The musical Operation Mincemeat is a hilarious and quick-witted portrait of a British WWII deception plot involving a corpse, two crashed airplanes and the creator of James Bond. But who were the real-life agents behind this historic event?

The stage plays in this list, which includes adaptations of novels and works inspired by the 19th-century author, capture all of Jane Austen’s quick wit, charm and deep humanity.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel, a shining example of sophisticated dramatic storytelling through music and words, nearly flopped in tryouts. How did the Carousel we know come to be?

Based on Gypsy Rose Lee’s bestselling 1957 memoir, Gypsy paints a compelling portrait of a stage mother who both uplifts and cripples her daughters. But who were the real Mama Rose, Louise, June and Herbie?

Ready to move from the field to the footlights? Whether you’re a sports fanatic or content to stick to the stage, these plays will leave you wanting to join the team.