10 must see shows at LI theaters

CURTAINS (Through June 23) A musical whodunit from Kander and Ebb follows a theatrically inclined police lieutenant as he tries to figure out who murdered the talent-deprived leading lady on opening night. Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson; tickets, $35, theatrethree.com, 631-928-9100.

FELLOW TRAVELERS (May 29-June 17) Arthur Miller, Elia Kazan and Marilyn Monroe all show up in this play by Jack Canfora, set during the days of the infamous Hollywood blacklist. The world premiere delves into McCarthy-era politics and the relationships of some of the big names that got caught up in them. Also on the theater’s summer schedule: “Frost/Nixon,” June 26-July 22, and “Evita,” July 31-Aug. 26. Bay Street Theater, Long Wharf, Sag Harbor; tickets, from $40, baystreet.org, 631-725-9500.

LOBBY HERO (June 8-17) A little more than a month after the Broadway production closed, the Kenneth Lonergan drama about a pair of security guards opens for a brief run on Long Island. That will be followed by the company’s annual Shakespeare festival, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” June 29-July 29, and “Hamlet,” Aug. 5-Sept. 2. Carriage House Players, Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Rd., Centerport; tickets, $20, carriagehouseplayers.org, 516-557-1207.

THE JACKIE MASON MUSICAL (June 22-July 8) The comedian’s daughter Sheba Mason stars as her mother, Ginger Reiter. Both women were involved with writing the play, which details a nasty and public paternity battle, and features songs like “I Never Met This Yenta.” Oh, in case you’re wondering, as of this moment the 87-year-old Mason is alive and still performing. Studio Theatre, 141 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst; tickets, $27, studiotheatreli.com, 631-226-8400.

MEMPHIS (July 5-21) Bon Jovi’s David Bryan is responsible for a high-energy score that raises the roof with its rock and roll sound. The Tony-winning musical is based on the life of Dewey Phillips, one of the first white DJs to play black music in underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis. Also this summer: “Nunsense,” June 6-23, and “Cabaret,” Aug. 1-18. Gateway Playhouse, 215 South Country Rd., Bellport; tickets, from $59, thegateway.org, 631-286-1133.

WE WILL ROCK YOU (July 7-August 19) More than 20 hit Queen songs are featured in this jukebox musical, making its Northeast regional debut. It tells the story of a group of Bohemians trying to restore music and free thought to a post-apocalyptic world. Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St.; tickets, from $25, smithtownpac.org, 866-811-4111.

HAIRSPRAY (July 12-Aug. 24) The popular musical will be the second main-stage production at the Island’s newest theater. Based on the 1988 John Waters film, the show has an important social message as its central character, Tracy Turnblad, fights to integrate a television dance program. Mostly, though, it’s known for its great music, including everyone’s favorite wake-up song, “Good Morning, Baltimore,” and the lively “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” Also, you have until June 17 to catch “Guys and Dolls.” Argyle Theatre, 34 W. Main St., Babylon; tickets, $74 ($79 Saturday evenings), argyletheatre.com, 866-811-4111.

NEWSIES (July 19-Sept. 2) Loosely based on the newsboy strike of 1899, this high-energy show, winner of two Tonys in 2012 (choreography and score) is a must for dance lovers. The Long Island premiere, with songs by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, and a book by Harvey Fierstein, is yet another stage-to-screen adaptation. The 1992 Disney film was a flop but eventually developed a cult following. Meanwhile, “Singin’ in the Rain” runs through July 1. John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport; tickets, $73 ($78 Saturday evenings), engemantheater.com, 631-261-2900.

BETRAYAL (July 30) Before she returns to “Torch Song,” the 2ndStage production that moves to Broadway this fall, Mercedes Ruehl will do a staged reading of this intriguing Harold Pinter work that moves backward as it examines a longtime love affair. Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton; tickets, from $30, guildhall.org, 631-324-4050.

FUNNY GIRL (Aug. 5, Heckscher Park, Huntington; Aug. 16, Stewart Manor Country Club; Aug. 22, Chelsea Mansion, East Norwich (concert version); Aug. 25, Planting Fields, Oyster Bay) Plaza Theatrical Productions goes on the road again this summer with a large cast and a full orchestra, performing this 1963 Jule Styne musical, the vaguely fictionalized story of comedian Fanny Brice and her relationship with gambler Nick Arnstein. The original Broadway production starred Barbra Streisand and made hits out of songs like “People” and “Don’t Rain On My Parade.” Earlier in the summer, the traveling company puts on the more recent musical hit “Sister Act.” Free, plazatheatrical.com; 516-599-6870.