Behind the Curtain

Official Blog of International City Theatre

Take your Sweetheart ‘Around the World’ for VDay

February 8th, 2013

RTW37 copy

Photo courtesy of Suzanne Mapes

Still trying to figure out what to do for Valentine’s Day? Tired of going to restaurants and are ready for something different? Do you not want to spend a lot of money? Well perfect, perhaps you should check out the offer from award-winning professional theatre company International City Theatre. For just $80, you and your sweetheart can attend a performance of their currently running hit comedy “Around the World in 80 Days” February 14-17.

In addition to seeing the critically acclaimed, staged adaptation of this classic novel, you will also receive personalized seating in the theatre, a rose and chocolates for your loved one. This sounds pretty romantic to us.

Did we also mention that “Around the World in 80 Days” was just named an L.A. Times Critic’s Choice? Are you unfamiliar with this famous tale? It’s 1872 and Phileas Fogg has agreed to an outrageous wager that puts his fortune and life at risk. Will he circle the globe in an unheard-of 80 days, or will the cunning Detective Fix dash his hopes? Danger, romance and comic surprises abound as five actors portraying 39 characters traverse seven continents. You read that correctly, 5 actors play 39 roles!

Valentine’s Day allows you to spend some quality time with that person you love most. Why not give them the ‘world’? It’ll only cost you $80 and you don’t need to go through customs. What’s more romantic than such a thoughtful gesture as a trip around the world? Exactly, the answer is nothing! Pack your bags and we will see you at the theatre!

Mention code CUPID to purchase this offer. “Around the World in 80 Days” runs through February 17 at International City Theatre, with performances at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. For tickets, call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

ICT Invites HS Students to Attend Play for Free

January 14th, 2013

ATWI80DLucyAs a professional, regional nonprofit theatre, International City Theatre takes its role seriously.  As a servant of the community, ICT strives to increase the quality of life for all through cultural enrichment and education. This year ICT has created a new initiative for high school students to introduce them on a regular basis to the performing arts.  Students 18 years old and younger can attend the final Tuesday night dress rehearsal of all five ICT 2013 plays for free.

Beginning with the 28th season opener – “Around the World in 80 Days” – this exclusive offer is for students 18 and younger and allows them to experience professional theatre at no cost.  ICT has given up their Tuesday night previews to provide this opportunity to students.  The goal is to help fill the void to recent cuts in arts education and nurture a creative outlet and creative thinking to inspire future artists, audiences, inventors, entrepreneurs, scientists and leaders.

In this fun-filled adaptation of the classic adventure by Jules Verne, it’s 1872 and Phileas Fogg has agreed to an outrageous wager that puts his fortune and life at risk. Will he circle the globe in an unheard-of 80 days, or will the cunning Detective Fix dash his hopes? Danger, romance and comic surprises abound as five actors portraying 39 characters traverse seven continents.

The final dress rehearsal will be held on Tuesday, January 22, at 730 pm. Any interested student (age 14-18) may attend; advanced reservations are required (and student ID).   To RSVP, please contact Erik Garcia at 562.495.4595 or erik@ictlongbeach.org. Parking is $10 in an adjacent structure.

“Around the World in 80 Days” runs January 23 – February 17 at International City Theatre, with performances at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. For tickets, call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

ICT’s Next Play Has Been Traveling the World a Long Time

December 14th, 2012

Poster for Oscar-winning film adaptation of Around the World in 80 Days

Poster for Oscar-winning film adaptation of Around the World in 80 Days

It’s rare when something stands the test of time. Music, fashion, corporations – they all are subject to changing tastes and technology. Jules Verne’s classic novel – “Around the World in 80 Days” – is a wonderful example of a piece of literature which has withstood that test of time. The stage version of this story kicks off International City Theatre’s 2013 season on January 23.

It’s 1872 and Phileas Fogg has agreed to an outrageous wager that puts his fortune and life at risk. With his servant Passepartout, Fogg sets out to circle the globe in an unheard-of 80 days. Danger, romance and comic surprises abound as five actors portraying 39 characters traverse seven continents.

