L.A. theater openings, Sept. 25-Oct. 2: ‘Phoebe Zeitgeist Returns to Earth’ and more

This week: A song-filled salute to the films of Martin Scorsese, a musical prequel to Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” and an updated take on a saucy 1970s-era satire by German filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder.

Peter & the Starcatcher Tony-winning musical prequel to “Peter Pan.” Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Sun., next Sun., 2 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Oct. 9. $28 and up. (310) 828-7519.

Promises, Promises Musical Theatre Guild stages this 1968 musical created by Burt Bacharach, Hal David and Neil Simon, and based on Billy Wilder’s 1960 comedy “The Apartment.” The Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Sun., 7 p.m. $45. (818) 243-2539.

Bright Colors and Bold Patterns A gay couple prepares to tie the knot in Palm Springs in Drew Droege’s solo comedy. Celebration Theatre @ the Lex, 6760 Lexington Ave., Hollywood. Mon., 8 p.m.; ends Nov. 14. $20, $25. (323) 957-1884.

For the Record: Scorsese — American Crime Requiem Theatrical concert includes classic songs from such Martin Scorsese films as “Mean Streets,” “GoodFellas” and “Casino.” Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 5 p.m.; ends Oct. 16. $25-$129. (310) 746-4000.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Shakespeare’s fantastical romantic comedy. Brand Park, 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale. Thu.-Sat., 7 p.m.; ends Oct. 8. Free. Reservations at www.deanproductionstheatre.com.

Tammy/Lisa: From Misery to Meaning Writer-performer Lauren Weedman (“The Daily Show”) explores her alter-ego in this semi-autobiographical, cabaret-style show. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. Thu.-Sat., 8:30 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Oct. 2. $16-$25. (213) 237-2800.

The Trump Card Writer-performer Mike Daisey explores the life and times of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in this solo show. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Thu., 7:30 p.m. $32-$60. (310) 434-3200.

What the Night Is For Former lovers reconnect several years later in Michael Weller’s dramedy. Little Fish Theatre, 777 Centre St., San Pedro. Thu., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Oct. 20. $23-$27. (310) 512-6030.

Airport Encounters Neo Ensemble Theatre presents an anthology of interconnected comedic vignettes. The Lounge Theatre, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Oct. 16. $12-$20. www.neoensembletheatre.org.

The American Revolution Chicago physical-theater troupe Theater Unspeakable’s comedic re-creation of the War of Independence; for ages 6 and up. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat.-next Sun., noon and 2:30 p.m.; ends Oct. 9. $20. (310) 746-4000.

Atlas Pit or The Garbage Man’s Son Los Angeles New Court Theatre presents Alex Burkart’s new drama, inspired by the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, about a Wisconsin teen traumatized by his girlfriend’s tragic death. Working Stage Theater, 1516 N. Gardner St., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Oct. 23. $20. (303) 619-0203.

Bye Bye Birdie Classic musical about a recently drafted rock ’n’ roll star who visits a small Midwestern town for a TV appearance. Fremont Centre Theatre, 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Oct. 23. $30, $35. (626) 269-3609.

Closer Two men and two women are caught up in a romantic quadrangle in London in Patrick Marber’s drama. Macha Theatre, 1107 N. Kings Road, West Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 6 p.m.; ends Oct. 9. $30. (323) 960-4420.

Dear World Tony winner Tyne Daly stars in a concert performance of the Jerry Herman musical inspired by Giraudoux’s classic satire “The Madwoman of Chaillot.” Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. Fri., 8 p.m. $38-$73. (818) 677-3000.

MJ Live: Michael Jackson Tribute Concert Musical salute re-creates a show by the “King of Pop.” Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Sept. 30. Fri., 8 p.m. $40-$60. (562) 467-8818.

Phoebe Zeitgeist Returns to Earth A sexy extraterrestrial lands in America during the current election season in Charles Duncombe’s new dark comedy inspired by a 1970s-era play written by German filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder; contains nudity. City Garage, Bergamot Station, Building T1, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Nov. 13. $20, $25; Sundays, pay what you can, at the door only. (310) 453-9939.

