Long Beach Playhouse to Present AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

In keeping with the tradition of spring break, the Long Beach Playhouse is taking audiences on the journey of a lifetime with their production of Around the World in 80 Days. Join Phileas Fogg's hot-air balloon and a small troupe of actors on a global exploration of the world through the eyes of Jules Verne.

"Jules Verne wrote the book in 1873," said Andrew Vonderschmitt, Executive and Artistic Director of the Long Beach Playhouse.

"It was an era of technological breakthroughs. In the U.S. the first Transcontinental Railroad had been completed, railways in India had been linked and the Suez Canal was opened. Suddenly it was possible for anyone to make up an itinerary and buy tickets to circumnavigate the globe. Verne turned this new possibility into a comic whirlwind of a story."

The story tells of Phileas Fogg and his faithful manservant as they race to travel the globe faster than ever before. The trip is even more urgent because Fogg is being tracked by a detective who thinks he's a robber on the run. During the trip they encounter stampeding elephants, runaway trains and raging typhoons. Danger, romance, and comic surprises abound around every turn.

The five member cast features the debut of Jaxon Brashier and outstanding performances from four returning actors including Lisa March, Rich Reischman, Stephen Alan Carver and Mark Fields Davidson. Gregory Cohen, a frequent presence at the Playhouse, is directing the production.

"Greg is perfect for this show. He understands wacky and has great comic timing, and our actors love working with him," said Vonderschmitt.

Around the World opens on April 9 and runs through May 7.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

• Pay what you can Thursday April 7- community can see this production for whatever they can afford
• Two for One Preview Friday April 8 - Tickets are $12.00
• Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on April 9- Tickets are $27.00

NEW PRICING FOR FRIDAY NIGHTS
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.