Little Fish Theatre Opens PRIVATE LIVES Tonight

Little Fish Theatre opens the next show of its fourteenth season, Private Lives, felt by many to be one of the finest examples of the wit and sophistication of Noel Coward's comedies.

Coward is widely considered one of the greatest dramatists, composers and performers of the Twentieth Century, his works having been produced around the world since the 1920's. Often attributed to what Time magazine called his "sense of personal style, a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise," Coward's plays never fail to please.

Elyot and Amanda, a couple who shared a passionate, yet turbulent marriage, haven't seen each other since their divorce. They find themselves in an odd situation when they meet again on their respective honeymoons to new spouses. After several unsuccessful attempts to avoid each other, they find their passions reignited and run off together, only to find themselves caught in the same cycle of love and hate that plagued their first marriage.

"It's no wonder this play has such an enduring legacy," says director Jim Rice. "It's a witty stab at the facade of society manners, a wild rollercoaster of fierce passion and subdued affectation." Rice is one of Little Fish's most active directors and performers. Most recently, he appeared onstage to great acclaim as Helmuth Rode in Taking Sides. Some of his recent directing works include The Doll, Pick of the Vine, Present Laughter and Grace and Glorie.

This play features as Amanda and Elyot, Amanda Karr (Present Laughter, Steel Magnolias) and Noah Wagner (Present Laughter), two Little Fish favorites who are also among Los Angeles' most celebrated stage actors. As their new spouses Victor and Sybil, real-life married couple Lukas Bailey and Leona Britton celebrate their Little Fish debut. Elizabeth Craig plays Louise, the harassed maid, in her first performance with the company.

Private Lives opens tonight, June 12th,and run Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm through July 18th. Thursday performances are scheduled for 8pm on July 2nd, 9th and 16th with three Sunday matinees at 2pm on June 28th, July 5th and 12th. After the Sunday June 28th performance the creative team will be available for post­ show discussion with the audience for 10 -15 minutes.

Founded in 2002, Little Fish Theatre presents classic and contemporary plays in an intimate setting on Centre Street in downtown San Pedro. Producing eleven plays each year for a one-room 65-seat venue, Little Fish delivers the quintessential close-up theatrical experience, where audience and performers share space and sight-lines, making for eruptive laughter, highly-charged action and palpable emotion.

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