Verne’s novel was originally published in France in 1873. Its most famous reincarnations have been in film and television. A film adaptation in 1956 starring Cantinflas and David Niven won five Oscars including Best Picture. There was an animated cartoon that ran in 1972 and a mini-series starring Pierce Brosnan and Eric Idle in 1989. The most recent film version came in 2004 starring Jackie Chan and Steve Coogan.

There have been numerous other variations of this beloved story. There’s a novel by Philip Jose Farmer called “The Other Log of Phileas Fogg.” There also is a stage musical entitled “Around the World” which starred Orson Welles, with music and lyrics by Cole Porter.

See for yourself why this classic story has flourished for almost 150 years, and witness one of the greatest adventure stories of all time, live and onstage at ICT.

“Around the World in 80 Days” runs January 23 – February 17 at International City Theatre, with performances at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. For tickets, call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Fats Waller – The Perfect Topic for ICT’s Upcoming Musical

September 28th, 2012

Sometimes you hear a name and you automatically think of something associated with it. Stephen Spielberg and film directing. Michael Jordan and basketball. Andrew Lloyd Webber and musicals. When you hear the name “Fats” Waller, there is one word with which to associate it – jazz! Thomas “Fats” Waller was an acclaimed jazz pianist, vocalist and composer during the Harlem Renaissance. His music and personality were so cool and hip that a Broadway musical revue was created in 1978, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. Ain’t Misbehavin’ opens October 9 in previews and is the final production of International City Theatre’s 2012 season.

Photo Credit: Pure Music

With a hugely successful career in the States and abroad, Waller is credited with writing over 400 recorded songs. Some of them have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Famous for his live performances that were highlighted by clever quips and comments, he performed on one of the first BBC broadcasts.

His talents were in such demand that he was kidnapped outside a venue in Chicago in 1926 to be the musical guest at Al Capone’s birthday party. He played for three straight days and then they let him go.

The Harlem Renaissance of the 1930s was one of the most astonishing explosions of musical creativity in modern American history, and “Fats” Waller was king. Ain’t Misbehavin’ features 25 unforgettable, finger-snapping, song-and-dance numbers – from “Your Feet’s Too Big” to “Honeysuckle Rose.”

Waller passed away from pneumonia at the age of 39. A musical prodigy lost at such a young age, Waller’s legacy lives on in Ain’t Misbehavin’, a fitting tribute that is a sizzling celebration of swing music and the Golden Age of Jazz.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ runs October 9 – November 4. To purchase tickets, call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Meet the Playwright: Ghost-Writer’s Michael Hollinger

August 17th, 2012

Michael Hollinger and ICT Artistic Director caryn desai

Michael Hollinger and ICT Artistic Director caryn desai

International City Theatre (ICT) champions the idea of introducing audiences to not only Broadway hits but also to lesser-known works by wonderfully talented playwrights. The spectrum of amazing theatrical work is immense, and ICT tries to do its part by premiering many world and west coast debuts. We are continuing that trend with the west coast premiere of Ghost-Writer by award-winning playwright Michael Hollinger.

Michael Hollinger is an established playwright who began as a professional violist. Due to his musical background, Hollinger thinks of his plays as compositions. Such an approach to the arts leads to a refreshing voice in American theatre. His most recognized work is highly acclaimed Opus, and along with works such as Red Herring, Tooth and Claw and Tiny Island, Hollinger has received the F. Otto Haas Award for an Emerging Theatre Artist, a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award and the Frederick Loewe Award for Musical Theatre. His latest play Ghost-Writer premiered in Philadelphia in 2010, and starting August 21 Long Beach will get to witness that refreshing voice when Ghost-Writer opens at ICT under the direction of caryn desai.

In “Ghost-Writer,” acclaimed novelist Franklin Woolsey has died, but his devoted secretary remains poised at her typewriter – waiting to channel the words that will complete his masterpiece. This ghost story of literary proportions questions where we draw the line between fact and fiction, between this life and beyond.

It can be assumed that “Ghost-Writer” will be well-received by audiences who see it. Ghost-Writer has already received the Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award and the 2011 Barrymore Award for Outstanding New Play.

A new work by an exciting, award-winning voice in American theatre is coming to ICT. Don’t miss it!

