Long Beach Playhouse to Present DEATH OF A SALESMAN, 5/23-6/20

The Long Beach Playhouse presents Death of a Salesman on its Mainstage Theater from May 23 to June 20, 2015. It is the first time the Playhouse has ever done the play, which centers on the life of a traveling salesman who is past his prime, is struggling to remain relevant as his life crumbles around him.

The play is set in 1949 and Donna Fritsche, costume shop manager and designer for the Playhouse, has been busy creating just the right look for the characters. Fritsche was thrilled when she found enough patterned blue chenille to make Linda's bathrobe. Vintage patterns and fabric prints were used to create housedresses that typify the "housewife" experience of the era.

"Donna's attention to detail is astounding. She carefully considers each character's role in the plot and creates a look that helps convey the nature and life of the person," said Andrew Vonderschmitt. "Donna knows that the costumes aren't only for the audience, they're also for the actors, who put everything they have into making the characters believable and authentic. The costumes help them in that work."

Death of a Salesman is considered by most theater professionals to be one of the best pieces of American drama ever written. It opened in February 1949 and won both a Pulitzer and a Tony for best play that same year.

"Although it was written 66 years ago, the play is just as relevant in 2015 as it was in 1949," said Vonderschmitt. "Obviously much has changed in 66 years, but what doesn't change is human nature. Miller's play is a study on human nature. We see Willy's fears juxtaposed with Linda's unwavering love and support and the disillusionment of Happy and Biff. Miller shows us the best and the worst of the human experience. It's what makes the play a classic."

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

• Pay what you can Thursday May 21
• Two for One Preview Friday May 22 - Tickets are $12.00
• Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on May 23 - 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.

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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