Long Beach Playhouse Celebrates Its 85th Anniversary, 09/13

On September 13, the Long Beach Playhouse will take a step back in time to 1943 when Long Beach was a Navy Town and Stage Door Canteens were all the rage. The entire downstairs will be transformed into a USO-type canteen complete with 1940s-era celebrities, a floorshow, casino tables, food and many other amusements.

The event is part of a yearlong celebration of the 85th anniversary of the Playhouse. It was the city's first community theatre and it has been operating continuously since 1929. "We've got actors lined up to be celebrities," said Jane Nunn, chair of the canteen committee. "The floor show includes the Andrews sisters. Errol Flynn, John Wayne and others will mingle with the guests and probably play a few games of poker."

In addition to the floorshow and casino games, there will be a tattoo parlor, a fortune teller and food provided by Naples Rib Company, La Strada, Di Piazza, Crooked Duck and desserts by Rossmoor Pastries and Cookies by Design. Tickets are $100 and include drink tickets and "canteen cash" to use at the casino tables.

"We promise the Canteen will be a lot of fun for our guests," said Nunn. "If there's one thing the Playhouse knows how to do, it's put on a great show and that's what the Canteen will be."

Tickets can be purchased on the LBP website here or by calling 562-494-1014 x 506.

or in person at the box office during its normal operating hours.

Proceeds from the Canteen benefit the Long Beach Playhouse including productions in its Mainstage and Studio theatres, its acclaimed New Works Festival and its outstanding youth and adult education programs.

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