L.A. theater openings, April 24-May 1: ‘A Walk in the Woods’ and more

This week: A look back at the Cold War, new takes on two ancient Greek tales, and a whole lot of “Henry VI.”

Carnival of the Animals Australian circus troupe Circa performs this family-friendly show set to Saint-Saëns’ classic musical suite. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Thu.-Fri., 6 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; ends April 30. $20-$55. (310) 434-3200.

The 39 Steps Tony-winning comedic adaptation of Hitchcock’s classic thriller. Little Fish Theatre, 777 Centre St., San Pedro. Thu., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends May 19. $23-$27. (310) 512-6030.

The Archer from Malis Griot Theatre employs nontraditional casting in its dystopian take on Sophocles’ Trojan War tale “Philoctetes.” Lounge Theatre, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends May 22. $12.50, $25. www.griottheatre.org.

Beaches, The Musical Drag-show spoof of the 1988 American comedy-drama that starred Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey. Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 9 p.m.; ends May 7. $20, $25. (800) 838-3006.

Birder Julie Marie Myatt’s new comedy-drama about a middle-aged Los Feliz man who gets in touch with L.A.’s natural side. The Road on Lankershim, 5108 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 19. $17.50, $34. (818) 761-8838.

The Boy From Oz West Coast premiere of this musical bio-drama about Australian entertainer and gay icon Peter Allen. Celebration Theatre @ the Lex, 6760 Lexington Ave., Hollywood. Fri-Sat., 8 p.m., next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 19. $40, $45. (323) 957-1884.

Groundlings Action Playset All-new sketch show. Groundlings Theatre, 7307 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends June 25. $20; opening night only, $50. (323) 934-4747.

Lunatics & Actors Four Clowns presents David Bridel’s new tale inspired by the studies of 19th-century French neurologist Duchenne de Boulogne. The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, 1238 W. 1st St., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends May 28. $12-$15. (562) 508-1788.

My Motown: Music, Memories and More R&B singer Thelma Houston (“Don’t Leave Me This Way”) stars in this cabaret show. Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8:30 p.m. $20-$60. (866) 468-3399.

The Turn of the Screw Adaptation of Henry James’ Gothic thriller, staged in an impromptu performance space and lit by flashlights held by audience members. Behind Sirens & Titans Fitness, 2311 Westwood Blvd. (entrance on Tennessee Avenue), L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends May 7. $15. (323) 782-1849.

Urban Death All-new late-night terror tale. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 11 p.m.; ends May 28. $15. (818) 202-4120.

A Walk in the Woods An American arms negotiator and his Soviet counterpart meet outside of Geneva in Lee Blessing’s Cold War-themed comedy-drama. International City Theatre, Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends May 22. $47-$55. (562) 436-4610.

The Big Meal Cast members play multiple roles in the Southern California premiere of Dan LeFranc’s decades-spanning family drama; contains strong language. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends May 22. $25-$35. (714) 777-3033.

Encore! A Day of Theatre Four solo plays presented by the Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival. The Actor’s Company, 916 N. Formosa Ave., West Hollywood. Sat., 3, 4, 5 and 7 p.m. Free; reservations recommended. (818) 760-0408.

The Foreigner A shy Brit uncovers scandal while visiting rural Georgia in Larry Shue’s comedy. Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends May 22. $20-$23. (310) 828-7519.

The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly Dublin’s Theatre Lovett presents this family-friendly fable; for ages 7 and up. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. Sat., noon and 2:30 p.m.; next Sun., noon; ends May 8. $15. (310) 746-4000.

Green Day’s American Idiot Tony-winning musical based on the punk-rock band’s Grammy-winning 2004 album; for mature audiences. La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Sat, 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends May 15. $25-$70. (562) 944-9801.

The Henry VI Trilogy The Porters of Hellsgate stage Shakespeare’s trio of historical dramas, with Parts 1 and 2 condensed into a single play and performed in repertory with Part Three (starting May 7). Whitmore-Lindley Theatre Center, 11006 W. Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 5. $20. (800) 838-3006.

Lysistrata The women of ancient Greece go on a sex strike in hopes of ending the Peloponnesian War in Aristophanes’ classic comedy; contains nudity, sexual situations. The Studio at Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Sat., 8 p.m.; ends May 28. $14-$27. (562) 494-1014.

The Pavilion A man tries to reconnect with a former flame at their 20th high school reunion in Craig Wright’s drama. Malibu Playhouse, 29243 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends May 22. $10-$75. www.malibuplayhouse.org.

Sex and Education A high-school English teacher (“Newhart’s” Julia Duffy) faces a challenge on her last day before retirement in Lissa Levin’s comedy; contains explicit language. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Sat., 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 5:30 p.m.; ends May 22. $48-$61. (949) 497-2787.

Endgame Beckett’s classic Absurdist drama about four strange characters carrying on amidst the futility of existence. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Next Sun., 6:30 p.m.; ends May 22. $25-$55. (213) 628-2772.