PACK OF LIES Approaches Opening at the Long Beach Playhouse

In 1983, Hugh Whitemore turned the true story of Russian espionage into a play entitled Pack of Lies. It tells the story of The Johnsons, a nice middle aged English couple, and their best friends, the Krogers, who live next door. When Scotland Yard asks if they can use their house to investigate a spy ring, the Jacksons agree never suspecting the spies are the Krogers.

The play's characters Peter and Helen Kroger are based on Morris and Lona Cohen. They were part of the Portland Spy Ring which operated in England from the 1950s until 1961 when the core of the network were arrested by British Security Services. The Portland Spy Ring was considered unique because they didn't operate under the cover of an embassy but rather by blending into a neighborhood.

"It's very hard to see this play without thinking about the situation we find ourselves in today," said Sean Gray, Artistic Director for the Playhouse. "In the play we learn the forces that drew the Krogers to communism, among them the abject poverty Mr. Kroger witnessed during the Depression.

"It focuses on the complexity of human beings and the situations that shape us. And yet, isn't it the duty of every citizen to protect their country from forces that would undermine its freedoms?"

"One aspect of the play is the friendship between the women. Helen Kroger and Barbara Jackson are not just friendly neighbors, they are close friends," said Executive Director, Madison Mooney. "Lying doesn't come naturally to Barbara and yet she's in the position of keeping the secret of Scotland Yard camped out upstairs. And then must participate in the entrapment of her best friend. None of it comes easily to her."

Sharyn Case returns to the Playhouse to direct her ninth show. She said she was drawn to it for its complexity and the fact it tells the story of Russian spies within the framework of friendship, betrayal and the meaning of love and loyalty. And what are the points where love of country and love of friends meet and diverge?

The show opens February 24 and runs through March 24.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

Pay what you can Dress Rehearsal Thursday February 22 - community can see this production for whatever they can afford

Two for One Preview Friday February 23 - Tickets are $10.00

Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on February 24 - Tickets are $27.00

Ticket Pricing:

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.

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. Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The box office is open Wednesday-Saturday from 3:00-8:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00-2:00 pm on scheduled matinees.

Promotional Design: Daisy Ramirez