L.A. theater openings, June 26-July 3: ‘Richard III’ and more

This week: An election-year tale at Skylight Theatre, two edgy fables at Rogue Machine, and the return of Independent Shakespeare Co.’s annual Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival.

The Three Louies Louie Perez of Los Lobos, Los Angeles poet laureate Luis J. Rodriguez and journalist Luís Torres share the stage as part of the “Evolución L.A.tino” series. Grand Performances, California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., L.A. Sun., 7 p.m. Free. www.grandperformances.org

Bad Jews A devout woman and her less-observant cousin battle over a family heirloom in Joshua Harmon’s comedy. Theatre of NOTE, 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends July 24. $20. (310) 502-0086.

A Few Good Men Aaron Sorkin’s hit courtroom drama about two Marines on trial for the murder of a comrade in arms. NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends July 17. $25. (800) 838-3006.

Richard III The annual Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival kicks off with Independent Shakespeare Co.’s stripped-down, rock music-fueled take on the Bard’s historical drama. The Old Zoo at Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, L.A. Thu.-next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends July 24. Free. (818) 710-6306.

Smoke Two strangers engage in risky behavior at a kink-party in NYC in Kim Davies’ drama; for mature audiences. Rogue Machine at The Met, 1089 N Oxford Ave., L.A. Thu., 8:30 p.m.; Sat., 5 p.m.; next Sun., 8 p.m.; ends July 16. $20. (855) 585-5185.

A Prairie Home Companion Garrison Keillor and special guests share songs and stories. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. Fri., 8 p.m. $7-$164. (323) 850-2000.

Bull Three office workers battle to keep their jobs in Mike Bartlett’s dark comedy. Rogue Machine at The Met, 1089 N Oxford Ave., L.A. Sat., 2 p.m.; next Sun., 6 p.m.; ends July 18. $20. (855) 585-5185.

Church & State A Republican U.S. senator’s reelection campaign stumbles over a question of religious faith in Jason Odell Williams’ new drama; runs in repertory with Aurin Squire’s “Obama-ology” (opens July 23). Skylight Theatre, 18161/2 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. Sat., 8:30 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Aug. 14. $15-$39; both plays, $63. (213) 761-7061.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Classic musical comedy about a young corporate striver. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Aug. 6. $14-$27. (562) 494-1014.

Nine Winning One-Acts New short works by playwrights from around the country; for ages 18 and up. Upstairs at the Group Rep (not handicapped accessible), the Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 2 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends Aug. 7. $17, $20. (818) 763-5990.