The past three decades haven\u2019t been kind to community-based musical theater. Every few years, another venerable company collapses. The Los Angeles Civic Light Opera closed in 1987 after 50 seasons; the Long Beach CLO was 47 years old when it took a final bow in 1996; and Downey\u2019s CLO lasted for 58 years before shuffling offstage in 2013. Musical Theater West, at the age of 66, is the notable survivor, rising from its roots in Whittier and La Habra before settling in Long Beach\u2019s Carpenter Performing Arts Center in 1997.<\/p>\n
\u201cGod, I miss the Long Beach Civic Light Opera,\u201d says Mark Wheeler, who worked with that company early in his theatrical career.<\/p>\n
Nodding in agreement is Megan O\u2019Toole, who began acting as a 6-year-old with the LBCLO and the Long Beach Playhouse. \u201cI loved LBCLO,\u201d she says. \u201cIt was so nurturing, so full of joy.\u201d<\/p>\n
And that\u2019s what Wheeler and O\u2019Toole are going for now, with their toddler-age Landmark Theatre Company which is bringing its sixth major musical production, \u201cLittle Women\u2014the Broadway Musical\u201d to the stately and elegant stage in the sanctuary of the First Congregational Church of Long Beach for a six-performance run from Nov. 9 to 18.<\/p>\n
\u201cLong Beach Civic Light Opera is our inspiration in running this company,\u201d says Wheeler, Landmark\u2019s executive director. \u201cYou do it right and you end up creating a community of extraordinarily talented people.\u201d<\/p>\n