Agatha Christie's BLACK COFFEE Comes to Long Beach Playhouse

In 1930, Agatha Christie wrote Black Coffee as a play featuring her master sleuth Hercule Poirot. In this seldom seen and intricately crafted mystery, Christie weaves scientific discoveries, international espionage, and unimaginable murder together to give the audience a night of unraveling the knots of danger and suspense.

"Playhouse audiences love Agatha Christie. She's been a Playhouse staple since 1948," said Executive Director, Madison Mooney. "It turns out this play was somewhat prescient for the time as it seeks to solve the murder of an accomplished physicist who has constructed a workable formula for the atomic bomb. Her sleuths must solve the murder and retrieve the stolen formula before it falls into some of the most evil hands on the planet."

Sean Gray, Artistic Director for the Playhouse said, "It's a play that isn't as well-known or presented as often as some of her other titles. That's one of the reasons we chose to produce it. And it's a good reminder of all the reasons a universal goal should be peace."

Mitch Nunn is directing the show. If the name sounds familiar, perhaps it's because he's been part of the Playhouse family since the late 1970s. Over the years, Nunn has appeared on the stage countless times as an actor. This is his seventh turn in the director's chair. Although he brings his many years of expertise to any production he loves mysteries and this show is a perfect fit for him.

As with many of Christie's plays, the show has a large cast. Its 12 actors are a mix of people who are returning and others who are debuting.

Those who are making their Playhouse debuts are: Henry Weaver, John Russell, Lawrence Ingalls and Mike X. Carson. The actors who are returning are: David Clark Hutchison, David Vaillancourt, Hayley Jackson, Jessica Plotin, Martha Duncan, Patrick Peterson, Rick Reischman and Lee Samuel Tanng.

Not only will the actors shine but the set, sound, lighting and costumes will delight the audience as well. Because the play is set in the 1930s, the costumes will be visually stunning and showcase the substantial talent of Donna Fritsche and her cadre of volunteers. Her husband Greg Fritsche is the set designer. His sets are miniature artworks that provide a stunning canvas for the production. Jesse Bosworth is the lighting designer and 'Phie Mura is the sound designer. Their work will put the extra sparkle in this outstanding production.

The show opens January 13 and runs through February 10.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

Pay what you can Dress Rehearsal Thursday January 11 - community can see this production for whatever they can afford

Two for One Preview Friday January 12 - Tickets are $10.00

Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on January 13 - Tickets are $27.00

Ticket Pricing:

Friday: Adults are $20.00, Seniors $18.00, and Students $14.00

Saturday and Sunday: Adults are $24.00, Seniors $21.00, and Students $14.00.

Tickets are available at www.lbplayhouse.org, or by calling 562-494-1014, option 1.

Long Beach Playhouse is located at 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA, 90804, right across from the Long Beach Recreation golf course. The Playhouse is community-supported theatre with programs and events that cut across age, gender, ethnic, and cultural boundaries.

Performances are 8 p.m. Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The box office is open Wednesday-Saturday from 3:00-8:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00-2:00 pm on scheduled matinees.

To post a comment, you must register and login.