L.A. theater openings, April 6-13: ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and more

Wherefore art thou, “Romeo & Juliet”? At Independent Shakespeare Co., that’s where. Plus, Parson’s Nose tells of “Little Sophie’s Misfortunes,” and “Salome” is just trying to get a head at Archway Studio/Theatre.

Birder Reading of Julie Marie Myatt’s new comedy about a local man’s introduction to L.A.’s unique urban ecology. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., L.A. Sunday, 7 p.m. Free. (213) 763-3466.

Ruthless: The Musical! Musical Theatre Guild stages this send-up of child actors, stage mothers and other showbiz types. Moss Theater at New Roads School, 3131 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica. Sunday, 7 p.m. $45. (818) 848-6844.

Sister’s Easter Catechism: Will My Bunny Go To Heaven? Maripat Donovan and Nonie Newton-Bree alternate in the role of the know-it-all nun in this satirical solo show. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Mon.-Wed., 7:30 p.m.; ends April 14. $35-$55. (949) 497-2787.

Mamma Mia! Hit musical based on the songs of the 1970s-era Swedish pop quartet ABBA. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tue.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m. $29 and up. (714) 556-2787.

Moliere One Acts Staged readings of the French satirist’s “The Flying Doctor” and “The Imaginary Cuckold.” A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Wed., 7 p.m. Free. (626) 356-3100.

PHOTOS: Best in theater 2013 | Charles McNulty

The Suit Theatre des Bouffes du Nord performs Peter Brook’s adaptation of Can Themba’s novella, about a marriage shattered by infidelity in apartheid-era South Africa, in this CAP UCLA presentation. Freud Playhouse, 405 Hilgard Ave. MacGowan Hall, UCLA Campus, Westwood. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 19. $30-$65. (310) 825-2101.

An Enemy of the People L.A. Theatre Works records a new adaptation of Ibsen’s classic drama for its radio program; with Alfred Molina, Richard Kind and Glenne Headly. James Bridges Theater, UCLA, 235 Charles E. Young Drive, Westwood. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 4 p.m. $15-$60. (310) 827-0889.

From Seven Layers to a Bikini Top in Less than Five Hours Santa Monica Repertory Theater’s “Solo Series” continues with writer-performer Andrea Schell’s exploration of womanhood. Miles Memorial Playhouse, 1130 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica. Thu., 8 p.m.; ends April 17. $10-$15 suggested donation. (213) 268-1454.

Jimmy Webb and Maureen McGovern The songwriter and the singer team for a cabaret show celebrating the music of the 1960s and ’70s. Samueli Theater, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Fri.-next Sun., 7:30 p.m. $79. (714) 556-2787.

Romeo & Juliet New adaptation of the Bard’s timeless tale of teenage love. Independent Shakespeare Co. in the Studio, 3191 Casitas Ave., #168, L.A. Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends May 3. $15, $20. (818) 710-6306.

The Meeting & Tingel Tangel Club Los Angeles premieres of these two variety shows featuring comedy, music and more; with Justin Sayre, John Fleck, et al. Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Fri., 8 p.m. $12, $15. (213) 389-3856.

PHOTOS: Faces to watch 2014 | Theater

The Minister’s Black Veil World-premiere adaptation of a Nathaniel Hawthorne story about one man’s battle against evil in early 18th-century New England. Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends May 18. $15, $18. (818) 508-3003.

The Road to Damascus Writer-performer Tony Monaco’s one-man musical about the apostle Paul. Little Victory Theatre, 3324 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 27. $18-$25. (800) 838-3006.

Salome New adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s drama inspired by the biblical tale of Herod’s stepdaughter and John the Baptist. Archway Studio/Theatre, 305 South Hewitt St., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends May 11. $18. (213) 237-9933.

Taste World premiere of Benjamin Brand’s dark, fact-based fable of consensual cannibalism; “Re-Animator: The Musical’s” Stuart Gordon directs; no one under 18 admitted. Sacred Fools Theater, 660 N. Heliotrope Drive, L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends May 17. $25. (310) 281-8337.

The Vortex Noel Coward’s 1920s drama about a mother-son relationship impacted by drug abuse, debauchery, etc., is updated to mid-1960s London. Malibu Playhouse, 29243 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends May 18. $30. (323) 960-7711.

The Bridge Staged reading of Ron Burch’s new comedy about a woman who finds her ex-husband living on the street. 2nd Stage Theatre, 6500 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Sat., 7 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m. Free.

PHOTOS: Hollywood stars on stage

Little Sophie’s Misfortunes Parson’s Nose Theater presents Sofiya Rostopchina’s 19th-century tales of a pint-sized troublemaker; for ages 9 and up. Lineage Performing Arts Center, 89 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena. Sat., 7 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m. Pay what you will. (626) 403-7667.

Beethoven and Misfortune Cookies Return engagement of this fact-based one-person show about a fired Arkansas music professor who finds his way to Hollywood. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m. $15, $20. (323) 960-4418.

Everything You Touch World premiere of Sheila Callaghan’s comedy about body image and the fashion industry. Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends May 11. $34; discounts available. (626) 683-6883.

The Official Blues Brothers Revue Family-friendly tribute, inspired by hit 1980 film, to classic blues, gospel and soul. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Sat., 8 p.m. $30-$60. (562) 467-8818.

Ravenscroft Comedy-mystery about a police inspector called upon to investigate a suspicious death at an English country estate. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends May 10. $14-$27. (562) 494-1014.

An Afternoon With Groucho Frank Ferrante portrays the mustachioed Marx brother in this one-man show. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Next Sun., 3 p.m. $20-$50. (562) 467-8818.

Glory, Glory Hallelujah Benefit show features songs and stories of the Civil War. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Next Sun., 7 p.m. $12-$25. (626) 355-4318.