THE FOREIGNER Opens the 85th Season at Long Beach Playhouse this Saturday!

The Long Beach Playhouse opens its Mainstage Theater season with The Foreigner. Written by Larry Shue, the play explores the comedic possibilities when a "foreigner" is assumed to have no understanding of what is being said around him. The secrets and truths that are told under an erroneous assumption of privacy weave a hilarious storyline that ends in a wildly funny climax with the "good guys" triumphing over the bad.

"This play is a comedy on the surface but it also highlights the ways we behave when we assume others aren't watching," said Andrew Vonderschmitt, the LBP's Producing Artistic Director. "It's set in rural Georgia with characters awash in southern eccentricity. It's the seemingly naïve "foreigner" who ultimately helps unravel a plot to turn the rural hunting lodge into a meeting place for the KKK."

The hilarious cast is a blend of actors making their debut at the LBP and those who are longtime audience favorites. Skip Blas never disappoints and is at the top of his game as Owen, the villain of the story. Mitch Nunn brings a dapper and hilarious interpretation to the role of Froggy, the Englishman who sets up the ruse that ultimately takes down the Klu Klux Klan. Other returning actors for this production are: BriAnna Hill, Jeff Cheezum and Phyllis Nofts, who Stage Managed last season's closing production of Little Shop of Horrors.

James Paul Xavier and Paul Barnett make their LBP debuts in this production. If Barnett looks familiar, it might be his role as "speaking mime" in State Farm television ads.

Gigi Fusco Meese directs The Foreigner. For her it is a homecoming, she was the LBP's executive director (ED) for several years before moving on to Musical Theater West. She now serves as ED for the Anaheim Performing Arts Foundation.

Vonderschmitt says of The Foreigner, "The genius of Larry Shue is the way he mixes crisp and hilarious dialogue with profound insights into human behavior. Our cast does justice to the script. I am certain the audience will be glad they came to the show."

Patrons for this show will also have the pleasure of being the first to see the LBP's newly revamped foyer. The ribbon cutting ceremony takes place at 6:30. All are invited to join us for the event.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

• Pay what you can Thursday September 26 - community can see this production for whatever they can afford
• Two for One Preview Friday September 27 - Tickets are $12.00
• Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on September 28 - 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 post a comment, you must register and login.