Archway Theatre to Celebrate 5th Anniversary at GHOST SONATA Opening Gala

Archway Theatre is celebrating its fifth anniversary as a consistent producer of intriguing live theater in the thriving Los Angeles theater community.

Members of the resident company will greet patrons for a special gala reception at the opening night performance of "Ghost Sonata," Saturday, Oct. 22. A pre-show greeting will begin at 7 p.m. with light appetizers. The performance will begin at 8 p.m., followed by a gala reception and celebration at 9:30 p.m.

The gala reception will feature house cateRed Food selections, special presentations, door prizes, and the announcement of the Archway Theatre's 2017 season of nine productions. Resident company members will assist in the unveiling of each season title, and producing artistic director Steven Sabel will provide brief insights into the plans for each production.

"The trite thing to say is how excited we all are about this coming season. Of course we are excited - we selected the season. It is what we do with the season we selected that truly matters," said Sabel.

Sabel refused to reveal any of the season selections, but he has provided some hints to patrons of the theater and actors inquiring about auditions.

"For five years we have always produced two Shakespeare plays back to back - we call that our Shakespeare block. We are doing two titles we haven't produced before. We also always do at least one Greek tragedy. I'll give you a hint: It's a big title that we saved specifically for this season," Sabel revealed.

During its five year history of producing theater in the Los Angeles region, Archway Theatre has produced nearly 40 main stage productions, and multiple Second Stage productions and special events. Originally located in the Downtown LA Arts District when it first opened in 2011, Archway Theatre opened its North Hollywood Arts District location on Burbank Boulevard in April 2015.

The Archway Theatre resident company consists of 21 members. Membership is by invitation only through recommendation by existing company members.

"I always tell actors that the audition never ends. Every role you book is an audition for future roles as you network with other artists and demonstrate not just your artistic ability, but your work ethic as well. At the Archway, we seek both in equal measure," said Sabel.

The Archway Theatre anniversary celebration will also celebrate the opening of the theater's first work by August Strindberg. "Ghost Sonata." explores themes of human sin and suffering, punishment and penance. Strindberg's dark classic takes on a edge of eerie horror in this version adapted and directed by Sabel.

"In Strindberg's time, his piece was horrific and frightening. Our adaptation stays true to his themes, while creating a horrific experience for modern audiences," Sabel said.

"Ghost Sonata" performs 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 22 through Nov. 20. The gala opening reception celebrating the Archway Theatre's five-year anniversary will be held after the performance, Saturday, Oct. 22. Tickets are priced at $28. Archway Theatre, 10509 Burbank Blvd., in the North Hollywood Arts District.

The Archway Studio/Theatre is located where the NoHo Arts District meets the Burbank Studio District at 10509 Burbank blvd., North Hollywood, CA. For additional information visit: www.archwayla.com or call (818)980-PLAY (7529).