The Long Beach Playhouse is getting ready to stage the witty By the Way, Meet Vera Stark to open on Saturday, April 11. Directed by Gregory Cohen who, according to the theater, considers the Long Beach Playhouse Mainstage his “home,” the play looks at the life of an African-American actress over the course of her 70-year career.
In three acts, nine actors will answer what Cohen sought to ask, “What happens to an individual when her life is interpreted by others and she is turned into a symbolic presence rather than a human being?”
“One of our goals is to continue to welcome new actors in to our shows,” said Andrew Vonderschmitt, Executive and Artistic Director for the Playhouse, in a statement. “Of the nine cast members, six are new to the Playhouse. I’m very proud of that.”
Robert Agiu, Skip Blas and Lorraine Winslow will return to the stage, while Latonya Kitchen, Veronica Simms, Bryan Allen Taylor, Victoria Ann Bryant, Sierra Marks and Adanna Kenlow will make their Long Beach Playhouse debut.
“Vera Stark is a play audiences will enjoy and remember,” he continued. “Nottage has a lot to say. People will be glad they listened.”
On Thursday, guests are invited to pay what they can to see the production affordably. On Friday, April 10, a Two-for-One preview with tickets priced at $12 will be available. The Opening Night Champagne Reception with the cast will be on Saturday, April 11; tickets are $27.
To purchase tickets, visit the Long Beach Playhouse website, here or call (562) 494-1014. The show will continue through Saturday, May 9. Performances are 8:00PM Friday and Saturday and at 2:00PM on Sunday. The box office is open Wednesday through Saturday from 3:00PM to 8:00pm and Sundays from 1:00PM to 2:00PM on scheduled matinees.
Long Beach Playhouse is located at 5021 E. Anaheim St.
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