Gertrude Stein Play Bears Repeating

International City Theatre will present Loving Repeating ... A Musical of Gertrude Stein from January 18 to February. The idiosyncratic writer influenced most of the literary circle in Paris in the 20s including Fitzgerald and Hemingway, and her lifestyle was eccentric to say the least, so the potential for drama and comedy is ripe.

Cal Rep gets on board with activist drama

California Repertory Company will open Waiting for Lefty at the Royal Theatre aboard the Queen Mary on September 24 at 8 pm. Based on a workers' strike in 1934, the play resonates with the frustration and uncertainty of the country's current financial upheaval. The play runs through October 18, and general admission costs $20.

ICT announces new season

International City Theatre has a challenging season for 2010-2011. From a musicals based on Gertrude Stein and bluegrass to a May/December romance in the Harlem Renaissance, the plays are pushing the envelope in all sorts of ways. The ICT's reliably high production standards and the comfortable setting at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center guarantee many satisfying nights at the theater.

Girls night out

I'm going to the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro tonight to see "Forever Plaid." From what I hear, an intimate atmosphere is created in the magnificent old showpiece of a theater by actually seating the audience on stage with the performers. Lots of nostalgia and four part harmony in the mix, which suits me fine.

Plays a Poppin'

The Alive Theatre will present 11 different plays in 12 days in its Poppin' Play Festival beginning today, August 19 through September 11. The festival will take place at the Lafayette, 528 E. Broadway. Plays will be presented at 8 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Tickets cost $18

Stories to Tell

Next Sunday, July 11, at 7 pm, Found Theatre is hosting storyteller Kirk Waller for his show "My Angel and Other Stories," mixing a little song and dance into engaging tales from his life. Tickets cost $10 and there is parking in the CVS lot nearby.

International City Theatre Cleans House

Housewives, unite! International City Theatre is staging Sarah Ruhl's The Clean House, a provocative comedy about women's obsession with making order out of mess. Preview performances begin August 24. Preview tickets cost $29.

Moving and Thought-Provoking Play Returns

A Shayna Maidel, a play about two sisters reunited in the U.S. after one sister has suffered atrocities during the Holocaust, is being given a second production by International City Theater from June 8 to July 3. The play was one of the first productions of ICT and is now being reprised in its 25th season. Tickets for the preview performances on June 8, 9, and 10 at 8 pm cost $29. To volunteer for ICT call Sheila Lee at (562) 495-4595 ext. 10.

Improv in Long Beach? Don't kid me now!

Laughing Stock Development, a 7-member improv troupe, has been around for several years, actually, but they're bringing their act to the All American Melodrama Theater (in Shoreline Village) this month for some cutting edge comedy. The shows start at 10 pm on June 5 and June 19 and tickets cost $10.

Spring's the time for budding playwrights

For 20 years, Long Beach Playhouse has been showcasing new playwrights in its New Works Festival. On the last Saturday of March, April, May, and June, a staged reading of a full-length play is presented with a discussion afterward. Eighteen of the New Works have subsequently been given full productions at the Playhouse. Admission is free, but a $10 donation is suggested. A discussion follows the performance. This Saturday, The Old Bird by Lynn Wells Nelson will be staged at 2 pm.

New Year's No Mystery

The New Year's Eve Mystery Club offers a nifty way to while away those leaden hours before midnight on New Year's Eve. On Dec. 31, beginning at 7:30 pm they're offering a sumptuous multicourse dinner at The Red Violin Cafe (45 Broadway), an interactive murder mystery and a midnight count down with Baby New Year's and a conga line. The price tag is steep, $100, but with all the trimmings it's well worth it.

Rent is Due December 11 to 20

Rent, that knock-down drag-out tear jerker, is on stage at the Carpenter Center from December 11 to 20 courtesy of Musical Theatre West. The ad promises tickets as low as $10

Frozen now opens this week at Alive

"Frozen", an emotional powerhouse of a play By Byrony Lavery, runs weekends from November 7 to November 21 at Alive Theatre. Tickets are $18, but there's a discount if you bring canned goods. Shows are presented at Immanuel Center for Conscious Living, 3215 E. Third Street. Friday, November 20 is pay what you can

Little Fish, Big Theatre

Hate Mail, the play now being presented at Little Fish Theatre in San Pedro on Wednesdays and Thursday at 8, is getting good notices. Tickets are $20 for a farce about two people who clash over a flaming email and then, well, get to know each other better. The Press-Telegram says it's really funny. The theater is also putting on a collection of spooky one-acts on Halloween night at 11 pm.

Alive Theatre preps for Frozen

Next week Alive Theatre holds auditions for Frozen, a dark three person play about loss and grief and forgiveness, even for a serial killer. It's unclear where the play will be presented, but it will run from November 6 to 21.

Cal Rep moves to the Queen Mary

Here's an interesting new use for the venerable old Queen Mary. Cal Rep will present its 2009-2010 season in the ship's Royal Theatre. The setting is well suited for the first play on the roster. Festen, based on a Danish film, follows the twisted motives and actions of a wealthy family as they gather at their ancestral home. The polished brass and teak and Art Deco curlicues will set the right privileged tone.

Much Ado, Theatrically Speaking

Lots of theater openings this week. Much Ado About Nothing begins its run at the Richard Goad Theatre on September 11 and continues through October 24 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The production will feature live music and dancing.

Long Beach Play House also has an opening this Friday. Caught in the Net, a slapstick comedy set in London, will run through October 17.

Meanwhile, Found Theatre will kick off a month of filmed presentations of some of it unforgettable and irrepressible productions with Cycle Sluts on September 12. Other short films and related antics are also promised.