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If you\u2019ve watched reruns of the \u201cI Love Lucy\u201d show \u2014 or maybe when it first aired in 1951 \u2014 then you know Lucille Ball as a master comedian. But did you know that one of the show\u2019s writers, Madelyn Pugh, was a pioneering female television writer?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wendy MacLeod\u2019s new play \u201cThe Laugh Track,\u201d opening next weekend at International City Theatre in its West Coast premiere, portrays the story of Pugh, or the \u201cgirl writer<\/a>\u201d as her colleagues referred to her, who not only wrote jokes, but opened the door for more women in the writers\u2019 room.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Directed by Brian Shnipper, the play is told in flashbacks, with Pugh and her \u201cI Love Lucy\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite its comedic setting, the show\u2019s production was not all laughs. At one point, we see how Bob takes credit for Madelyn\u2019s jokes and later, we see how Arnaz and Ball\u2019s relationship falls apart as the show\u2019s success takes a toll on everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the show is \u201cfast-paced and full of wit,\u201d according to the theater\u2019s website<\/a>, as it explores one funny woman\u2019s challenges in a male-dominated entertainment industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n International City Theatre\u2019s \u201cThe Laugh Track\u201d runs Nov. 6 to 22, with two lower-priced previews on Nov. 4 and 5, at the Beverly O\u2019Neill 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<\/em> ICTLongBeach.org<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Musical Theatre West\u2019s \u201cLittle Women\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Written by Allan Knee \u2014 who also wrote the 2004 Oscar-nominated film \u201cFinding Neverland\u201d \u2014 and with music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, \u201cLittle Women\u201d premiered on Broadway in 2005. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As in Alcott\u2019s semi-autobiographical novel, the musical focuses on the four teenage March sisters, who live in New England during and after the Civil War. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leading the 12-member cast as aspiring writer Jo in the upcoming production is Orange County native Jenna Lea Rosen<\/a>, following her recent stint as an understudy in the first national touring production of the Broadway musical \u201cSuffs.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith a soaring score and poignant lyrics, \u2018Little Women\u2019 captures the hope, love and personal sacrifice that shape the March sisters\u2019 journey,\u201d the theater\u2019s website<\/a> states, \u201creminding us all that no dream is too big when you have the support of those you love.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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