L.A. theater openings, May 22-29: ‘They Don’t Talk Back’ and more

This week: Solo shows about a jazz legend and a legal giant, plus a new drama about native Alaskans.

The Intimidation Game Family-friendly anti-bullying musical features a cast that includes young people with autism and other disabilities. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. Sun.-Tue., 6 p.m.; ends May 24. $20-$30. (310) 746-4000.

Communion Brimmer Street Theatre Company presents staged readings of Christina Cigala’s dark comedy about a Catholic retreat for recently engaged couples. Moving Arts, 1822 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake. Sun., 2 and 4:30 p.m. Free. www.brimmerstreet.org.

Nowhere on the Border Reading of Carlos Lacamara’s drama about a Mexican father who encounters an American vigilante while searching for his missing daughter in the desert. The Skylight Theatre, 18161/2 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz. Mon., 8 p.m. $10 suggested donation. Reservations at playwrightworks@aol.com.

American Town Hall Sketch comedy shows sends up a city council meeting in a Maryland town; for 21 and older, minors allowed if accompanied by a parent. The Copper Still Bar, 4485 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Thu., 8 p.m. $5, door only. www.americantownhallcomedy.com

The Ménage Experience Staged reading of P.R. Hawkins’ tale about a woman involved with two very different men; for mature audiences. Two Roads Theatre, 4348 Tujunga Blvd., Studio City. Thu., 8 p.m.; ends June 9. $10, $20. (323) 807-4187.

Billie Holiday: Front and Center Writer-performer Sybil Harris portrays the jazz singer and other characters in this new drama with live music. Fremont Centre Theatre, 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends June 19. $15-$30; opening night, $50. (800) 838-3006.

Confessions of an Un-Natural Blonde! Comedy, parodies and more with drag performer Paige Turner. Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 9 p.m. $20, $25. (800) 838-3006.

The Engine of Our Ruin A U.S. diplomat tries negotiate a trade deal in the Middle East in Jason Wells’ new political comedy. The Big Victory Theatre, 3326 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 4 p.m.; ends June 26. $24-$34. (818) 841-5421.

Sylvia A middle-aged married couple adopt a most unusual dog in A.R. Gurney’s hit comedy. West Valley Playhouse, 7242 Owensmouth Ave., Canoga Park. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2:30 p.m.; ends June 19. $26, $28. (818) 884-1907.

They Don’t Talk Back Native Voices at the Autry, La Jolla Playhouse and Alaska’s Perseverance Theatre present Frank Henry Kaash Katasse’s new coming-of-age tale about a troubled teen who’s sent to live with his Tlingit grandparents in a remote fishing village in Alaska. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends June 5. $10-$30. (858) 550-1010.

Clarence Darrow James O’Neil portrays the famed American lawyer and activist in David W. Rintels’ solo drama. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Sat., 7 p.m. only; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 12. $25-$54; opening night, $150. (805) 667-2900.

The Light Princess Family-friendly musical based on George MacDonald’s 19th century fairytale; for ages 4 and up. South Coast Repertory, Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Sat., 11 a.m., 2 and 4:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 4:30 p.m.; ends June 5. $21 and up. (714) 708-5555.

The Pretty Pretty; or, The Rape Play Two strippers go on a cross-country spree in the L.A. premiere of Sheila Callaghan’s dark satire about the objectification of women in media. Son of Semele Theater, 3301 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 5 p.m.; ends June 19. $20, $25. www.sonofsemele.org.

The Stranger: A Tribute to Billy Joel Pianist and vocalist Mike Santoro salutes the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter. Grammy winner, Billy Joel. Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Drive, Palos Verdes Peninsula. Sat., 8 p.m. $48-$58. (310) 544-0403.