Moonlight and Magnolias

TAKE A COMIC ROMP THROUGH HOLLYWOOD’S GOLDEN AGE WHEN THE
LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS THE ORANGE COUNTY PREMIERE OF
MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS OCTOBER 6 – NOVEMBER 1, 2009

Play is Loosely Based on the True Story of how Producer David O. Selznick, Writer Ben Hecht and Director Victor Fleming Rewrote the Script to Gone With the Wind

LAGUNA BEACH, CA – August 28, 2009 – What happens when three Hollywood hotshots undertake the daunting task of rewriting the script to Gone With the Wind—in only five days? Find out when The Laguna Playhouse presents the Orange County premiere of Moonlight and Magnolias, October 6 – November 1, 2009. The play is written by Ron Hutchinson and directed by Andrew Barnicle.

Famed film producer David O. Selznick decides to stop the filming of Gone with the Wind three weeks into production because he wants a rewrite of the unwieldy script. He hires Ben Hecht to do the job in only five days. Only one problem: Hecht has never read the novel! So, Selznick summons Hecht and Gone With the Wind director Victor Fleming to his office and locks the door. Subsisting on a diet of bananas and peanuts, the three men spend five days crafting a screenplay for what will become one of the most successful films of all time.

Based on a true story, this wildly funny and engaging tale illuminates the behind the scenes business of movie-making during the golden age of Hollywood. The Nashville City News says “whether you’re a fan of GWTW or simply enjoy good farce, check out Moonlight and Magnolias. Frankly my dear…it’s pretty damn funny.”

“I saw Moonlight and Magnolias at the Old Globe in San Diego some years ago, and I felt that one day it would be a good fit for me and The Laguna Playhouse,” notes Barnicle. “I'm at my best with comedy that has heart, and this one surely does. The story of the creation of the screenplay for Gone With the Wind also reveals some interesting things about the ethnic tension in Hollywood during what we usually refer to as the ‘glory days.’ Based on this play, maybe they weren't so glorious after all.”

This is a co-production with McCoy Rigby Entertainment & La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.

PERFORMANCE & TICKET INFORMATION

Previews
October 6 – 10, 2009

Opening Night Gala
Saturday, October 10: 7:30 pm
(By invitation only / press night)

Regular Performances
October 11 – November 1, 2009
Tuesday – Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
Thursday matinees October 8 & 22 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday evening October 18 at 7:00 p.m.

(Dates and times subject to change)

Ticket Prices

Preview performances: $30 to $50
Gala Opening Night performance: $115
Regular performances: $35 to $65

Student Tickets (except Fri and Sat eves): $10 to $15

FOR INFORMATION & TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
CALL: 949.497.ARTS (2787) - GROUP SALES: 949.497.2787 ext. 229
VISIT: www.LagunaPlayhouse.com

MOULTON THEATRE: 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California