Ghost-Writer runs August 21 – September 16 at International City Theatre. For tickets, call 562-436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Free Admission For HS Students to see Leading Ladies at ICT

June 25th, 2012

Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies at ICT

Summer is finally here which means a break for most students. To celebrate the end of a successful school year, International City Theatre is offering high school students free admission to see its critically acclaimed play Ken Ludwig’s “Leading Ladies” on Friday, June 29 at 8 pm.

Starring David Engel and John J. Joseph, “Leading Ladies” has been named a Critic’s Pick by Back Stage and given 5 out of 5 stars by BroadwayWorld. Seeing this wild comedy is a great way to kick off the summer.

A cross between “Tootsie” and “Some Like It Hot,” Ken Ludwig’s “Leading Ladies” is a rollicking, summer-fun comedy about two down-on-their-luck actors who hear that an old lady in York, Pennsylvania is about to die and leave her fortune to her long lost English nephews. They resolve to pass themselves off as her beloved relatives and get the cash. Mayhem ensues when they find out that the relatives aren’t nephews – but nieces!

To receive a free ticket to the performance on June 29, students must call the ICT Box Office or visit their website and use code Summer Break. Students are allotted one ticket per student ID and must present their ID card when picking up their ticket the night of the performance. Space is limited.

If you are a high school student (or new high school grad), don’t miss out on seeing this wonderfully funny, professional “and sparkling production” for free! School is out. Have a blast at ICT!

“Leading Ladies” runs thru July 1 at International City Theatre. Tickets can be purchased by calling 562-436-4610 or visiting www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Prolific Playwright’s Work Coming to ICT

June 1st, 2012

There may be no comedic playwright living today that has had more success than Ken Ludwig. His plays have been making audiences laugh across the United States and the rest of the world as his work has been translated into 16 languages. International City Theatre (ICT) will present Ken Ludwig’s “Leading Ladies” in just a few short weeks, and audiences should get ready for a real laugh fest.

Courtesy of kenludwig.com

Ludwig is probably best known for “Lend Me a Tenor” and “Crazy For You,” but he has had six successful shows run on Broadway and six in the West End. His dynamic understanding of witty dialogue and comedic timing has garnered him three Tony Award nominations, two Olivier Awards, two Helen Hayes Awards and the Edgar Award. Needless to say, he has had quite the career. “Leading Ladies” has been a huge success in regional theatres since it debuted in 2004.

“Leading Ladies” is a rollicking comedy about two down-on-their-luck actors who dress as women to con a dying woman out of her millions. A cross between “Tootsie” and “Some Like It Hot,” Leo and Jack are so downtrodden that they are performing Shakespeare on the Moose Lodge Circuit in the Amish country of Pennsylvania. When they hear that an old lady is about to die and leave her fortune to her long lost English nephews, they resolve to pass themselves off as her beloved relatives and get the cash. Mayhem ensues when they find out that the relatives aren’t nephews – but nieces!

This is professional theatre at its best and something the entire family can enjoy together. The family that laughs together stays together. Just ask Ken Ludwig.

“Leading Ladies” runs June 5 – July 1 at International City Theatre. Purchase tickets by calling 562-436-4610 or visiting www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

New ICT Musical has Interesting Past

April 18th, 2012

The West End cast of The Fix

It’s always good when someone believes in what you do. It’s better when that person is someone whose opinion everyone respects. Such was true when unknown lyricist John Dempsey and composer Dana P. Rowe had the rights for their original musical The Fix purchased by mega-theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh. This new musical is set to open at International City Theatre on April 24, yet its journey to Long Beach is an odd one.

If you are not familiar with Cameron Mackintosh, he has produced musicals such as Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and Cats. You know, a bunch of no-name musicals. He loved Dempsey and Rowe’s refreshingly creative musical so much that he took it straight to London’s West End where it took home an Olivier Award (London’s Tony Award) in 1997. He then took it to the highly regarded Signature Theatre in Virginia where it played to rave reviews. It never came to the west coast, and now it is as ICT prepares for its opening.

