The Long Beach Playhouse’s Mainstage Theater will dive headfirst into whodunit territory with Agatha Christie’s “Go Back for Murder,” which will run from Saturday, Jan. 10, to Feb. 7.

Written by Christie herself in 1960 and directed by Philip Brickey, this ingenious and sometimes-overlooked thriller from the “Queen of Mystery” revisits a devastating family crime and asks whether the truth can ever fully escape the distortions of memory and time.

At the center of the story is Carla Crale, a young woman convinced her mother was wrongly convicted of murdering her husband 16 years earlier. Determined to clear her mother’s name, Carla persuades the people who were present on the day of the crime to return to the scene and “go back” in time — each recounting their version of events.

As the play fluidly shifts between past and present, the characters — and the audience — discovers first-hand how perception can shape and reshape reality.

The production features a strong ensemble cast led by Nina Rae as Carla/Caroline Crale, with Lee Samuel Tanng as Justin Fogg, Taylor Goss in the dual roles of Amyas Crale and Jeff Rogers, and Aaron Izbicki as Philip Blake.

They are joined by Talitha Barkow (Elsa Greer), Michael Hovance (Meredith Blake/Turnball), Sarah Green (Miss Williams) and Amber Toomey (Angela Warren), each bringing their distinct perspective — and possible motive — to the mystery.

Performances include a half-price preview on Friday, Jan. 9, followed by opening night and a champagne gala on Saturday, Jan. 10, with shows continuing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (the latter of which are matinees) through closing night on Feb. 7.

For fans of detective dramas and psychological intrigue — think “Knives Out” but more than half a century ago — “Go Back for Murder” hopes to offer an elegant, suspenseful evening.

If you want an even bigger dose of the classics at Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., revisit a beloved teen comedy through Shakespearean verse with “The Club of Broken Fasts” at the Studio Theatre from Friday to Sunday.

This madcap, poetic twist on the spirit of John Hughes’ iconic 1985 film “The Breakfast Club” transforms the story of high-school detention into a heightened theatrical comedy.Set in the Playhouse’s Studio Theatre as part of the 2026 Studio Collaborative Season, the production embraces both the emotional truths of adolescence and the playful rhythm of Elizabethan language.

In this reimagining, five archetypal students — Brian the Brain, Claire the Princess, Andrew the Jock, Allison the Madwoman and Bender the Wretch — are forced to spend a Saturday together under the watchful eye of vice principal Vernon.

Through shared revelations, the group’s members slowly shed their stereotypes, revealing the vulnerability and humanity beneath all their bravado.

Check out lbplayhouse.org/shows for tickets to both shows.

Classic rock

Set sail for an afternoon of sun-drenched grooves and soft-rock bliss when Yacht Rock Gold Experience drops anchor in Long Beach at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan 25, at the Carpenter Center, 6200 E Atherton St., on the Cal State Long Beach campus

This high-polish tribute act re-creates the laid-back luxury of late 1970s and early ’80s radio gold, channeling the harmonies and rhythms of the Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Ambrosia, Boz Scaggs, Little River Band and more.

Plus, special guest Elliot Lurie (of Looking Glass fame) will join the festivities.

Brandy, you’re a fine girl, indeed.

The core band of Yacht Rock Gold Experience is powered by four lead vocalists and a six-piece rhythm section — so you can be sure the concert will turn into a full-on dance party in no time.

For more information and tickets for Sunday’s event, head to carpenterarts.org.