Long Beach Playhouse to Present BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO

The Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theatre opens its 2015 season with Rajiv Joseph's Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo. The story opens at the Baghdad Zoo as a hungry tiger bites off the hand of an American Marine. The Marine shoots the tiger, freeing its spirit to wander the streets of Baghdad raging against God and trying to make sense of war and its effect on humanity. Meanwhile the two Marines and an Iraqi gardener search through the rubble of the war looking for a toilet seat made of gold and finding a once beautiful Eden a war torn wasteland.

"This play is filled with deep questions about the nature of war, God, and humanity," said Andrew Vonderschmitt, executive and producing artistic director for the Playhouse. "But although it gets very heavy at times, it manages to find humor in the unlikeliest of places.

"The script is incredibly good and so are our director, cast and crew members. In 2013 we did Equus in the Studio. It was one of the most emotionally compelling and popular shows of the year. It was directed by Robert Craig and Noah Wagner played the psychiatrist. In Bengal Tiger we see Craig and Wagner back at it. I think the word 'compelling' will again apply."

For this production, the Playhouse has engaged a fight choreographer who specializes in staging violence, and a dramaturge and dialect coach. "This is a play that deserves requires a few more levels to the production team," said Vonderschmitt. "Both of these professionals will help us deliver an outstanding production of this play."

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

• Pay what you can Thursday April 30 - community can see this production for whatever they can afford
• Two for One Preview Friday May 1 - Tickets are $12.00
• Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on May 2- Tickets are $27.00

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.