Long Beach Playhouse and Held2Gether Team Up For Original Comedy Sketch Show

One of the staples of Long Beach Playhouse's Collaborative each year has been Held2gether, Improv for Life's original sketch comedy shows. This is the 5th annual collaboration between the Long Beach theatrical landmarks. The original sketch compilation known for selling out its' weekend run, has added a Thursday preview night, running March 1-3rd in the Studio Theatre. The all-new show returns with a dozen sketches touching upon universal relationships, the current political climate, outrageous characters, and commentary on pop culture.

Audiences at last year's Sketchily Ever After were treated to sketches that featured a planetary bromance between Saturn and Jupiter, the revelation behind the horrific introduction of dairy products, and a burlesque 20's singer at a 6-year old's birthday party. Grass-Fed, Free-Range Sketch Show promises to be an equally entertaining evening of comedy, pushing the envelope at all corners. The cast, all SoCal locals features many favorites of Held2gether award-winning improv troupe, as well has some talented newcomers. Their director is Held2gether founder and Creative Director, Darren Held.

"Each of the original sketches were written by the performer themselves under a prompt from the director. They have 30 minutes to create a sketch idea, and then I guide them through it, fleshing out the tone and comic timing. In a way, the creative process is like a reality show." describes director Darren Held. "It's kept the show fresh and spontaneous for eight years. Our fans really love it"

The sketch show is part of the Held2gether improv comedy program that features classes in Long Beach including all levels of improv comedy, sketch writing and performance. Darren is thrilled to team up with the Long Beach Playhouse Studio Collaborative to showcase creative original programming from Long Beach artists."Our collaborative continues to strengthen each season, and Held2gether is a huge part of that," says Playhouse Executive Director Madison Mooney. "Their shows are fresh, hilarious and showcase Long Beach's extreme talent, part of our ongoing mission here at Long Beach Playhouse."

Tickets for Grass-Fed are $15 Friday and Saturday, and $10 for Preview Thursday night. They are now available through the box office of the Long Beach Playhouse (562-494-1014, option 1) or at 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. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 1st-3rd. The box office is open Wednesday-Saturday from 3:00-8:00 pm.