The selections are those of Times...

The selections are those of Times reviewers. Long-running plays are reviewed periodically . A Shayna Maidel (Tiffany Theatre, 8532 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 289-2999). A family, divided by events in Nazi Germany, is reunited after 20 years. “Heart-on-sleeve theater, with a big heart and an ample sleeve. Remarkably affecting” (Don Shirley). Thur.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 and 7:30 p.m. Indefinitely. $20.50-$24.50.

The Beggar’s Opera (Pacific Theatre Ensemble, 705 Venice Blvd., Venice, (213) 466-1767). John Gay’s satire of 18th-Century England’s corrupt administration under its first prime minister. “If we needed evidence of this show’s lasting relevance and of the wisdom of reviving it, this staging abundantly provides it. Gay’s rough and ribald send-up is mounted in every nook and cranny--floor to rafters--of the ensemble’s 17 x 45-foot storefront. It’s brilliant use of non-available space” (Sylvie Drake). Thur.-Sun., 8 p.m. Ends Nov. 18. $15-$17.50.

The Crucible (Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., (213) 627-5599). Arthur Miller’s classic drama, inspired by ‘50s McCarthyism. “This is an ensemble production in the best sense and Bill Bushnell, in what may be his finest directorial effort to date, has made it a swirling, majestic, haunting descent into festering hell” (Sylvie Drake). Tue.-Sun., 8 p.m.; mat., Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m. Ends Oct. 13. $22-$27. The Good Woman of Setzuan (Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A., (213) 477-2055). The Actors’ Gang presents Bertolt Brecht’s parable of good and evil. Tim Robbins directs. “Brecht’s Theatre of Alienation--of which ‘Good Woman’ may be the masterpiece--was always about the alienation Out There and humanizing the audience In Here. Robbins and The Actors’ Gang have served the playwright’s purpose as brilliantly as any company can. This is Brecht as he wished it: for the masses” (Robert Koehler). Thur.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m. Ends Oct. 19. $10-$12.

Honey, I’m Home (Stages Theatre Center, 1540 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood, (213) 466-1767). Satiric portraits of society, by and with Don Victor. “A humorist is rare in this era of jingly stand-up comedy and Don Victor is exactly that, a humorist” (T. H. McCulloh). No performance today. Regular schedule: Sun., 7 p.m. Indefinitely. $10.

Meat Dreams (Burbage Theatre, 2330 Sawtelle Blvd., (213) 478-0897). A wealthy woman encounters an unusual delicatessen owner in Michael Farkash’s comedy-drama. “Like a film noir revenge tale rewritten by someone who can’t take it seriously, yet can’t resist telling it again. Barry Livingston’s physical production is kept to an absolute minimum, but Farkash is shaping up to be a writer who will take us a maximum number of places” (Robert Koehler). Open Festival event. Thur.-Sat., 8:30 p.m.; Sun., 7:30 p.m. Ends Oct. 14. $15.

My Children! My Africa! (La Jolla Playhouse, Mandell Weiss Theatre, La Jolla Village Drive and Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, (619) 534-3960). Award-winning South African playwright Athol Fugard directs the Southern California premiere of his drama. “A work of emotional complexity and philosophical argument that neither oversimplifies the issues nor backs away from the abundant sorrow and complexity of its resolution. All three performers, sooner or later, burn a hole in one’s consciousness” (Sylvie Drake). Today only, 2 and 8 p.m. $20-$26.

Our Father (Gorky’s Cafe and Russian Brewery, 1716 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 463-6480). Comedy about six Irish brothers gathered at the wake of their deceased father. “Michael Stephens’ writing is eccentric, vivid, poetic and highly theatrical, and director Ted J. Tobin caresses its rhythms, alternately gentle and harsh and unexpected” (T. H. McCulloh). Thur., 10 p.m.; Fri., 7:30 p.m. Indefinitely. $10.

The Pelican (2nd Stage, 6500 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 466-1767). Salome Jens heads the cast in August Strindberg’s Gothic comedy. Directed by Jules Aaron. “Salome Jens gives a haunting performance as a woman who destroys her family, in a fascinating revival of Strindberg’s chamber play” (T. H. McCulloh). Thur.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. Ends Oct. 21. $12.

Long-running shows also recommended: “Family Secrets,” “Kvetch,” “Meat Dreams,” “Personality,” “Tamara.” See individual listings.

Send listings to Stage Listings, Calendar, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053. Accessibility and facilities for the handicapped are indicated by the wheelchair symbol .