Wendy MacLeod’s play “The Laugh Track” at International City Theatre follows a female writer for the 1950s show “I Love Lucy”— one of the first women to write for television.
And Musical Theatre West brings the musical version of Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel “Little Women” to life.
International City Theatre’s “The Laugh Track”
If you’ve watched reruns of the “I Love Lucy” show — or maybe when it first aired in 1951 — then you know Lucille Ball as a master comedian. But did you know that one of the show’s writers, Madelyn Pugh, was a pioneering female television writer?
Wendy MacLeod’s new play “The Laugh Track,” opening next weekend at International City Theatre in its West Coast premiere, portrays the story of Pugh, or the “girl writer” as her colleagues referred to her, who not only wrote jokes, but opened the door for more women in the writers’ room.
Directed by Brian Shnipper, the play is told in flashbacks, with Pugh and her “I Love Lucy” co-writer Bob Carroll, Jr. reminiscing about the show after it ends in 1957. Their memories are replayed in scenes featuring Ball, her former costar and husband Desi Arnaz, studio executives and a wannabe actress.
Despite its comedic setting, the show’s production was not all laughs. At one point, we see how Bob takes credit for Madelyn’s jokes and later, we see how Arnaz and Ball’s relationship falls apart as the show’s success takes a toll on everyone.
But the show is “fast-paced and full of wit,” according to the theater’s website, as it explores one funny woman’s challenges in a male-dominated entertainment industry.
International City Theatre’s “The Laugh Track” runs Nov. 6 to 22, with two lower-priced previews on Nov. 4 and 5, at the Beverly O’Neill Theater, 330 E. Seaside Way. Showtimes are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For tickets and information, call the box office at 562-436-4610 or visit ICTLongBeach.org.
Musical Theatre West’s “Little Women”
Written by Allan Knee — who also wrote the 2004 Oscar-nominated film “Finding Neverland” — and with music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, “Little Women” premiered on Broadway in 2005.
As in Alcott’s semi-autobiographical novel, the musical focuses on the four teenage March sisters, who live in New England during and after the Civil War.
Though their family is impoverished, sisters Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy each have aspirations, ranging from becoming an independent writer to wanting a husband and family.
Leading the 12-member cast as aspiring writer Jo in the upcoming production is Orange County native Jenna Lea Rosen, following her recent stint as an understudy in the first national touring production of the Broadway musical “Suffs.”
“With a soaring score and poignant lyrics, ‘Little Women’ captures the hope, love and personal sacrifice that shape the March sisters’ journey,” the theater’s website states, “reminding us all that no dream is too big when you have the support of those you love.”
Musical Theatre West’s “Little Women” runs Nov. 7 to 22, with a preview performance on Nov. 6, at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m., plus Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. For tickets and information, call the box office at 562-856-1999 or visit Musical.org.