CLO of South Bay Cities Presents MOONLIGHT & MAGNOLIAS, 10/26-11/7

 Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities and Executive Producer James A. Blackman III proudly opens the 2010/2011 season with Ron Hutchinson's fast-paced comedy Moonlight & Magnolias. Moonlight & Magnolias will begin performances on Tuesday October 26 (with a gala press opening on Friday October 29, 2010) and will run through Sunday November 7, 2010 at the Hermosa Beach Playhouse, 710 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, California.

It is 1939 and David O. Selznick is filming an adaptation of Margaret Mitchell's epic novel Gone With the Wind. Under the pressure of unprecedented Hollywood buzz and overwhelming public anticipation, he realizes that the script, you see, just doesn't work. So what's an all-powerful movie mogul to do? He shuts down production, pulls famed director Victor Fleming off the set of The Wizard of Oz, and sends a car for "the Shakespeare of Hollywood", Ben Hecht. When they arrive, he locks his office door, and closes the shades and announces that they are staying until they have a workable screenplay. The problem? Ben Hecht is the only person

in America who hasn't read the book. So for five days, while fending off Hollywood gossip columnists, Louis B. Mayer, and the film's stars, David O. Selznick and Victor Fleming hilariously reenact the book for Hecht, and together, the three men craft a screenplay that will become one of the most enduring films of all time.

"Frankly, my dear, this is one funny play...a rip-roaring farce...[with] witty, pointed dialogue and hilarious situations..." -NY Daily News.

"...a lot of fun...dispenses a good deal of insider's dope on the professional and personal dynamics that fueled the production [of Gone with the Wind]...plenty of genuine wit in the dialogue, and the characters are drawn with such affection that one can't help but cheer for them." -NY Post.

The cast features Patrick Vest as David O. Selznick, Cylan Brown as Victor Fleming and Joel Bryant as Ben Hecht.

Directed by Stephanie A. Coltrin, Set Design by Christopher Beyries, Lighting Design by Ric Zimmerman, Costume Design by Christa Armendariz, Sound Design by Kevin Goold.

Moonlight & Magnolias

All performances are held at the 400-seat HERMOSA BEACH PLAYHOUSE located on Pier Avenue at Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, California. Valet parking is available in front of the theatre on Pier Ave for Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances for $5. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, you'll find plenty of free parking around the theatre.

Tickets range from $30-$40 and can be purchased by calling 310-372-4477 or by visiting Civic Light Opera's Hermosa Beach Playhouse website at www.hermosabeachplayhouse.com. Student, senior, and group discounts are available by calling the box office.