This week's theater openings:
The Fools Actors' Repertory Theatre's presents this romantic and naughty musical comedy, based on Moliere's classic “Les Facheux.” Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun.6:30 p.m.; ends Sept. 30. $25. (310) 394-9779.
Fishing Food writer David Duman's comedy tells the tale of brilliant but caustic chef and his ennui-riddled manager as they attempt to hold together a hot new restaurant. Archway Studio/Theatre, 305 South Hewitt St., L.A. Opens Thu. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Sept. 22. $20. (213) 237-9933.
Little Shop of Horrors In this spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies, a down-and-out floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a craving for fresh blood. Glendale Centre Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale. Opens Thu. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 p.m., 8 p.m.; ends Oct. 6. $22-$28. (818) 244-8481.
Rita Rudner: Act 3 Comedian Rita Rudner returns to Laguna accompanied by local singer-songwriter Sasha Evans. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Opens Fri. Fri.-next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends next Sun. $55, $65. (949) 497-2787.
The Blue Iris The Fountain Theatre celebrates Athol Fugard's 80th birthday with the U.S. premiere of the Tony winner's newest play. Set in a burnt-out house in South Africa, a widowed farmer and his housekeeper sort through the debris of their lives in this soul-searching love story. Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., Hollywood. Opens Fri. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Sept. 16. $30, $34. (323) 663-1525.
Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood The stars of the television series “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” team up for a night of comedy and improv. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Opens Fri. Fri., 8 p.m.; ends Fri. $25-$75. (562) 467-8818.
Ghost-Writer International City Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of Michael Hollinger's tale about a acclaimed novelist finishing his work from beyond the grave. International City Theatre at Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Opens Fri. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Sept. 16. $37, $44. (562) 436-4610.
Under The Desert Raymond King Schurtz's play about a self-ordained priest and a waitress at a desolate diner examines what constitutes a true pious experience. World premiere. The Lounge Theatre, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Opens Fri. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Sept. 30. $20. (323) 960-7776.
The Para Abnormals Thomas J. Misuraca's supernatural thriller-comedy about three friends who venture into the hazardous world of ghost-hunting makes its world premiere. Zombie Joe's Underground Theater, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., Los Angeles. Opens Sat. Sat., 8:30 p.m.; ends Sept. 29. $15. (818) 202-4120.
Elephant Room Paul Lazar directs the West Coast premiere of this comedy about semi-pro illusionists practicing their craft in a basement rec room. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Opens next Sun. Next Sun., 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.; ends Sept. 16. $20-$50. (213) 628-2772.
A Night Under The Stars Cloris Leachman, Amy Madigan, Wendie Malick and Jean Smart star in a staged reading of “Recipe,” a new romp by playwright Michael Gene Sullivan. The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. Box Office, Topanga. Opens next Sun. Next Sun., 6:30 p.m.; ends next Sun. $100. (310) 455-3723.
Critics' Choices:
Farm Boy This engrossing West Coast premiere of the sequel to “War Horse” is the diametric opposite of its award-winning predecessor, and it registers with affecting delicacy, courtesy of director David Fofi and actors Lawrence Pressman and Simon Lees. (D.C.N.) Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave., L.A. Today, 3 p.m.; Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 p.m., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends next Sun. $34. (800) 838-3006.
Hearts Like Fists A graphic novel-style gloss on fear of heartbreak, Adam Szymkowicz's latest comedy is the perfect summer date: exhilarating, silly, and sexy. In director Jaime Robledo's sharp production—which references everything from Dr. Caligari to “Kick Ass”—feet and snappy one-liners fly, thanks to Andrew Amani's witty fight choreography and perfectly pitched performances. (C.S.) Theatre of Note, 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. Today, 7 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Sept. 1. $20. (323) 856-8611.
