Long Beach Playhouse to Present TWELFTH NIGHT

On September 6, the Long Beach Playhouse production of Twelfth Night opens in the Studio Theatre.

Twelfth Night is Shakespeare's most popular play and one of his greatest comedies. Written in 1601, it takes place in the mythical land of Illyria. Twins Viola and Sebastian go down in a shipwreck. Believing her brother is dead Viola dresses up as a man and takes the name Cesario. Viola/Cesario becomes the confidante of Orsino, Illyria's duke. Orsino sends Viola/Cesario to woo Olivia. But Viola/Cesario is now in love with Orsino. Adding to the comedic confusion are Viola's brother Sebastian, Feste the Clown, the drunken Sir Toby Belch, the foolish Aquecheek and the conniving Malvolio.

"Twelfth Night is Shakespeare's classic comedy of mistaken identities, mystifying desires, practical jokes, and ribald revelry," said Andrew Vonderschmitt, Executive and Artistic Director of the Playhouse. "Illyria is a world where social norms are disregarded and the play's characters flirt with homosexuality, cross-dressing and even incestuous love. Perhaps that's what's kept it popular for more than 400 years."

Veteran director Gregory Cohen has assembled an ensemble cast of 14 actors whose talents shine brightly in the intimate Studio Theatre space and bring the carnival-like story to life. Returning actors to the Playhouse are: Dean Figone (Sir Toby Belch), Loren McJannett-Taylor (Maria), Alex Shewchuk (Feste), Steven Shane (Musician/Captain/Officer/Priest), Amara Phelps (Curio). Making their Playhouse debut are: Mikel Wills (Orsino), Rebecca Morales* (Valentine), Amanda Hillig (Musician/ Officer), Paige Sherman (Viola), Leigh Hayes (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Ani Marderosian (Olivia), John Byrd* (Malvolio), Ramon Ochoa (Antonio), and Joseph Torres (Sebastian).

"Twelfth Night is the perfect summer fare. It's light, fanciful and very funny," said Vonderschmitt. "And the Playhouse is air-conditioned."

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

• Pay what you can Thursday September 4 - community can see this production for whatever they can afford
• Two for One Preview Friday September 5 - Tickets are $12.00
• Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on September 6- 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.