Photo Flash: First Look at Laguna Playhouse's Production of I AM MY OWN WIFE

Laguna Playhouse announces the fourth show in the Laguna Playhouse 97th season, I AM MY OWN WIFE, written by Doug Wright and directed by Jenny Sullivan and starring John Tufts. "We are so fortunate to start 2018 with this exquisite play and extraordinary performance," comments Laguna Playhouse Executive Director Ellen Richard. Adds Artistic Director Ann E. Wareham "I AM MY OWN WIFE is a remarkable piece of theatre and even more so that the story is true, and still has so much relevance today. Our subscribers and audiences are in for an unforgettable experience." I AM MY OWN WIFE will begin previews on Wednesday, January 10; will open on Sunday, January 14 at 5:30pm and will run through Sunday, January 28, 2018 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.

Not long after the fall of the Berlin Wall, playwright Doug Wright began a conversation with Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, an elegant and eccentric 65-year-old German transvestite who, against all odds, navigated a path between the Nazi's and East German Secret Police - in a pair of high heels. Wright uses more than 30 characters-all played by a single actor-to piece together Charlotte's controversial life. A profound story of survival and inspiration. This provocative and bold production is highly engaging for ages 16 and up.

I AM MY OWN WIFE will begin previews on Wednesday, January 10; will open on Sunday, January 14 at 5:30pm and will run through Sunday, January 28, 2017 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.

Performances will be Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm; Thursdays and Saturdays at 2pm & 7:30pm; Sundays at 1pm. There will no Thursday performances on Thursday, January 18 at 2pm. There will be additional Sunday performance on Sunday, January 21 at 5:30pm. Special Post-Show Audience Talk Back Performance on Saturday, January 20 at 2:00pm & Special "Pride Night" Performance on Sunday, January 21 at 5:30pm.

Tickets range from $45 - $70 and can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com or by calling (949) 497-ARTS (2787). Group discounts are available by calling 949-497-2787 ext. 229. Prices subject to change.

The box office is open Mondays - Saturdays: 11a.m. to 5 p.m. (open until showtime on performance days); Sundays: 11a.m. - 4p.m.

For more information on all shows and programming visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

Founded in 1920, the historic Laguna Playhouse is one of the oldest continuously-operating not-for-profit theatres on the West Coast and is proud to be an active participant in the celebrated Laguna Beach arts community. From classic plays and musical comedies to the current off-Broadway smash, cutting edge and traditional music exhibitions, dance festivals and stand-up comedy performances, Laguna Playhouse brings the magical experience of the performing arts direct to over 80,000 patrons each season.

Laguna Playhouse educational programming includes year-round classes, productions by and for children and teens (Youth Theatre) and is one of the few companies in the region that offer a curriculum-based professional theatre-touring program, TheatreReach, which aligns with the California State Standards for literature, history and performing arts curriculum.

Laguna Playhouse has been recognized in 2015, 2016 and 2017 as one of Orange County Register's "Best of OC" in the category of Live Theatre, and has been recognized by OC Hotlist in their "Best Theatre Group" winning first place in 2017 and 2016. The Laguna Playhouse has featured many talented performers on stage, including Ed Asner, Leslie Caron, Hershey Felder, Harrison Ford, Val Kilmer, Gregory Harrison, Dan Lauria, Hal Linden, Wendie Malick, Rita Rudner, Charles Shaughnessy, French Stewart, Loretta Swit, and Bette Davis.

Photo Credit: David Bazemore, Courtesy of Ensemble Theatre Company