L.A. theater openings, Oct. 23-30: Shadow-theater artist Miwa Matreyek and more

This week: Multimedia artist Miwa Matreyek collaborates and also goes solo at REDCAT. Plus, Tony winner Betty Buckley holds court at Segerstrom Center and Bob Eubanks shares fond memories of the Fab Four.

The Exonerated The Actors’ Gang remounts its production of Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen’s drama based on the true stories of six people who were wrongfully convicted and sent to Death Row. The Actors’ Gang at the Ivy Substation, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. Sun., next Sun., Thu., 8 p.m.; Fri., 9 p.m.; Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Nov. 5. $30, $34.99. (310) 838-4264.

Forbidden Broadway Send-up of hit musicals including “Les Miz,” “Wicked” and “The Book of Mormon.” Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Sun., 7 p.m. $22 and up. (310) 506-4522.

Fritz Coleman’s Defying Gravity The local weatherman/comic salutes the baby-boomer generation. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Sun., 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. $25-$30. (626) 355-4318.

Piaf! The Show Anne Carrère portrays the legendary French chanteuse in this bio-musical. Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, Le Lycee Francais de Los Angeles, 10361 W. Pico Blvd., L.A. Sun., Mon., 7:30 p.m. $25, $40. (310) 286-0553.

That Laurence Fishburne Play Staged reading of Jonathan Josephson’s comedy about a struggling playwright and his encounters with assorted celebrities. South Pasadena Women’s Club, 1424 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. Sun., 3 p.m. Free. www.eventbrite.com

The Slave Narratives: A Mighty, Mighty People Staged reading of Hattie Winston’s compilation of the accounts of former slaves. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Mon., 7:30 p.m. Free, with non-refundable $2 processing fee. (310) 434-3200.

Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp: Acoustically Speaking The two Broadway veterans (“Rent,” etc.) share the stage in this cabaret show; with special guest India Carney. Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. Tue.-Wed., 8:30 p.m. $30-$55. (866) 468-3399.

Betty Buckley The Tony winner (“Cats”) sings show tunes and more. Samueli Theater, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Thu.-Sat., 7:30 p.m. $79. (714) 556-2787.

Bob Eubanks’ Backstage with the Beatles The former deejay and concert promoter shares his memories of the Fab Four, and the tribute band Ticket to Ride performs. Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Thu., 7:30 p.m. $20-$40. (310) 506-4522.

Like Blood From a Cheap Cigar An aspiring young comic and her much older ex-boyfriend have unfinished business in a newly expanded version of Genevieve Joy’s romantic drama. Sacred Fools Studio Theatre, 1076 N. Lillian Way, Hollywood. Thu., 8 p.m.; ends Nov. 17. $15. www.Plays411.com

Juárez: A Documentary Mythology New York City’s Theater Mitu examines life on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border in this fact-based multimedia work. The Los Angeles Theatre Center, Tom Bradley Theater, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Nov. 13. $24-$38. (866) 811-4111.

Chills and Thrills Fundraiser features five spooky short plays. Little Fish Theatre, 777 Centre St., San Pedro. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 8 and 10:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Oct. 30. $20. (310) 512-6030.

Love Connie’s Tricks, Tramps and Treats The drag artist returns with a Halloween-themed spoof of classic movies. Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Fri., 9 p.m. $20. (800) 838-3006.

River Song Quintet/David Baker/Miwa Matreyek Multidisciplinary collaboration by the local chamber-music ensemble, poet Baker and performance artist Matreyek; program also includes Matreyek’s shadow-theater piece “This World Made Itself.” REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. Fri., 8:30 p.m. $20, $25. (213) 237-2800.

BOO-tanicum Family-friendly Halloween event features ghost stories, a haunted house and more. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Sat., 4 to 10 p.m. $15; children 5 and under, free. (310) 455-2322.

Hansel & Gretel Bluegrass A new version of the classic fairy tale sets the action in Depression-era Kentucky; with musical group the Get Down Boys and videotaped narration by “The West Wing’s” Bradley Whitford; for ages 8 and up. 24th Street Theatre, 1117 W. 24th St., L.A. Sat., 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Dec. 11. $2.40-$24. (213) 745-6516.

It’s All in the Family Sibling magicians Kadan and Brooklyn Rockett from “America’s Got Talent” and their father, illusionist Bart Rockett, perform. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 3 and 7 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m. $15, $29. (818) 508-4200.

It’s Magic Showcase features magic and variety acts from around the world. The Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 W. 8th St., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m. $30-$95. (818) 377-2101.

Literary Halloween Actors from Theatre 40 read spooky stories by Charles Dickens, et al. Westwood Branch Library, 1246 Glendon Ave., Westwood. Sat, 2 p.m. Free. (310) 474-1739.

Louie Louie Louie Swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy pays tribute to Messrs. Armstrong, Jordan and Prima. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Sat., 8 p.m. $450$75. (562) 467-8818.

Ragtime the Musical Tony-winning adaptation of E.L Doctorow’s novel about life in early 20th century America. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Dec. 4. $18-$25. (805) 583-7900.

Return to the Forbidden Planet Musical spoof of 1950s-era sci-fi flicks and TV shows. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Sat, 7 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; other dates; ends Nov. 13. $54-$64; opening night only, $95. (805) 667-2900.

Unbound IAMA Theatre Company presents Daryl Watson’s new political drama about four individuals involved in the 2012 election. Hudson Backstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Sat, 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Nov. 27. $30. www.iamatheatre.com.

Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny Puppet troupe Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia offers stage adaptations of the two kid-friendly tales. Samueli Theater, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Next Sun., 1 and 3:30 p.m.; also Sat., Nov. 5, 1 p.m. $20 and up. (714) 556-2787.

Thanks a Lot — My Gratitusical! Co-creator Rebecca Larsen’s parody of a one-woman cabaret show. Sacred Fools Theater Company, 1076 Lillian Way, Hollywood. Next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Nov. 13. $10. (310) 281-8337.

Vicuña World premiere of Jon Robin Baitz’s political satire about a real-estate mogul turned reality-TV star turned presidential candidate. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Next Sun., 6:30 p.m.; ends Nov. 20. $25-$70. (213) 628-2772.