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Theater preview: From musicals to mysteries, Los Angeles stages will be on spotlight this fall

(Joy Chen / Daily Bruin staff)

By Natalie Ralston, Puja Anand, Reid Sperisen, Ruwani Jayasekara, and Eric Sican

Oct. 7, 2024 5:16 p.m.

Correction: The original version of this article misspelled Christopher Ashley’s name. Also, the original version of this article misspelled Pantages Theatre.

This post was updated Oct. 12 at 10:30 p.m.

As the weather cools, Los Angeles’ theater productions are heating up the stage with electrifying vitality.

This fall, revered casts and contemporary adaptations will hit theaters across LA. Featuring Tony Award-winning musical comedies and Pulitzer Prize-winning directors, this season’s lineup guarantees a superabundant watchlist.

Read on for the Daily Bruin’s bountiful theater picks this autumn.

[Related: TV preview: Fall promises cornucopia of new television series, installments]

Rainn Wilson (left) and Aasif Mandvi (right) co-star as Vladimir and Estragon in Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot.” Under Judy Hegarty Lovett’s direction, the contemporary adaptation will show at the Geffen Playhouse’s Gil Cates Theater from Nov. 6 to Dec. 15. (Courtesy of Erik Carter).
Rainn Wilson (left) and Aasif Mandvi (right) co-star as Vladimir and Estragon in Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot.” Under Judy Hegarty Lovett’s direction, the contemporary adaptation will show at the Geffen Playhouse’s Gil Cates Theater from Nov. 6 to Dec. 15. (Courtesy of Erik Carter).

“Waiting for Godot” (Geffen Playhouse)

This fall, new mysteries are coming to the stage in Westwood.

The suspenseful dark comedy “Waiting for Godot” will debut at the Geffen Playhouse’s Gil Cates Theater on Nov. 6, where it will play through Dec. 15. Tickets start around $45 to see the adaptation of Irish writer Samuel Beckett’s 1952 play, which follows two dejected men as they wait in vain for the titular character Godot, who never appears. The conversational nature of the play touches upon themes ranging from habits and relationships to time, death and futility.

“Waiting for Godot” stars Rainn Wilson and Aasif Mandvi in the co-lead roles of Vladimir and Estragon, respectively. Wilson is perhaps best known for his role as Dwight Schrute on “The Office” from 2005 to 2013, while Mandvi appeared on “The Daily Show” for a decade. Even as the pair’s characters move past their contemplation of suicide, the play will delve into their woes in the world amid Vladimir and Estragon’s rumination about their purpose in life.

Even if “Waiting for Godot” might take forever, audiences have to wait just a few more weeks to experience the play on stage.

– Reid Sperisen

Carolee Carmello stars as Kimberly in the heartbreaking coming-of-age story “Kimberly Akimbo.” The comedy-musical will play at The Pantages theater from Oct. 15 to Nov. 3 (Courtesy of Joan Marcus).
Carolee Carmello stars as Kimberly in the heartbreaking coming-of-age story “Kimberly Akimbo.” The comedy-musical will play at The Pantages theater from Oct. 15 to Nov. 3 (Courtesy of Joan Marcus).

“Kimberly Akimbo” (Pantages Theatre)

“Kimberly Akimbo” is sure to enchant viewers for ages to come.

From the mind of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and lyricist David Lindsay-Abaire, his five-time Tony Award-winning enthralling musical-comedy will run from Oct. 15 to Nov. 3 at the Pantages Theatre, with tickets starting at $56.75. Featuring compositions from Tony Award-winning Jeanine Tesori and starring three-time Tony nominee Carolee Carmello as Kimberly, this production serves as a hypnotic flight into the unrelenting journey of adolescent self-discovery.

Although trapped in the body of an elderly woman, 16-year-old Kimberly attempts to navigate the natural hardships of teenage years and the unique challenges of her genetic condition. Embodying themes of identity and acceptance, this play presents a fresh look into the nuances of adulthood. Through song, dance and comedy, the LA production emphasizes the fragility of youth and urges audiences to reexamine their outlooks on aging.

At any age, “Kimberly Akimbo” will undoubtedly impress viewers with its heartbreaking narrative, sharp wit and soulful melodies.

– Natalie Ralston

Caden Brauch plays Marty McFly in the musical adaptation of the classic sci-fi story “Back to the Future.” The musical and time-travel extravaganza “Back to the Future: The Musical” will play at the Pantages theater starting Nov. 5 to Dec. 1. (Courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman).
Caden Brauch plays Marty McFly in the musical adaptation of the classic sci-fi story “Back to the Future.” The musical and time-travel extravaganza “Back to the Future: The Musical” will play at the Pantages theater starting Nov. 5 to Dec. 1. (Courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman).

“Back to the Future: The Musical” (Pantages Theatre)

Pantages Theatre is turning back time this fall.

Hollywood’s beloved sci-fi franchise “Back to the Future” is making a timely comeback to the stage, landing in LA from Nov. 5 to Dec. 1 with tickets starting at $44. Originally a hit Manchester production, the acclaimed musical adaptation has numerous awards under its belt, including Best New Musical at the 2022 Olivier Awards. Returning as a North American tour, “Back to the Future: The Musical” is set to transport audiences to the chic fashion trends and eccentric atmosphere of the ’50s.

