Long Beach Playhouse to Host Annual Political Players Radio Show in June

On June 15 at 5:30 P.M., the Long Beach Playhouse will present the sixth annual Return to the Long Beach Home Companion at the offices of Keesal Young and Logan. This truly unique event is a fundraiser for the Playhouse which at 87 years is one of the city's oldest arts organizations.

Gazette Executive Editor, Harry Saltzgaver writes a hilarious script, complete with sound effects, witty banter and bad puns. It's performed by the Long Beach Political Players, who this year are: Mayor Beverly O'Neill, Doug Haubert, Gigi Fusco Meese, Michelle Molina, Doug Otto, Al Austin, Lou Anne Bynum, Evan Anderson Braude, Stacy Mungo, Daryl Supernaw, Justin Rudd and Mitchell Nunn.

Provocative questions for this year's show are: Will Evan "Hefty" Braude and Doug "Rusty" Otto find something to wet their whistles at Brew Row? Will Guy Penoir (Doug Haubert), mostly private eye, discover what has happened to the city's water? Will the Sprocket Sisters (Lou Anne Bynum and Michelle Molina) help Paul Tishian (Al Austin) navigate the deadly round-about? Can Wayne, the Chosen Son, (Justin Rudd) find it in his heart to fulfill his Mom's (Gigi Fusco Meese) greatest desire? Can Jim (Daryl Supernaw) get Barb (Stacy Mungo) out of her depression with the help of a favorite condiment? Can Madam Mayor Beverly O'Neill keep the Not-Even-Close-To-Ready-For-Primetime-Players in line?

And above all else, will this be the year Sound Man Art Levine is able to keep up with the demands of the job? There is one thing about which there is no question: Harry's script will be rousing and provocative and the ad libs fast and furious. Anything can happen!
In addition to the Radio Show, the acclaimed Keesal Young and Logan chef offers a bounty of appetizers to satisfy even the pickiest foodie. On your way to the buffet is KYL's hosted bar and bartender.

Tickets are $85, a modest price for the chance to hang out with the city's movers and shakers, eat great food and have a drink on the house. And it takes place in a room with a breathtaking view of the harbor. Tickets are limited; call the Playhouse box office at 562-494-1014 X 1 to purchase yours today. If not sold out, tickets will be sold at the event.

The Return to the Long Beach Home Companion clearly draws upon the wonderfully clever and popular radio show, A Prairie Home Companion. Its creator and host, Garrison Keillor, has announced this is his last year to tour with the show. His final Los Angeles appearance will be July 1 at the Hollywood Bowl. In tribute to Keillor, Harry Saltzgaver (Playhouse Patron Saint) asked KPCC to donate two tickets to our worthy cause and is hosting a night under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl for the lucky winner of our raffle.

The night includes a chauffeured ride to the Bowl with Harry and his wife, Maria, a gourmet picnic served with wine and an unforgettable night of Garrison Keillor and A Prairie Home Companion.

We are selling 100 tickets for $100 each. Although the experience is priceless, the cash value including the tickets, car service, picnic and wine is $500. Tickets can be purchased on the website (www.lbplayhouse.org click the Shows tab and scroll to special events)

All proceeds support the productions and programs of the Long Beach Playhouse including plays of all types, collaborative productions, comedy nights, guest lecturers, regionally recognized youth and adult education programs and the internationally acclaimed New Works Festival.

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