STAGE

A Stritch in Time: Elaine Stritch has been called in to replace Sally Struthers as Melba in Long Beach Civic Light Opera’s “Pal Joey,” July 13-28. Stritch played the part--which requires her to doff a hat, jacket and gloves as part of a mock-striptease--in a popular 1952 Broadway revival of the musical. Asked about the difference in age between Stritch, 65, and Struthers, 42, a LBCLO spokesman said the role “is truly ageless.” Struthers departs to shoot a TV movie, “In the Best Interests of the Children.”