Doug Otto Joins Cast of POLITICAL PLAYERS OF LONG BEACH

On June 18 at 5:30 P.M., In news that has shocked Long Beach insiders, Doug Otto has stepped in to replace Patrick O'Donnell in the Fourth Annual Political Players Radio Show, a popular fundraising event for the Long Beach Playhouse.

Held in the offices of and hosted by Keesal, Young and Logan, eleven city leaders convene to tell stories about Long Beach politics, culture and newsmakers. Tongues firmly in cheek, the Political Players reveal the funny side of all that is happening in town.

This year, O'Donnell had been set to play Paul O'Tick in Harry Saltzgaver's masterful and funny script, The Return of the Long Beach Home Companion, but as the Democrat in a contested race to become Long Beach's next state assembly representative, when beckoned to Sacramento, one goes. So with this last minute change, Saltzgaver returns to again to his keyboard to create a new story for Otto and his leading lady, Betty Karnette.

This year's topics of satire include the breakwater, saving the library, the new city council, med-pot dispensaries, and "The Gov" pondering climate change, our drought, and Sacramento politics. We can only imagine what Otto and Karnette will have to say.

George Deukmejian headlines the cast, making his fourth appearance and reprising his role as "The Gov." The other 2014 Political Players are: Evan Anderson Braude, Kay Cofield, Doug Haubert, Betty Karnette, Carl Kemp, Kraig Kojian, Gigi Fusco Meese, Michelle Molina, Susan Wise and newest addition, Doug Otto. Art Levine serves as the sound effects man, and Foley kit in hand, makes some really great and mostly appropriate noises. Mitchell Nunn serves as emcee and narrator.

The Radio Show is a truly unique experience. Tickets are $85, a modest price for the chance to hang out with the city's movers and shakers, eat great food and have a drink at the hosted bar. And it all takes place in a room with a breathtaking view of the harbor. And, as if that weren't enough, there will be opportunity drawings for many great prizes.

Tickets are limited; call the Playhouse box office at 562-494-1014 X 1 to purchase yours today. If not sold out, tickets will be sold at the event. We thank our actors and Keesal, Young and Logan for their generosity in making possible this event.

All proceeds support the productions and programs of the Long Beach Playhouse including plays of all types, collaborative productions, comedy nights, guest lecturers, regionally recognized youth and adult education programs and the internationally acclaimed New Works Festival.

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