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THEATER TALK: Top Seven Shows To See In L.A. This Season

Katie Buenneke |
September 20, 2013 | 3:10 p.m. PDT

Theater Editor

I'll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers
Geffen Playhouse, December 3-December 22
The Geffen is hosting the Broadway production of the Bette Midler vehicle. The one-woman show, penned by John Logan ("Red") explores the life of Hollywood's first female "superagent," Mengers, who rose to incredible power in the 1970s.

The Broadway cast of "Peter and the Starcatcher." Photo from O+M Co.
The Broadway cast of "Peter and the Starcatcher." Photo from O+M Co.
Peter and the Starcatcher
Ahmanson Theatre, December 3-January 12
The national tour of the charming Broadway play comes to Los Angeles this winter, and I for one could not be more excited. The play takes an innovative approach to telling the origin story of Peter Pan, and I'm quite excited to see the show again.

The Book of Mormon
Pantages Theatre, January 21-March 16
It goes without saying that "The Book of Mormon" is a smash hit, and with good reason. After a wildly successful run at the Pantages last fall, the show returns to the same venue this winter, albeit with a different cast (Ben Platt, from "Pitch Perfect" now plays Elder Cunningham).

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Mark Taper Forum, January 29-March 9
This year's Tony Award winner for Best Play, Christopher Durang's newest work has received rave reviews from pretty much everyone I know, so I'm glad to finally get the chance to see it. The comedy with allusions to Chekhov should play nicely in the Taper's intimate space.

Tartuffe
A Noise Within, February 15-May 24
"Tartuffe" is Molière's most famous play, and with good reason. The script is pretty much foolproof, and I am confident that the capable folks at A Noise Within will doing a fantastic job with this comedy of manners.

Buyer & Cellar
Mark Taper Forum, July 9-August 17
Michael Urie is bringing his one-man show from off-Broadway to the Taper, and I'm intrigued as to how it will play in L.A. The play follows a struggling actor in the City of Angels who ends up working in Barbra Streisand's basement, and is supposed to be quite funny and charming.

Once
Pantages Theatre, July 15-August 10
I've been astounded by "Once" each time I've seen it on Broadway (three times now!), and I can't wait to see it a bit closer to home. The heart-breaking musical tells the story of an unnamed couple who meet, fall in love, and separate forever over the course of a few days, all while making beautiful music together.

For more theater coverage, click here.

Reach Theater Editor Katie here, or follow her on Twitter here.



 

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