The Portman Delusions Two struggling copywriters in Silver Lake start dating two successful career women in Adam Mervis’ new romantic dramedy. Raven Theatre, 5233 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Nov. 4. $25. (800) 838-3006.

Skullduggery: The Musical Prequel to Hamlet Claudius, Gertrude and Hamlet’s father are caught up in a romantic triangle in Michael Shaw Fisher’s new musical inspired by Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. Sacred Fools Theater Company, 1076 Lillian Way, Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Nov. 5. $25. (310) 281-8337.

A Whole New World of Alan Menken The Oscar-winning composer (“Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” etc.) shares songs and stories in this solo show. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Fri., 8 p.m. $49 and up. (714) 556-2787.

Going… Going… Gone! Former “Dodger Talk” host Ken Levine’s new comedy set in the press box at a local baseball stadium. Hudson Guild Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Nov. 6. $30. (323) 960-5521.

How to Love a Republican Parents with opposing political views play matchmaker for their adult daughter in Jerry Mayer’s new comedy. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. Sat., 7 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Dec. 18. $25, $29.50. (310) 394-9779.

I Am Google The Internet search engine becomes a character in Craig Shaynak’s solo comedy. Studio C, 6448 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Sat., 10 p.m.; ends Oct. 29. $15. www.theencoreawards.com

I Do Card Tricks and I’m Funny Comedy and magic with Jon Armstrong. Studio C, 6448 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Sat., 8:30 p.m.; ends Oct. 29. $20. www.theencoreawards.com

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 3-D Theatricals stages Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical about the biblical Joseph, whose brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 E. Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Oct. 9 (also at Cerritos Center, Oct. 14-23). $25-$95. (714) 589-2770.

Macbeth Ensemble Theatre Company opens its season with Shakespeare’s dark fable about an ambitious Scottish warlord. The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends Oct. 16. $20-$70; discounts available. (805) 965-5400.

Merrily We Roll Along Concert performance of the Stephen Sondheim musical about three longtime friends. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Oct. 2. $69.50. (805) 667-2900.

Seminar Orange County premiere of Theresa Rebeck’s comedy about aspiring novelists who take classes with a demanding writing teacher. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Oct 23. $25-$35. (888) 455-4212.

Shanghai Nights The Shanghai Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China perform in this all-new spectacular. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Sat., 2 and 7 p.m. $19 and up. (714) 556-2787.

Simon Coronel: Glitches in Reality The Australian illusionist mixes magic, music and comedy. Studio C, 6448 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Sat., 5 p.m. $15. www.theencoreawards.com

Stuart Little E.B. White’s tale about a mouse adopted by a human family; for ages 4 and up. Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga. Sat., 4 p.m.; next Sun., 1 p.m.; ends Oct. 16. $10-$18. (909) 477-2752.

A Taste of Honey Shelagh Delaney’s once-controversial drama about a working-class teen, her mother and others in 1950s Britain. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 5 p.m.; ends Nov. 27. $25-$34. (310) 477-2055.

The Tragedy of JFK (as told by Wm. Shakespeare) Events surrounding the assassination of the 35th U.S. president are recalled in the style of the Bard in the Blank Theatre’s presentation of Daniel Henning’s new play. Skylight Theatre, 1816 1/2 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Nov. 6. $35. (323) 661-9827.

Unemployed. Finally. Heather Dowling’s solo comedy about having 30 jobs in 30 years. Studio C, 6448 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Sat., 7 p.m.; ends Oct. 28. $15. www.theencoreawards.com

Wicked Lit 2016 This year’s edition of Unbound Productions’ annual trilogy of terror includes “Anansi and the Demons,” “The Shadowy Third” and the H.P. Lovecraft classic “From Beyond.” Mountain View Mausoleum and Cemetery, 2300 N. Marengo Ave., Altadena. Sat.-Sun., 7:30 p.m.; ends Nov. 12. $35-$75. (323) 332-2065.