L.A. theater openings, Aug. 28-Sept. 4: ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and more

This week: Women gone Wilde, plus a sendup about the making of “Gone With the Wind,” and a hit musical comedy about “the change.”

Back Off Track: Saga of a Quitter Writer-performer Carey Matthews’ new solo comedy. The Belfry Stage, Upstairs at the Crown, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood. Sun.-Mon., 7:30 p.m.; ends Aug. 29. $10; $15 with ticket to “My Big Fat Blonde Musical.” (818) 849-4039.

Dick Van Dyke & the Vantastix The Broadway, TV and film star shares songs and stories. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Sun., 3 p.m. $65-$85. (562) 467-8818.

Li’l Abner Musical Theatre West offers a staged reading of this musical adaptation of the Al Capp comics about the lives of hillbillies. University Theatre, Cal State Long Beach, 1250 N. Bellflower Blvd. (off 7th St. between East and West Campus Drive, Parking Lot 7), Long Beach. Sun., 7 p.m. $27, $32. (562) 856-1999.

My Big Fat Blonde Musical Writer-performer Theresa Stoll’s solo show about an aspiring actress. The Belfry Stage, Upstairs at the Crown, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood. Sun.-Mon., 9 p.m.; ends Aug. 29. $10; $15 with ticket to “Back Off Track: Saga of a Quitter.” (818) 849-4039.

Still Life Reading of Barbara Blumenthal-Ehrlich’s darkly comic look at collective grief in the aftermath of a series of subway bombings. Sun., 11 a.m. Free; donations accepted. (310) 455-3723.

The Blade of Jealousy Staged reading of Henry Ong’s modern-day adaptation of 17th-century Spanish playwright Tirso De Molina’s romantic farce “Jealous of Herself.” Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. Mon., 7 p.m. $10 suggested donation; RSVP required. www.eventbrite.com

Kurtis Simmons The singer-songwriter performs selections from the musical “Hipster Sweatshop” and more. Rockwell Table & Stage, 1714 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz. Mon., 8 p.m. $25, with food and drink minimums. (323) 669-1550.

Vera Laughed Alfred Molina and JoBeth Williams star in a staged reading of Keith Bunin’s drama about an ex-patriot Russian author in 1940s France. Skylight Theatre, 1816 1/2 Vermont Ave., Los Feliz. Mon., 8 p.m. $50. (213) 761-7061.

Menopause The Musical Return engagement of this hit musical comedy about women and “the change.” Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Wed.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 5:30 p.m.; ends Sept. 11. $50-$60. (949) 497-2787.

Under the Oaks An evening of song with Judy Norton (“The Waltons”). Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Thu., 8 p.m. $10, $25. (310) 455-3723.

The Importance of Being Earnest An all-female cast performs Oscar Wilde’s classic romantic farce. The Studio at Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Sat., 8 p.m.; ends Oct. 1. $14-$27. (562) 494-1014.

Moonlight and Magnolias Ron Hutchinson’s behind-the-scenes comedy about the making of the classic 1939 Civil War epic “Gone With the Wind.” Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Sat, 7 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Sept. 18. $44-$54; opening night only, $95. (805) 667-2900.

Together All-new immersive tale of suspense; for ages 16 and up. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 8:30 p.m.; ends Oct. 1. $15. (818) 202-4120.