8 pm: Theater

Ellen Greene and Estelle Parsons head the cast of “The First Picture Show,” the story of one of the last silent-movie directors at age 99, and a niece determined to tell her story. The new musical theater piece features book and lyrics by David Gordon and Ain Gordon, with music by Jeanine Tesori.

* “The First Picture Show,” Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Ends Sept. 19. $29 to $40. (213) 628-2772.

8 pm: Theater

The San Francisco Mime Troupe, known for its comedy-activist style, is in town with a new musical. “City for Sale,” by Joan Holden and Kate Chumley, is about development and urban gentrification, from an underdog’s point of view.

* “City for Sale,” Los Angeles Theater Center, 514 S. Spring St. Today-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. $15 to $20. (213) 485-1681.

8 p.m.: Pop Music

The mercurial Moby has conducted a fascinating if inconsistent career, but the musical manipulator has hit pay dirt with his new album, “Play,” which finds common ground between the electronic studio and the field hollers and gospel of the old South.

* Moby, Mayan Theatre, 1038 S. Hill St., 8 p.m. $22. (213) 746-4287.

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FREEBIE: Chris Anderson joins legendary drummer Billy Higgins in the sculpture garden at MOCA, 250 S. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles. 5 p.m. (213) 633-5334.