By Steve ZALL & Sid FISH

“The Laugh Track” takes audiences behind the scenes of the classic American sitcom “I Love Lucy.” Inspired by the real-life experiences of one of Hollywood’s first female television writers, the play shines a light on the woman who punched up the jokes, helping to open doors for women in the writers’ room. 

Written by Wendy MacLeod and directed by Brian Shnipper, it runs Nov. 6 – Nov. 22 at the International City Theatre in Long Beach. Tickets: InternationalCityTheatre.org.

“Little Women” follows Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they grow up, discover their places in the world and pursue dreams uniquely their own. At the center of the story is Jo, an ambitious, imaginative and fiercely independent aspiring writer determined to forge a life on her own terms. 

Written by Allan Knee, based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, with music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, it runs Nov. 6-Nov. 22 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. Tickets: musical.org.

“The Heiress” is a compelling drama set in 19th century New York where Catherine Sloper, a shy and sheltered young woman, falls in love with a charming suitor whose intentions may be less than honorable. Caught between her controlling father and the man she hopes to marry, Catherine must confront betrayal, heartbreak and the painful truth about those closest to her. 

Written by Ruth Goetz and Augustus Goetz, based on the novel “Washington Square” by Henry James, and directed by Ann Hearn Tobolowsky, it runs Nov. 12-Dec. 13 at Theatre Forty in Beverly Hills. Tickets: theatre40.org.

“Romeo and Juliet: Time Enough for Love” What happens when Romeo and Juliet fall in love at 75 instead of 14? Verona becomes Verona Village, a South Florida retirement community. The elderly star-crossed lovers are forced to navigate romance, family interference and social expectations as they repeat the Shakespearean plot. 

Written and directed by Christian Lebano, it runs Nov. 13-Dec. 19 at the Atwater Village Theatre in Atwater Village. Tickets: openfist.org.

“She Loves Me” is a charming romantic musical comedy about two feuding coworkers at a 1930s European perfume shop who unknowingly fall in love through anonymous letters. As their secret romance blossoms, misunderstandings and hilarious complications lead to a heartwarming discovery that sometimes true love is closer than you think. 

Written by Joe Maseroff, with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and directed by Brian Pirnat, it runs Nov. 13-Dec. 12 at the Westchester Playhouse in Inglewood. Tickets: (310) 645-5156 www.kentwoodplayers.org.

“Road Show” “Road Show” is a one-act musical that tracks the turbulent, freewheeling journey of the real-life Mizner brothers, Addison and Wilson. Spanning 40 years from the Yukon Gold Rush to the 1920s Florida real estate boom, the show delivers a razor-sharp, vaudevillian critique of American capitalism and greed and the complicated, testing nature of familial bonds. 

Written by John Weidman, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by Joanna Syiek, it runs Nov. 20-Dec. 6 at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles. Tickets: www.chrtheatre.com.

“Bob Baker’s Nutcracker” A beloved holiday tradition, this enchanting production features more than 100 handcrafted puppets, including Clara, the Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Fairy. With spectacular marionettes, whimsical characters and intricate sets, this magical adaptation continues to delight audiences of all ages. 

Performed by the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, it runs Nov. 28-Jan. 3, 2027 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. Tickets: www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

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Continuing into November

“Ragtime” A Harlem musician, a Jewish immigrant and a repressed wife unite through belief in the promise of the future. 

Runs through Nov. 15 at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura. Tickets: www.rubicontheatre.org.

“The 39 Steps” takes the intrigue and suspense of a spy thriller and turns it into a wildly inventive night of live theatre. 

Runs through Nov. 22 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. Tickets: LagunaPlayhouse.com.

“Dear Evan Hansen” A powerful, heartfelt musical about finding connection, discovering yourself and the courage to be seen. 

Runs through Nov. 22 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada. Tickets: www.LaMiradaTheatre.com.

“Motel 66” Eight short one-act plays set in different cities along the infamous Route 66. 

Runs through Nov. 22 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood. Tickets: www.theGROUPrep.com.

“At the Very Bottom of a Body of Water” When her daily routine is disrupted by a new fishmonger, Marina’s world crumbles. 

Runs through Nov. 29 at Boston Court Pasadena in Pasadena. Tickets: bostoncourtpasadena.org.