Long Beach Playhouse to Kick Off Season with THE HOT L BALTIMORE

The Long Beach Playhouse opens its 2015-16 Mainstage Season with The Hot L Baltimore, a touching comedic drama about the residents of a dilapidated and soon-to-be-condemned hotel. The play was written by Lanford Wilson and debuted in 1973. Through the wit and poignancy of his award winning script, we see the characters are searching for things that are missing from their lives. Their plight is symbolized by the burnt-out E in the neon sign that gives this entertaining and perceptive masterpiece its title.

"Most of the characters would be considered societal outcasts," said Andrew Vonderschmitt, Executive and Artistic Director of the Long Beach Playhouse. "As we become part of the passing events of their lives and their everyday encounters, we learn they are far more than the labels society assigns to them. We discover one of the prostitutes was a good student with a knack for geography. We find out another resident was jailed for selling marijuana...instead of the moonshine he was supposed to be peddling."

The show is directed by Playhouse veteran, Mitchell Nunn. Playhouse audiences are familiar with Nunn's work both as an actor and a director. He is a master of comedic timing and brings that talent and perspective to directing this play.

The cast features both returning and debuting actors. Among the returning actors is Doug Seagraves and this marks his ninth appearance at the Playhouse. His patrician countenance has served the Playhouse well. He was the stately and presiding judge in To Kill a Mockingbird and the disturbing presence that escorted doomed souls to their destiny in No Exit.

Other returning actors are Roxanne Martinez, Robyn Hastings, Elspeth Carden, and Rob Ramon Flores. Making their Playhouse debuts are Melinda Parker, Jennifer Jonassen, Zachary Sanchez, Joe Pridemore, Carrie Malmgren, Richard Golfin, Gabrielle Boyd, and John Ethan Snyder.

The Hot L Baltimore opens on September 26 and runs through October 24.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

Pay what you can Thursday September 24- community can see this production for whatever they can afford

Two for One Preview Friday September 25 - Tickets are $10.00

Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on September 27- Tickets are $27.00

NEW PRICING FOR FRIDAY NIGHTS

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.

To request an interview with the director, cast members or reserve your media tickets to this performance, please send an email to: pr@lbplayhouse.org.

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.

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