Mary Mara, Peter Mendoza, Michael O’Keefe, Amy Pietz and Portia.
135 N Grand Ave (213-628-2772). Tue–Fri at 8pm; Sat at 2, 8pm; Sun at 1, 6:30pm. $30–$130.
The Untranslatable Secrets of Nikki Corona
Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse, Sept 4–Oct 7
When a woman loses her twin sister, a strange company puts her in touch with a dying man, and their story leads into the afterlife in this magical-realism world premiere by José Rivera, inspired by Dante’s Inferno—and you know where this Middle Ages poet’s travels took him. Widely admired Off-Broadway director Jo Bonney steers noted actors Ricardo Chavira, Sara Koviak, Zilah Mendoza, Onahoua Rodriguez and Juan Francisco Villa.
10886 Le Conte Ave (310-208-5454). Tue–Fri at 8pm; Sat at 3, 8pm; Sun at 2pm. $10–$120.