Directed by Tony Award winner John Rando, the show’s script was adapted for theater by the film’s creators Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis, ensuring a promising tribute to the classic trilogy. The plot follows teenager Marty McFly as he unwittingly time-travels to the ’50s in the quirky scientist Doc Brown’s machine. Accidentally messing with the trajectory of time, McFly befriends Brown as he races to restore the past to save his future. Reprising songs such as “The Power of Love” and “Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine),” the musical brings new life to the retro blockbuster, celebrating nostalgia and the unwavering importance of history.

Riding along with McFly, audiences are in for a bumpy journey through time.

– Puja Anand

Dolly Parton’s musical adaptation of 1980 comedy film “Nine to Five” is returning to Smothers theater from Nov. 15 to 23. The acclaimed production “9 to 5 The Musical” includes themes of female empowerment and retaliation. (Courtesy of Amazon).
Dolly Parton’s musical adaptation of 1980 comedy film “Nine to Five” is returning to Smothers theater from Nov. 15 to 23. The acclaimed production “9 to 5: The Musical” includes themes of female empowerment and retaliation. (Courtesy of Amazon).

“9 to 5: The Musical” (Smothers Theatre)

Audiences will be tumbling out of bed and stumbling to the theater this fall.

Clocking in at the Smothers Theatre from Nov. 15 to 23, “9 to 5: The Musical” is returning to Southern California, bringing the sharp wit and feminist charm of music legend Dolly Parton. First debuting in LA in 2008, the four-time Tony Award nominated production features a score written entirely by Parton, including the titular hit track “9 to 5.” With only six performances at the Malibu venue, the ’70s-inspired corporate comedy is not one to miss, with tickets starting at $23.

A musical adaptation of the 1980 comedy film “9 to 5,” the live production follows three guileful working women – Violet, Judy and Doralee – as they conspire to oust their misogynistic executive in the hopes of implementing a more inclusive workplace. Setting their comedic antics and near-lethal shenanigans to the tune of Parton’s signature country-pop sound, the fervent trio successfully introduces feminist-driven programs to the corporation, ranging from child care to equal pay. “9 to 5: The Musical” is sure to bring audiences to their feet, celebrating female empowerment, social progress and a healthy dose of revenge.

If audiences have spare time in their 5 to 9, “9 to 5: The Musical” may be the perfect way to spend it.

– Ruwani Jayasekara

[Related: Video game preview: New releases this fall to bring excitement with remakes, series continuations]

The Tony-award winning musical “Come From Away” is coming to Long Beach Terrace Theatre on Nov. 19. The production tells the true story of the small town Gander, Newfoundland after the events of Sept. 11. (Courtesy of American Theatre Guild).
The Tony-award winning musical “Come From Away” is coming to Long Beach Terrace Theatre on Nov. 19. The production tells the true story of the small town Gander, Newfoundland after the events of Sept. 11. (Courtesy of American Theatre Guild).

“Come From Away” (Terrace Theatre)

LA is ready to soar as “Come From Away” takes the stage at the Terrace Theatre located in the Long Beach Convention Center.

On Nov. 19, the heartwarming Tony Award-winning musical tells the true story of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, which opened its arms to thousands of stranded passengers after Sept. 11. With ticket prices starting at $188, attendees can experience a lively score that blends folk and rock. The show captures the spirit of kindness and community during a time of uncertainty.

Under the direction of Christopher Ashley, the touring production features a varied cast, such as Kathleen Cameron as Bonnie and John Anker Bow as Nick, drafting a dynamic group of newcomers portraying the residents of Gander, alongside seasoned performers bringing life to the stranded travelers. Audiences will experience the joy, humor and camaraderie that emerged from this moment in history, reminding viewers of the power of human connection.

Viewers should be ready to land in laughter and lift off in delight.

– Eric Sican

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Natalie Ralston | Theater, film and television editor
Ralston is the 2024-2025 theater, film and television editor and Arts contributor. She was previously an Arts staff writer. Ralston is a fourth-year English student minoring in film, television and digital media from Murrieta, California.
Ralston is the 2024-2025 theater, film and television editor and Arts contributor. She was previously an Arts staff writer. Ralston is a fourth-year English student minoring in film, television and digital media from Murrieta, California.
Reid Sperisen | Music | fine arts editor
Sperisen is the 2024-2025 music | fine arts editor. He was previously an Arts contributor from 2023-2024. Sperisen is a third-year political science student minoring in professional writing from Stockton, California.
Sperisen is the 2024-2025 music | fine arts editor. He was previously an Arts contributor from 2023-2024. Sperisen is a third-year political science student minoring in professional writing from Stockton, California.
Eric Sican | Lifestyle editor
Sican is the 2024-2025 lifestyle editor. He was previously an Arts contributor from 2023-2024. He is a third-year English student minoring in history from Los Angeles.
Sican is the 2024-2025 lifestyle editor. He was previously an Arts contributor from 2023-2024. He is a third-year English student minoring in history from Los Angeles.
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