Cal State Long Beach theater department releases schedule

LONG BEACH - Cal State Long Beach's theater department has released its 2012-13 University Players season schedule.The fall semester begins with "Ajax in Iraq," playing Oct. 4-13. Created by Ellen McLaughlin, "Ajax in Iraq" seeks to make sense of the horrors of war in a compelling fusion of Ajax - Sophocles' tragic military hero - and AJ, a female soldier in contemporary Iraq. Director John Farmanesh-Bocca trained at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts before serving as directing fellow at the Juilliard School's Drama Division. He is artistic director of both Shakespeare Santa Monica and the Big Sure Tehatre Lab, and directed an adaptation of Shakespeare's "Two Gentlemen of Verona" at CSULB in 2010. "Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom," a comic tale of an unnervingly realistic video game, runs Oct. 19 through Nov. 3. Directed by Trevor Bishop, the play builds to an affectingly gruesome finale. It contains adult language, graphic situations...and zombies. It may not be appropriate for children. "Lemon Boots," an original piece created by students, will be presented Nov. 27 through Dec. 8. The play is described as "a visually stunning, kinetic theatre experience set in a world without water. Lives are made and broken on the promise of a drink." The spring semester begins with "Jack Goes Boating," a gentle romantic comedy of love, friendship and the charm of the ordinary. It runs March 1-16 and is directed by Jeff Paul. From March 15-30, Joanne Gordon will direct the hit musical "Spring Awakening." Winner of eight Tony Awards, the alternative rock fusion dramatizes teenage angst and the tumultuous journey to adulthood. The season closes with "Lobster Alice," April 26 to May 11. In this play, a pair of clumsy lovers "grope their way to a happy ending." All performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with limited 2 p.m. Saturday matinees. Tickets are $15 general admission and $12 for seniors and students. For tickets and information, call (562) 985-5526.

********** Published: August 16, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 18