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Ray Bradbury, OC playwrights debut plays in Laguna Beach, So. Pasadena
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Courtesy of Gallimaufry
Patience is a virtue. Just ask Ray Bradbury, who will introduce the world premiere of his brand new musical in Laguna Beach tonight—something the 89-year-old author has waited to see for more than half a century. Ray Bradbury’s Merry Christmas 2116 was originally conceived for actor friends Charles Laughton and his wife, Elsa Lanchester. Laughton brought in director James Whale, who had guided Lanchester to an iconic performance in The Bride of Frankenstein; when Whale died in 1957, the project died with him.
Gallimaufry Performing Arts is staging the show at Festival of Arts Forum Theatre, on the grounds where the Pageant of the Masters is presented annually. 2116 centers around a couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary who want to give each other the perfect Christmas gift. Gallimaufry’s artistic director, Steve Josephson, directs and choreographs the production, scored by composer John Hoke.
The show continues in Laguna through November 15 (call 949-499-5060) before it moves to Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena. Bradbury will appear in person at special preview performances December 5, 12 and 19 at FTC, before the show officially opens there January 23, 2010 (call 323-960-4451).
As if birthing a new musical were not enough, Gallimaufry is also presenting the 2nd Annual Laguna Beach New Play Festival November 7 and 14, in association with Orange County Playwrights Alliance. Six new plays will be offered in staged readings at Festival of Arts Forum Theatre on successive Saturdays, starting at noon each day. OC playwrights debuting their works include Kenneth La Salle, Erica Bennett, Donna Bader, Mark Piatelli, Eric Eberwein and yours truly, with many of the county’s top actors and directors involved. Festival passes are $10 (call 949-499-5060).
Hot tip: The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit, Ray Bradbury's tale of a special piece of apparel with remarkable attributes, continues at Fremont Centre Theatre through November 14 (call 323-960-4451).
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