The Geffen Playhouse always presents intriguing plays with provocative subjects. This tradition continues with their newest American Premier of The Gift written by acclaimed Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith. It’s a thought-provoking comedy revolving around two disparate couples who meet at an expensive island resort.

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was the most successful entertainer of all time. His contributions to music, dance and fashion made him beloved by audiences all over the world for more than four decades. Sadly, his life was cut short all too soon.

The evening starts simply: A romantic scene with a girl and a guy as he asks her to marry him. He leaves and she wonders, “Should I or shouldn’t I?” The lovely girl falls asleep on a bench, and that’s when the treasure trove of wondrous and magical aquatic athletics takes off.

Dance. Humor. Poignancy. Grace. These are all part of “RIPE” – a one-woman show that speaks to all women . . . and men, too. The play had its world premiere on October 19, 2012, at the Greenway Court Theatre in Los Angeles.

Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage’s “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark” had its West Coast premiere at the Geffen Playhouse on opening night, September 26, 2012. Directed by Jo Bonney, the comedy combines history and pop culture, theatrics and multi-media for an entertaining look into race, film, and feminism.

I strongly recommend seeing Camp Logan. If you’re curious about military history, if you want to see another side of patriotism, or if you’re just interested in basic human rights, you will find this play profoundly interesting, moving, and most importantly, educational. I walked out of the Robey Theatre changed.

Many movies are currently being made into musicals. For Billy Elliot, it’s a transition that not only makes sense, but which opens up additional possibilities. Because the story line is about dance, Billy Elliot not only fits the stage, it belongs on stage. There is an energy elicited with live dance performances that can never be captured in quite the same way on screen.

The new production of RED HOT PATRIOT: The Kickass Wit of Molly Ivins plays at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles until February 19, 2012. This 75-minute show is an opportunity to spend an evening enjoying two incredible women.

As the house lights dim, a huge mirrored ball descends from the ceiling and starts spinning, spilling light everywhere in the theatre. Disco music accompanies the glimmering effects, and the energy and excitement of this roaring musical takes off. It’s rare to find a show where the audience starts clapping right at the beginning, but that’s what happens with Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

For those of you who have seen The Book of Mormon you’ll understand when I say “WOW!” For those of you who have not seen it, GO NOW! A caveat for some to the latter statement might be that you do your research on the show first. Then go and see for yourself. Whatever one’s reaction to seeing The Book of Mormon might be, it is safe to say that there has never been anything like it on Broadway.