LOVE/SICK up next at the Long Beach Playhouse

Playwright John Cariani is a master at writing about love that's quirky, non-traditional, deeply moving, a little bit sad, and hilariously funny. His first play, Almost, Maine, is now one of the most frequently produced plays in America. In LOVE/SICK he tackles romance in a series of nine vignettes whose common thread is that they take place in the aisles of a mega-mart grocery store. The stories engage all combinations of genders and human conditions.

"When it comes to telling the modern love story, John Cariani tops the list," said Madison Mooney, the Playhouse's Executive Director. "All variations of couples are represented. But those definitions don't matter because what we see is the commonality of people who may or may not be in love, fall in love or fall out of love."

"Some of the stories in the play tell of meetings and beginnings while others are nearer to the end. The actors need to be adept conveyers of complex emotions," said Sean Gray, Artistic Director for the Playhouse. "Our director is Shinshin Yuder Tsai. When we talked about the show we both knew the chemistry between the cast would be pivotal to making it work."

This is Shinshin's second time directing a Studio Show. His first turn in the Studio director's chair was the 2017 Studio season for the production of Cowboy vs. Samurai. His theater experiences include actor, crew member and assistant director. He says he will always collaborate but never compromise on quality.

Telling the nine stories are eight actors in various combinations, as is always the case at the Playhouse, some are making debuts while others are returning. Those making their debuts for this show are: Maria V. Oliveira, Devon DeLamora, Karen Owens, John Phelan, and William Jaramillo. Returning actors are: Elijah Douglas, Elspeth Carden and Holland Renton.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

Pay what you can Thursday June 7 - community can see this production for whatever they can afford

Two for One Preview Friday June 8 - Tickets are $10.00

Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on June 9- Tickets are $27.00

Ticket Pricing:

Friday: Adults are $20.00, Seniors $18.00, and Students $14.00

Saturday and Sunday: 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.

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 pmon scheduled matinees.

Photo: Elijah Douglas as Bill, Maria V. Oliveira as Sarah

Photo by Mike Hardy

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