Laguna Playhouse Announces Thier 2009-2010 Mainstage Season

There's something to sing about - and laugh about - during The Laguna Playhouse's 2009-2010 Mainstage season, which includes five fantastic plays beginning this summer with the musical revue My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra. Other plays on the season include the comedy Moonlight and Magnolias, the holiday hit The Winter Wonderettes, and the stellar musical showpiece Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone.

"The Laguna Playhouse will be filled with music and laughter as we present a season of sensational musicals and playful comedies guaranteed to keep audiences entertained," says Laguna Playhouse Artistic Director Andrew Barnicle. "Our summer musical, My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra, is a terrific tribute to one of the greatest pop singers of the 20th century, while our fall play, Moonlight and Magnolias, is a wildly funny look at Hollywood during its golden age. The ever-popular Wonderettes return to The Laguna Playhouse with their special holiday show, Winter Wonderettes, and we kick off 2010 with the Orange County premiere of Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone, an amazing one-man show that paints an intimate musical portrait of legendary composer George Gershwin. We'll also have one additional production to announce soon to round out the season. No one will want to miss our 2009-2010 season-it really is something to sing about."

"Our new season is created with the community and the economy in mind," notes Managing Director Karen Wood. "It's uplifting and fun, and the condensed season package means more accessibility for returning and new subscribers. We want to bring the community together to share in the joy of having such a rich cultural resource as The Laguna Playhouse in our own backyard!"

Laguna Playhouse 2009-10 SEASON
July 7 - August 23, 2009
My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra
Conceived by David Grapes and Todd Olson
Book by Todd Olson
Original Production Directed by David Grapes
Directed by David Grapes

From classic elegance to contemporary "fedora" casual, Frank Sinatra is the ultimate icon of cool. My Way: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra celebrates the pivotal moments of Sinatra's life which solidified his legendary status. This musical revue recalls the essence of the man through the glorious music he sang, beginning in the 1940s as a big band crooner, continuing on to the bright lights of Las Vegas with the Rat Pack in the 1960s, and to his final performances in the 1990s as "The Chairman of the Board." The Arizona Republic Newspaper calls the show "an homage that's both respectful to the man and wildly entertaining for his fans -- or anyone else who loves good music." Come hear the swingin' songs that made Sinatra the cool prince of popular music.

October 6 - November 1, 2009
Moonlight and Magnolias
By Ron Hutchinson
Directed by Andrew Barnicle

Making movie history is not easy! Just ask film producer David O. Selznick, who stops the filming of Gone with the Wind three weeks into production because he wants a rewrite of the unwieldy script. He hires playwright Ben Hecht to do the job-in only five days! Only one problem: Hecht has never even read the novel. So, Selznick summons Hecht and Gone With the Wind director Victor Fleming to his office, locks the doors and closes the shades. Subsisting on a diet of bananas and peanuts, the three men spend five days crafting a screenplay that will become the blueprint for one of the most successful films of all time. This wildly funny and engaging tale illuminates the behind-the-scenes business of movie-making during the golden age of Hollywood. The Dallas Morning News calls the play "movie magic on stage," while Nashville City News says "whether you're a fan of GWTW or simply enjoy good farce, you'll want to check out Moonlight and Magnolias. Frankly my dear...it's pretty damn funny." Co-production with McCoy Rigby Entertainment & La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.

November 23 - December 20, 2009
Winter Wonderettes
Written and Directed by Roger Bean

The Wonderettes are back! Set six months after the end of The Marvelous Wonderettes, this seasonal sequel finds the girls returning to their hometown for a Holiday celebration with their family and friends, complete with great Wonderette renditions of ‘60s holiday tunes. Wonderette member Betty Jean is in charge of her company's Christmas party, so naturally the Wonderettes are the logical choice for the entertainment. But when Santa turns up missing, the girls must use their talent and creative ingenuity, plus some great holiday tunes such as "Santa Baby," "Jingle Bell Rock" and "It's a Marshmallow World" to rectify their holiday party without the jolly big guy in red. The result is, of course, marvelous! This energetic and entertaining show is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. The LA Weekly calls The Winter Wonderettes "the perfect Christmas revue...the musical numbers crackle with energy and joy," while the LA Times raves "everything about this production is first-rate...if you're looking for festive entertainment this holiday season, turn yourself over to the wonderful Wonderettes."

January 12 - February 7, 2010

Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone
Music and Lyrics By George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Book by Hershey Felder
Directed by Joel Zwick

Internationally acclaimed actor and musician Hershey Felder renders an intimate portrait of legendary composer George Gershwin in this award-winning production that provides a personal glimpse into Gershwin's early years, his personal life and his artistic genius. The evening is packed with many of Gershwin's most famous pieces, including "I Got Rhythm," "Someone to Watch Over Me," and of course, "Rhapsody in Blue." The Los Angeles Tribune says that "Felder's pianistic pyrotechnics and his singing voice are powerful tools...for lovers of George Gershwin's music, it doesn't get much better than this." With sold out performances around the globe, George Gershwin Alone is a musical sensation not to be missed!

Play #5 - Artistic Directors Choice

Title and Dates To Be Announced

Artistic Director Andrew Barnicle is selecting one more exciting production to be announced soon-a show that promises to be as exciting as the rest of the lineup.

2009-2010 Five Play Subscription Prices
$138 - $324
(Opening Night series $475 - $550)

Single Tickets
$30 - $70
(Opening night series $94 - $116)

Half-price subscriptions & tickets for students, teachers and military

Season Subscriptions
On Sale Now!

Single Tickets to My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra
On Sale June 1

Single Tickets for All Other Shows
On Sale July 1

For ticket or subscription information, contact The Laguna Playhouse
949-497-2787 / www.LagunaPlayhouse.com

TICKET INFORMATION
Three Easy Ways to Buy Tickets to our Productions!

By Phone
949-497-2787 ext. 1 (group tickets ext. 229)

Online
www.LagunaPlayhouse.com

In Person
Box office is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
(10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on performance days)

Theatre Address
606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 92651

Parking Information
Laguna Beach is a popular destination year round. On weekends, holidays and during the summer months we strongly encourage theatre patrons who are driving to the theatre to allow plenty of extra time for parking. A small private parking lot located behind The Laguna Playhouse is available for a modest fee. Additional parking is located across the street in a municipal parking lot. During the summer, the Playhouse lot is not available. For a nominal fee, patrons may opt to park at the ACT V parking lot, located a mile from the theatre up Laguna Canyon Road with a free trolley service that runs from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Laguna Beach Visitors and Conference Bureau at (949) 497-9229.

 

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