Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theatre to Present COCK

In 2009, British playwright Michael Bartlett received the prestigious Lawrence Olivier award for his play entitled Cock. In the play, John, having taken a break from his relationship with his somewhat controlling boyfriend, has managed to fall in love with someone else... a woman. The work examines relationships, sexual identity, commitment, self-knowledge and family obligations in a brand new way.

"The playwright is British," said Andrew Vonderschmitt, Executive and Artistic Director for the Playhouse. "People may come to see the show somewhat tantalized by the title and be surprised to find the word c*ckis British slang for something gone awry.

"The play is filled with moments of truly beautiful dialogue as well as painful truths that hit home when we think about our own lives."

Besides the connotation of British slang, c*ckis also used in the context of cockfighting. Thestory conveys this parallel as do sound effects and other allusions to the roosters and the fight to the death.

The play has just four characters and only one, John, has a name. The others are characterized as M, W and F (Man, Woman, Father), designations that are clear and sparse. The four actors, Leigh Hayes, Evan Battle, Lexington Vanderberg and Dean Figone are all veterans of the Playhouse. c*ckis directed by Gregory Cohen, a seasoned director with more than 20 Playhouse productions to his credit which span nearly 20 years.

Vonderschmitt said, "It's a great cast, a great script and a great director. Audiences are going to find it funny, thought provoking and maybe even painful. But isn't that life?"

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

• Pay what you can Thursday June 11 - community can see this production for whatever they can afford
• Two for One Preview Friday June 12 - Tickets are $12.00
• Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on June 13- 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 request an interview with the director, cast members or reserve your media tickets to this performance, please send an email to: pr@lbplayhouse.org.

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.