Long Beach Playhouse to Close 86th Mainstage Season Closes with JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Following a five year tradition of closing the Mainstage season with a musical, Jesus Christ Superstar will open at the Playhouse on July 11.

"This rock-opera takes a pragmatic if theatrical look at Jesus' last days," said Andrew Vonderschmitt, the Playhouse's Executive and Producing Artistic Director. "This is a story about real people caught up in extraordinary circumstances. It is a perfect story to put to song, especially Rock n Roll."

The plot is propelled by a stirring score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, creators of Phantom of the Opera and Evita, among others.

The title song was released as a single in 1969. Over the next three years, it went on and off the Billboard charts three times. It hit the top 20 in the summer of 1971 and became a permanent part of the musical landscape.

It's a large cast, 22 actors in all. In keeping with the spirit of community theater, actors are selected based on their talent and ability to carry the role. The cast is a combination of those returning and those debuting. Familiar faces include Steven Alan Carver, Greg Nicolas, Joshua Benitez, Kellee Elizabeth, Brenna Hanlen, and La Tonya Kitchen as Mary Magdalene, who recently appeared in By the Way, Meet Vera Stark.

"La Tonya's character sang a few lines here and there during Vera Stark, always to loud applause. The audience will now get the chance to enjoy a lot more of her awesome voice and acting talents in Jesus Christ Superstar," said Vonderschmitt.

This production is also the first time the new sound system will be used, improving the audience's listening experience in every seat in the house. The stage, with seating on three sides, will be alive with music and movement.

"You'll never get closer to this story than you will in this setting" said Vonderschmitt.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

• Pay what you can Thursday July 9
• Two for One Preview Friday July 10 - Tickets are $12.00
• Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on July 11 - Tickets are $27.00

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.

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