L.A. theater openings, June 1-8: Shakespeare, ‘Stoneface’ and more

Theatricum Botanicum’s all-Shakespeare season gets going with two of the Bard’s best, a musical take on an Old Testament tale is on stage at the Pantages, and a former sitcom star portrays a silent-film legend at the Pasadena Playhouse.

Silent Witnesses Stephanie Satie’s solo show based on the stories of child survivors of the Holocaust. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Sun., 7:30 p.m. $20, $30. (818) 838-3006.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat National touring production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice musical inspired by the Old Testament tale; with “American Idol” alums Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Tue.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends June 22. $25 and up. (800) 982-2787.

Absolutely Filthy A homeless man reconnects with his childhood friends in Brendan Hunt’s unauthorized “Peanuts” parody; contains nudity, profanity and adult situations. South Coast Repertory, Nicholas Studio, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Thu., 7 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m. $15-$25. (714) 708-5555.

22nd Annual Young Playwrights Festival The Blank Theatre presents new works from aspiring dramatists. Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 29. $14, $20. (323) 661-9827.

Dog and Pony Romantic complications threaten a screenwriting duo’s working relationship in this world-premiere musical comedy; Roger Rees directs. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends June 28. $35 and up. (619) 234-5623.

Bliss Point Cornerstone Theater presents the world premiere of Shishir Kurup’s exploration of addiction and recovery. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 22. Pay what you can; $20 suggested donation. (310) 477-2055.

Drop Dead! Revival of Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore’s murder mystery/showbiz send-up. NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends June 28. $25. (323) 960-5068.

Flower Duet West Coast premiere of Maura Campbell’s comedy about two opera singers’ stormy relationship. The Road on Magnolia at the NoHo Senior Arts Colony, 10747 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends July 26. $17.50, $34. (866) 811-4111.

Hot August Night: A Tribute to Neil Diamond Dean Colley re-creates the pop icon’s 1972 concerts. Monroe Forum at the El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends June 15. $42, $46. (818) 508-4200.

Men, Women, Doppler Radar A woman instructs her college-age daughter on the war between the sexes in the world premiere of William Threadgold’s comedy. Promenade Playhouse, 1404 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends June 28. $20. (323) 960-7740.

Other Desert Cities Jon Robin Baitz’s comedy-drama about a dysfunctional family’s Christmas in Palm Springs. International City Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 29. $42-$52. (562) 436-4610.

The Rainmaker N. Richard Nash’s classic romance set in a drought-stricken town during the Depression. West Valley Playhouse, 7242 Owensmouth Ave., Canoga Park. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2:30 p.m.; ends June 29. $26, $28. (818) 884-1907.

Down the Rabbit Hole: A Bootleg Benefit Carnival John C. Reilly hosts this fundraiser featuring appearances by Theatre Movement Bazaar, Roger Guenveur Smith, et al. Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Sat., 7 p.m. $50. (213) 389-3856.

The Brothers Size L.A. premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s Louisiana-set drama about a parolee who goes to work at his brother’s auto-repair shop. Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., Hollywood. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends July 27. $25, $34. (323) 663-1525.

The Dental Society Midwinter Meeting Dentists debate the future of their profession in the wake of a scandal in Laura Jacqmin’s comedy. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends July 13. $34.99. (323) 960-4420.

The Human Spirit World-premiere of Carole Eglash-Kosoff’s docudrama about the unsung heroes of the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 29. $30. (323) 960-4412.

Lear Ellen Geer plays the title role in a gender-reversed version of Shakespeare’s tragedy. Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga. Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Sept. 28. $10-$37. (310) 455-3723.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Shakespeare’s beloved romantic fantasy. Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga. Next Sun., 3:30 p.m.; ends Sept. 27.

Stoneface French Stewart portrays silent-film star Buster Keaton in Vanessa Claire Stewart’s bio-drama; Tony winner Daisy Eagan also stars. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Next Sun., 5 p.m.; ends June 29. $34-$74. (626) 356-7529.