Playhouse releases studio schedule

LONG BEACH - The Long Beach Playhouse has announced the lineup for its 45th studio season, which begins April 9 with Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot."Voted "the most significant English language play of the 20th century," the play is about two dilapidated men waiting by a tree for the enigmatic Godot. With noting but each other and a tree to occupy their time, questions of the nature of man arise. The rest of the season includes: May 21 - June 18 - "Dog Sees God - Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead." CB is mourning the death of his lifelong canine companion when a chance connection with a bullied childhood friend sends him on a humorous and moving journey to understand the bigger questions of love, life and death. July 2-30 - "Master Harold and the Boys." Set against the backdrop of apartheid and family dysfunction, this award-winning drama paints a picture that is at once ugly and endearing. A white teen that has grown up in the affectionate company of two black waiters learns that his viciously racist father is coming home. Aug. 13 - Sept. 10 - "The Underpants." After an 'unmentionable' incident leaves Louise with her bloomers around her ankles in public, her husband Theo thinks his reputation and career is on the line. The ensuing shenanigans are fodder for writer Steve Martin's genius wit and timing. Oct. 1-29 - "Dracula." Lucy has been infected with an inexplicable illness. Dr. Van Helsing has taken up the case only to discover the illness is in fact caused by a vampire in their midst. As Count Dracula begins to exert his will upon the residents of London, they try to piece together the clues of his appearances in a valiant attempt to save themselves from a hideous fate. Season tickets go on sale March 27. For more information, visit lbplayhouse.org or call (562) 494-1014. Established in 1929, the Long Beach Playhouse is a landmark in the city of Long Beach. The Playhouse produces 13 shows annually while actively collaborating with other artists and arts organizations. Long Beach Playhouse cuts across age, gender, ethnic, and cultural boundaries to nurture and cultivate new and traditional audiences.

********** Published: March 3, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 46