Long Beach Playhouse's TWELFTH NIGHT Opens Tonight

Tonight, September 6, the Long Beach Playhouse production of Twelfth Night opens in the Studio Theatre. Directed by Gregory Cohen, Twelfth Night (As You Will), is one of Shakespeare's romantic comedies. Its title refers to the 12th day of Christmas, the traditional close of the holiday. Twins - Viola and Sebastian - become separated when they are shipwrecked on a mythical island. Countess Olivia is falling in love with Viola (disguised as a boy), while Sebastian is falling in love with Olivia.

"It's classic Shakespeare," said Andrew Vonderschmitt, Executive and Producing Artistic Director for the Playhouse. "Mistaken identity and the resulting confusion give actors plenty of room to play in this production."

Donna Fritsche is the LBP's secret weapon for any production and particularly so for period pieces. Her artistic talent combined with her knowledge of period costume design always means a visually stunning production. Her talented husband, Greg Fritsche, is the production's set designer. Greg is an outstanding artist and painter. His talent with color and shapes is set free in three-dimensional design. Together, Donna and Greg will create a visual masterpiece that will transport audiences to another place and time.

"Shakespeare in the Studio Theatre is a Playhouse sweet spot," said Vonderschmitt. "Last year we did "A Midsummer Summer Night's Gay Dream" to great reviews from critics and audiences. The year before we did The Scottish Play, also to outstanding response. This year Greg Cohen has assembled a solid cast, featuring some familiar faces and some new-to-the-Playhouse actors. Audiences are going to be delighted."

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

• Pay what you can Thursday September 4 - community can see this production for whatever they can afford
• Two for One Preview Friday September 5 - Tickets are $12.00
• Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on September 6- 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.

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.

Photography: Mike Hardy

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