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@TO-Cal Stand Out hed:Spontaneous gumption Laughstock Comedy Improv Festival in Ventura Here's a reason to feel proud about spending your entire weekend laughing it up at the Ventura Improv Company's Laughstock Comedy Improv Festival: It's eco-friendly. Scripts are unnecessary for this make-it-up-as-you-go brand of humor, thus saving trees destined for paper. The ninth annual Labor Day weekend event, starring local and out-of-town comedy troupes, will feature two shows Friday and Saturday, and one Sunday. On Friday, the first show, from 7 to 9 p.m., will include a Free-for-All, where improv groups pretty much do whatever they want; and Spontaneous Broadway, a full-length Broadway-style musical based on audience suggestions. The second show, from 9 to 11 p.m., is a competition between local improv teams. On Saturday, the first show, from 6 to 9 p.m., will include a Free-for-All; a "Survivor"-style Micetro session, in which the best improviser is left standing; and a performance by Impro Theatre of Los Angeles. The second show, from 9 to 11 p.m., will feature Bay Area troupe Crisis Hopkins and L.A. African-American ensemble Nation of Improv. Sunday's show, from 6 to 10 p.m., will include a Free-for-All and the three-hour Master of the Universe competition. The Ventura Improv Company is at 34 N. Palm St. in downtown Ventura. Tickets are $10 for each show Friday and Saturday, and $15 for the Sunday performance. To reserve tickets, call 643-5701 or visit http://venturaimprov.com. Jason Redmond / Star staff file photo Members of the Ventura Improv Company will perform during this weekend's ninth annual Laughstock Comedy Improv Festival.
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theater + STAGE
Ventura County
"ANNIE GET YOUR GUN": The Conejo Players Theatre presents the fictionalized account of Annie Oakley's life. 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 20, 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. $16-$20. 495-3715.
"THE FANTASTIKS": The classic musical love story features such songs as "Try to Remember" and "Soon It's Gonna Rain." 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 14, High Street Arts Center, 45 E. High St., Moorpark. $15 adults, $12 seniors and students, $8 children 12 and younger. 529-8700; http://www.highstreetartscenter.com.
"I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE": The Elite Theatre Company presents this musical comedy about the modern suburban mating game. 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 14, Petit Playhouse, 730 South B St., Oxnard. $20 general admission, $17 seniors and students. 483-5118; http://www.elitetheatre.org.
"LITTLE WOMEN, THE MUSICAL": Actors' Repertory Theatre of Simi will present the Broadway musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's 1868 novel. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 7, Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave. $20, $16 seniors and students, $14 children 12 and younger. 583-7900; http://www.simi-arts.org.
"NOISES OFF": This farce is about a play within a play. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 21, Camarillo Community Theatre, 330 Skyway Drive (inside the airport). $17 adults; $13 students, seniors and military. Bring a nonperishable item for FOOD Share for a free bag of popcorn. 487-8812.
"OTHELLO": The California Shakespeare Company opens its season with Shakespeare's tragedy. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 14, Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. $22 general admission, $20 seniors. 381-1246. http://www.hillcrestarts.com.
"RABBIT HOLE": David Lindsay-Abaire's Pulitzer Prize-winning play is about a couple recovering from the death of a child. 8 p.m. Aug. 29-30 and 7 p.m. Aug. 31, Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai. $18 adults; $15 seniors, students and ACT members. 640-8797; http://www.ojaiact.org.
"SHE LOVES ME": The Rubicon Theatre Company concludes its season with this musical comedy about two competitive co-workers who unknowingly become pen pals and fall in love. Previews: 8 p.m. Sept. 4-5. Opening night gala: 7 p.m. Sept. 6. Regular shows: 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 28; 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Previews: $29. Opening night (includes reception and after-party): $90. Regular shows: $34-$57 general, $20 students. 667-2900; http://www.rubicontheatre.org.
Down south
"9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL": This new musical features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. Previews: Sept. 3-19. Regular shows: Sept. 20 through Oct. 19. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. $30-$100. 213-628-2772; http://www.centertheatregroup.org.
"FORTY CARATS": The Stage Door Theatre production tells the story of a middle-aged woman whose car breaks down in Greece. Unexpected adventures ensue. 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 13, 28311 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills. $12-$15. 818-889-5209.
"THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES": The first production at the renovated Mark Taper Forum will be this comedy about a zookeeper who wants to become a famous singer-songwriter. Previews: Aug. 29 through Sept. 13. Regular shows: Sept. 14 through Oct. 19. 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. $20-$62. 213-628-2772; http://www.centertheatregroup.org.
theatricum botanicum: The outdoor theater is staging "Midsummer Night's Dream," through Sept. 1; and "As You Like It" and "Macbeth," through Sept. 28. Also, Richard Brinsley Sheridan's "The School for Scandal," through Sept. 27. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. $8-$28. 818-887-1499; http://www.theatricum.com.
"VANITIES: A NEW MUSICAL": Jack Heifner's musical is based on the off-Broadway comedy that follows three All-American girls as they mature from cheerleaders to independent women. Through Sept. 28, Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. Molino Ave., Pasadena. $48-$76. 800-378-7021; http://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.
"WICKED": Stephen Schwartz's popular Broadway musical is about what happened in Oz before Dorothy dropped in. Through Jan. 11, Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. $27.50-$175. Ticketmaster, 583-8700 or http://www.ticketmaster.com.
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Ventura County
BENISE: The nuevo flamenco guitarist will perform a free concert at the Simi Valley Town Center. 8:30 p.m. Aug. 29, 1555 Simi Town Center Way. http://www.simivalleytc.com.
MR. TOM THE MUSIC MAN: Tom Kuznkowski will perform for kids and families. 1 and 3 p.m. Aug. 30, Borchard Community Center, 190 Reino Road, Newbury Park. $10. 381-2791.
HEALING MUSIC CONCERT: The Camarillo Center for Spiritual Living will host a concert of music used by healers and massage therapists, featuring Michael Mandrell and Anton Mizerak. 7 p.m. Aug. 30, 340 Mobil Ave., Camarillo. $15 donation. 484-1137; http://www.camarillosl.org.
Down south
"THE BIG PICTURE: THE FILMS OF WARNER BROS.": In celebration of the 85th anniversary of Warner Bros., the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, led by conductor David Newman, will perform film music with scenes projected on a big screen. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31, Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. $10-$114. 323-850-2000; http://www.hollywoodbowl.com.
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