Play examines life of Greta Garbo

LONG BEACH - International City Theatre will close its 25th season with the world premiere of "When Garbo Talks," an original musical about glamorous and enigmatic silver screen legend Greta Garbo.With books and lyrics by the late Buddy Kaye and music by the late Mort Garson, "When Garbo Talks" opens Oct. 15 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. "This new play shows us a Garbo that many of her fans may not recognize - the young actress just starting out," explained director Jules Aaron. "It shows the humor and the passions of the woman who would later develop into an iconic figure. Garbo was really the first modern woman in film. She demanded - and received - treatment and pay equal to that of her male counterparts." "When Garbo Talks" begins when 17-year-old acting student Greta Gustafsson is discovered by Sweden's genius film director, Mauritz Stiller. Stiller uses her talent to angle his way into Hollywood, but MGM's Louis B. Mayer has plans of his own. Hearts break and careers plummet when the emboldened 24-year-old Greta Garbo challenges Mayer and the Hollywood establishment to become MGM's highest-paid actress and most reluctant international star. Tickets to see "When Garbo Talks" are $35-$40 on Thursdays, and $40-$45 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, except opening night, when tickets are $50-$60 and include a reception with the actors. For reservations, call the ICT Box Office at (562) 436-4610 or go to InternationalCityTheatre.com.

********** Published: September 23, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 23