Hershey Felder brings his "Composer Sonata" to Laguna!

Due to the immense popularity of Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone and excitement surrounding Monsieur Chopin at the end of February, the Laguna Playhouse is pleased to announce that we will be adding the third piece of Felder's "Composer Sonata," Beethoven as I Knew Him in May.

Interested in seeing the "Composer Sonata"? We have a special deal for you! Purchase tickets to two or more of these performances, and we'll give you 20% off your tickets! We'll even wave our normal $4 per ticket processing fee for a one time $4 fee covering all the tickets in your order! That's a potential savings of up to $50 per person!

George Gershwin Alone
Jan 12 - Feb 21
Performances Tues - Sat at 8pm
Sat & Sun at 2pm

Monsieur Chopin
Feb 25 - March 7
Performances Thurs - Sat at 8pm
Sat & Sun at 2pm
Sun at 7pm

Beethoven As I Knew Him
May 11 - 23
Performances Tues - Satur at 8pm
Thurs, Sat & Sun at 2pm

Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone Press Release

INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED and AWARD WINNING HERSHEY FELDER as GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE

January 12- February 21, 2012

LAGUNA BEACH, CA - December 16, 2009 - The Laguna Playhouse presents the popular and critically acclaimed final movement of Hershey Felder's "Composer Sonata" trilogy, HERSHEY FELDER AS GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE, a musical play directed by Joel Zwick with Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin and a book by Hershey Felder. GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE runs January 12 through February 21, 2010. The "Composer Sonata" comprises BEETHOVEN, AS I KNEW HIM; MONSIER CHOPIN; and his final movement, GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE.

In George Gershwin Alone - which won Ovation Awards for Best Actor in a Musical (Hershey Felder) and Best Musical - the internationally acclaimed actor, playwright and Steinway concert artist renders an intimate portrait of the legendary composer that provides a personal glimpse into Gershwin's early years, his personal life and his artistic genius. The evening is packed with many of Gershwin's most famous pieces, including "I Got Rhythm," "Someone to Watch Over Me," and of course, "Rhapsody in Blue."

The first popular composer to use jazz as the foremost musical element in the serious concert hall, George Gershwin absorbed the musical styles, rhythms and sophistication of the American spirit and created a musical language that made its mark on both the classical and popular music throughout the world. Hershey Felder brings to life the essence of the legendary composer and pianist, leading audiences through the fascinating rhythms of Gerswin's legendary songbook, while telling the tale of his tragically short life.

Critics across the country have raved about George Gershwin Alone. The Washington Post calls it "A heartfelt valentine wrapped up in stories and song." The Chicago Sun-Times said that "In an act of uncanny evocation that more often than not appears to verge on full-fledged channeling, the quadruple-threat performer Hershey Felder - an actor, singer, pianist and writer, and all of the first order - has brought the quintessential American composer back to life." USA Today enthused that "Felder effectively conveys the emotional roots and resonance of Gershwin's music. Performing gems such as 'An American in Paris' and 'Bess, You is My Woman Now,' he explains how the journeys taken by characters relevant to those works are reflected in the progression of notes, the chord changes, even the orchestrations." The New York Times stated that "George Gershwin Alone makes a great case for his subject as the American Mozart."

For more information on Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone, please visit the website www.gershwinalone.com

Performance Dates

January 12 - February 21, 2010
Tuesday - Saturday at 8 p.m. / Saturday & Sunday at 2 p.m.
Thursday Matinees January 14 & 28 at 2 p.m.
Sunday Evening January 24 at 7 p.m.

Ticket Prices
Preview Performances: $35 to $55
Regular Performances: $40 to $70

(Dates and times subject to change)

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

Upcoming 2009-2010 Season

We're pleased to announce our 2009-2010 Season! Full of music and laughs, these productions are sure to entertain! Single tickets are available for all performances, or you can save money by purchasing either a Full or Design-Your-Own subscription. You can visit the website http://www.lagunaplayhouse.com/tickets/subscriptions/full/ for more information on the plays and purchasing tickets.

My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra
July 7 – August 23, 2009
Conceived by David Grapes and Todd Olson
Book by Todd Olson
Directed by David Grapes
Frank Sinatra. He’s the icon of cool – from classic elegance to contemporary “fedora” hipster. My Way: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra celebrates the pivotal moments of Sinatra’s life which would solidify his legendary status. This musical song review will take you from his early beginnings in New York during the 1940’s swing era, to the bright lights of Las Vegas with the Rat Pack in the 1960s, and to his final performances in the 1990s as “Chairman of the Board.” As Stephen Holden wrote for the 1983 Rolling Stone Record Guide: “Frank Sinatra's voice is pop music history.” Come hear the songs that his voice made history.

Moonlight and Magnolias
October 6 – November 1, 2009
By Ron Hutchinson
Directed by Andrew Barnicle
Making movie history is not easy! Just ask film producer David O. Selznick, who stops the filming of Gone with the Wind three weeks into production because he wants a rewrite of the unwieldy script. He hires playwright Ben Hecht to do the job—in only five days! Only one problem: Hecht has never even read the novel. So, Selznick summons Hecht and Gone With the Wind director Victor Fleming to his office, locks the doors and closes the shades. Subsisting on a diet of bananas and peanuts, the three men spend five days crafting a screenplay that will become the blueprint for one of the most successful films of all time. This wildly funny and engaging tale illuminates the behind-the-scenes business of movie-making during the golden age of Hollywood.

Winter Wonderettes
November 23 – December 20, 2009
By Roger Bean
Directed by Roger Bean
The Wonderettes are back! Set six months after the end of The Marvelous Wonderettes, this seasonal sequel finds the girls returning to their hometown for a Holiday celebration with their family and friends, complete with great Wonderette renditions of ‘60s holiday tunes. Wonderette member Betty Jean is in charge of her company’s Christmas party, so naturally the Wonderettes are the logical choice for the entertainment. But when Santa turns up missing, the girls must use their talent and creative ingenuity, plus some great holiday tunes such as “Little Saint Nick” and “It’s a Marshmallow World,” to rectify their holiday party without the jolly big guy in red. The result is, of course, marvelous! This energetic and entertaining show is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.

Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone
January 12 – February 7, 2010
Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Directed by Joel Zwick
Book by Hershey Felder
Internationally acclaimed Hershey Felder personifies “America's Composer” and renders an intimate portrait of musical legend, George Gershwin. This multi-award-winning production of Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone is a musical event for all to experience and ignites an entirely new inside perspective of the historic composer's early background, personal life and artistic genius. With sold out performances around the globe, this is a musical sensation not to be missed!

Play #5 – The Second City: Can you be More Pacific?
March 16- April 11, 2009
Directed by Andrew Barnicle

The internationally acclaimed sketch-comedy company, The Second City, has custom crafted a production for The Laguna Playhouse to lampoon our beloved Laguna Beach and Orange County. This show promises to deliver an avalanche of laughs that will highlight the most comedic and relevant elements of what it means to be behind the Orange Curtain.If you have lived in Orange County for any length of time, you will see yourself, your neighbor or your favorite plastic surgeon highlighted on stage for a good ribbing. From real housewives to finding sand in all the wrong places, this California adventure is a comedy ride that can’t be missed and won’t require a toll road.