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Theater preview: Cozy up to Los Angeles’ fall theater season with Tony Award-winning classics

(Ingrid Leng/Daily Bruin staff)

By Julia Kinion, Caitlin Brockenbrow, and Kiara Mack

Oct. 4, 2026 1:35 p.m.

Grab a seat and stay awhile this fall.

From adaptations of classic novels to historical reimaginings, theaters in Los Angeles are ushering in a new season of productions.

Read on for the Daily Bruin Arts contributors’ selection of fall theater shows.

The cast of "The Outsiders" stares at the camera against a backdrop of tires and wood. The musical, which tells the story of S.E. Hinton&squot;s beloved novel, will show at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre until Oct. 18. (Courtesy of Broadway in Hollywood)

The Outsiders (Hollywood Pantages Theatre)

“Run Run Brother” to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre to see “The Outsiders.”

LA is 1967 Tulsa, Oklahoma for the Tony Award-winning Best Musical “The Outsiders” until Oct. 18. Based on the novel by S.E. Hinton, “The Outsiders” follows Ponyboy Curtis, his brothers and the rest of his fellow Greasers in their ongoing and increasingly fervent feud against the Socs.

While still running strong on Broadway, the new musical returns to California after originally opening at UC San Diego’s La Jolla Playhouse in 2023. The Broadway production received 12 Tony nominations – winning four – and a Grammy Award nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. The North American tour began in Tulsa last fall and recouped its $11 million cost within 29 weeks.

Now, it’s time for LA to “Stay Gold.”

– Caitlin Brockenbrow

Alaska Thunderf*ck as Mary Todd Lincoln points while wearing a historical gown. From Nov. 10 to Dec. 6, “Oh, Mary!” – an 80-minute dark comedy which rewrites Abraham Lincoln’s assassination through the eyes of his wife will show at the Ahmanson Theatre. (Courtesy of Center Theatre Group)

Oh, Mary! (Ahmanson Theatre)

“The greatest play of the generation” graces the Ahmanson Theatre this fall.

From Nov. 10 to Dec. 6, “Oh, Mary!” – an 80-minute dark comedy which rewrites Abraham Lincoln’s assassination through the eyes of his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln – will be the hottest ticket in town. This feat of queer and campy historical fiction has taken the theater world by storm with Cole Escola, the playwright and originator of the role of Mary, winning the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play while Sam Pinkleton was awarded Best Direction of a Play.

“Oh, Mary!” has been known for high-profile casting. Previous Marys include Tituss Burgess, Maya Rudolph and Bowen Yang. This first national tour is no exception, with drag queen Alaska Thunderf*ck – best known as the winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” – in the titular role. Playing the role of Mary’s Husband on tour is Tony winner J. Harrison Ghee – known for Broadway’s “Kinky Boots” and “Some Like It Hot.”

The pair of magnetic performers will surely ensure that the wait to experience “Oh, Mary!” here on the West Coast will have been worth it.

– Kiara Mack

Alana Arenas, Glenn Davis, Latanya Richardson Jackson and Jon Michael Hill stare off to the side. "Purpose," which tells the story of the youngest son returning home to his politically prominent family, will come to the Geffen Playhouse on Nov. 11. (Courtesy of Geffen Playhouse)

Purpose (Geffen Playhouse)

This Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning production is exploring identity and family onstage.

From Nov. 11 to Dec. 20 at the Geffen Playhouse, the family drama written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and directed by Phylicia Rashad will grace the Westwood stage following an acclaimed Broadway debut last year. Praised for being both thought-provoking and hilarious, Jacobs-Jenkins’ family drama watches scandal and betrayal unfurl after the youngest son of the Jasper family returns home to the political dynasty that dates back to the Civil Rights Movement. Alongside shock and intrigue, “Purpose” also explores the nature of legacy, faith and Black identity through the Jasper family.

“Purpose” is one addition to Jacobs-Jenkins’ portfolio focusing on family, race and socioeconomic status. His Broadway debut “Appropriate” depicted a white Southern family reconciling with its past.

“Purpose” is bound to give audiences every reason to grab a seat.

– Julia Kinion

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Julia Kinion | Theater | film | television editor

Kinion is the 2026-27 theater, film and television editor. She was previously an Arts contributor. Kinion is a second-year English and psychology student from the Bay Area.

Caitlin Brockenbrow | Daily Bruin staff

Brockenbrow is News and Copy staff and an Arts, Cartoons, Design, Graphics, Illustrations, Opinion, Outreach, PRIME, Quad and Social contributor. She is a second-year English student minoring in professional writing.

Kiara Mack

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