The Fix is a new rock musical about the American political machine. A popular candidate is dead, and his widow thrusts their son into the political spotlight. Her maniacal scheming is matched by that of her brother-in-law, who will stop at nothing to see the boy elected. Together, the three of them make up one of the most dysfunctional almost-first families this side of real-life Washington politics.

This show has the credentials, the glowing reviews and an incredible new score for the American songbook. Come down and see why so many people believe in The Fix. It’ll make a lot of sense once you do.

The Fix runs April 24 – May 20 at International City Theatre. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling 562-436-4610 or visiting www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Local Actor Shines at ICT

February 8th, 2012

David Nevell and Greg Derelian (right) are two of the four stars in God of Carnage at ICT.

Greg Derelian (right) and David Nevell are two of the four stars in God of Carnage at ICT.

When Artistic Director/Producer, caryn desai announced that International City Theatre would be opening its 2012 season with the multi-Tony Award-winning “God of Carnage,” they received thousands of submissions from actors across the country who wanted a chance to audition for one of four enticing roles. One can imagine the difficulty in casting this play with such a bevy of talent available, and yet desai had to look no further than Long Beach to find one of four dynamic actors for the cast.

Veteran professional actor Greg Derelian, who won the role of Michael Novak, calls Long Beach “home”. He lives here with his wife and son but has worked all over the country doing theatre and television. With an MFA in Acting from Yale University, it is safe to assume that Derelian knows a thing or two about acting.

He has starred on Broadway in “Metamorphoses,” Off-Broadway in “Antony and Cleopatra” and “Oliver Twist,” and at major regional theatres across the United States. Derelian has also starred on television in “Parks and Recreation,” “Chuck” and “All My Children.”

“God of Carnage” is a caustic comedy about a fight between eleven-year-old boys that brings together their parents to resolve the matter. Diplomatic niceties are observed initially, but as the evening progresses, it deteriorates into a fur-flying hilarious brawl, leaving the couples with more than just their liberal principles in tatters.

Leslie Atevens and Greg Derelian in God of Carnage at ICT

Shown with fellow costar Leslie Stevens, Greg lives locally in Long Beach, CA but was trained at Yale and has performed on Broadway.

Derelian and his three professional co-stars have earned “God of Carnage” rave reviews including a Critic’s Pick from Back Stage and 5 out of 5 stars from the LA Examiner. Share the pride of local talent. ICT is Long Beach’s resident professional theatre company and Derelian is one of Long Beach’s professional residents.

“God of Carnage” runs thru February 19. Tickets can be purchased by calling 562-436-4610 or visiting www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in actor, ICT, International City Theatre, live theatre, Long Beach California | No Comments »

Yasmina Reza’s God of Carnage Coming to ICT

December 13th, 2011

Photo Courtesy of Playbill

There are very few writers living today who have had the success that French playwright, screenwriter and novelist Yazmina Reza has. Born to an Iranian father and Hungarian mother, Reza’s work has been produced and translated into over 30 languages, including God of Carnage, which will kick off International City Theatre’s 2012 season in January.

Reza began her career as an actress but soon found that her calling was in writing plays. Her very first play, Conversations After a Burial, won the Moliere Award (French equivalent of the Tony Award) for Best Author. Her second play, Winter Crossing, won a Moliere Award in 1990, making it undeniable that Reza was an international star of the stage.

Art was Reza’s third produced play and that went on to win Moliere, Olivier and Tony Awards. She then took some time away from the stage to write five novels. She would not come back to the theatre until 2007 when God of Carnage premiered. In 2009, it won the Tony Award for Best Play, solidifying Reza’s place as one of the most important theatre artists of this generation.

God of Carnage is a savagely caustic comedy about a playground altercation between eleven-year-old boys that brings together two sets of Brooklyn parents for a meeting to resolve the matter. At first, diplomatic niceties are observed, but as the evening progresses and the rum flows, it quickly deteriorates into a fur-flying hilarious brawl, leaving the couples with more than just their liberal principles in tatters.

Yasmina Reza is one of the most accomplished writers living today. Come see why when God of Carnage opens at International City Theatre.

God of Carnage runs January 24 – February 19 at International City Theatre. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling 562-436-4610 or visiting www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

« Older
Newer »
Powered by WordPress. Theme by Sash Lewis.