L.A. theater openings, March 2-9: ‘Talhotblond’ and more

“Talhotblond” weaves a tangled Web in a world premiere at Ruskin Group Theatre. Also, Poor Dog Group lights “Five Small Fires” at the Bootleg Theater, and Santa Monica Playhouse brings back the enduring and endearing “Author! Author! An Evening with Sholom Aleichem.”

The Wizard of Oz American Family Theater’s new version of the musical fantasy. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Sunday, 1 and 3:30 p.m. $8, $12. (562) 944-9801.

The Emperor’s New Clothes World-premiere, kid-friendly musical based on the Hans Christian Andersen fable. Assistance League Playhouse, 1367 N. St. Andrews Place, Hollywood. Sunday, Sat.-next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends March 23. $12. (323) 469-1970.

Five Small Fires World premiere of Poor Dog Group’s exploration of ritual, mythology and the dark side of spirituality. Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Thu.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; ends March 29. $18-$25. (213) 389-3856.

CRITICS’ PICKS: What to watch, where to go, what to eat

Battledrum West Coast premiere of Doug Cooney and Lee Ahlin’s musical about three youths serving in the Union Army during the Civil War. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre. Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m.; next Sun., 2:30 p.m.; ends April 19. $12-$25. (626) 355-4318.

Melville Boys Norm Foster’s romantic comedy about two brothers whose fishing trip is upended by two attractive sisters. Little Fish Theatre, 777 Centre St., San Pedro. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends April 5. $20, $27. (310) 512-6030.

The Musical of Musicals, The Musical! Return engagement of this send-up of Broadway composers. Chromolume Theatre at the Attic, 5429 W. Washington Blvd., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends March 23. $23-$28. (323) 205-1617.

Talhotblond World premiere of Kathrine Bates’ fact-based tale about an obsessive online relationship; contains mature subject matter. Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Ave., Santa Monica. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 26. $20-$25. (310) 397-3244.

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The Translucent Frogs of Quuup U.S. premiere of No Excuses Theatre Company’s fantastical musical comedy. Studio at Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends March 22. $15. (562) 494-1014.

Walk Me Home Theatre by the Blind presents a company-created tale about two blind teenagers faced with life-changing decisions. Promenade Playhouse, 1404 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends March 16. $15. (310) 902-8220.

West Side Story The classic musical about star-crossed lovers in 1950s NYC. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m. $40-$68. (562) 467-8818.

Jim Henson’s Sid the Science Kid: Live! Family-friendly show featuring characters from the PBS series. Valley Performing Arts Center at Cal State Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. Sat., 1 p.m. $10-$25. (818) 677-3000.

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All the Great Books (abridged) The Reduced Shakespeare Company’s madcap survey of western literature. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Sat., 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends March 30. $36-$71. (949) 497-2787.

Author! Author! An Evening with Sholom Aleichem Musical celebration of the Yiddish writer whose stories served as the basis for “Fiddler on the Roof.” Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. Sat., 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 3:30 p.m.; ends March 30. $15-$29. (310) 394-9779.

Spring Awakening Tony-winning rock musical about young love in late 19th-century Germany; contains adult themes and language. Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 5. $25-$35. (310) 828-7519.

Wild Songs and Naked Souls World-premiere musical revue inspired by the writings of Byron, Omar Khayyam and others. T.U. Studios, 10943 Camarillo St., , North Hollywood. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7:30 p.m.; ends April 6. $20. (310) 366-5505.

Urban Death Updated version of the company’s signature terror tale. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 8:30 p.m.; ends April 26. $15. (818) 202-4120.

Hot Girls in Hollywood Benefit reading of Summera Howell’s play about young women navigating life, love, etc. Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village. Next Sun., 7 p.m. Donation. (818) 508-3003.