Found Theatre to Premiere New Documentary PATRON SAINT OF SIDESHOW

Founded in 1974 by Long Beach resident, Cynthia Galles, The Found Theatre has been producing original, avant garde plays for 40 years. When Galles, a tireless genius who wrote, directed, designed and acted in most of the Found's original productions, learned she had breast cancer, she knew that the experience, like other difficult issues her theatre had explored, would wind up on stage to educate and enlighten through the medium of comedy. In 2000, long-time Found videographer Mike Brown began documenting Galles' treatment and the creation of her acclaimed play about her breast cancer experience, "One-Tit Wonder." The resulting documentary, "The Patron Saint of Sideshow," draws from more than 100 hours of video of the rehearsal and production process of "One-Tit Wonder," and also incorporates contemporary interviews with Found Theatre company members and archival footage of previous Found productions shot by Brown during his more than 35 years with the theatre company. Uplifting and entertaining, "Patron Saint of Sideshow" chronicles not only Galles' surreal battle with cancer, but the passion for theatre that allowed her to keep her small experimental theatre alive and well, against all odds, for more than 30 years.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, the Found will present a gala premiere of "Patron Saint of Sideshow" on Saturday, December 6 at 8 p.m. Aside from the film screening, there will be a live performance by the Found's resident composer, Drayfus Grayson, who is responsible for much of the music in the film; a Q&A with director Mike Brown, whose first documentary, "Alien Highway," has screened at numerous film festivals; and an open bar and tasty hors d'oeuvre. Tickets are $20 and may be reserved in advance at 562-433-3363.

In addition to the premiere, the Found will present four more screenings of "Patron Saint of Sideshow," onSunday, December 7, 3 p.m.; Friday, December 12, 8 p.m.; Saturday, December 13, 8 p.m., and Sunday, December 14, 3 p.m. Tickets are $10.

Screenings will take place at The Found Theatre, 599 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802. For more information: foundtheatre.org. Reservations at: 562-433-3363 or info@foundtheatre.org.

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