Arts & Entertainment

‘God’s Favorite’

At LB Playhouse, April 5 – May 3

Neil Simon is one of America’s best-known playwrights. His work is known for his comedic approach to serious situations. In “God’s Favorite,” successful businessman Joe Benjamin is modern-day with a loving wife, two clueless but supportive younger children and a household staff. But he is exasperated with his wise-cracking and seemingly apathetic oldest son. Just when it seems things couldn’t get any worse, he is visited by Sidney Lipton, a.k.a. A Messenger from God (and compulsive film buff), with a mission: test Joe’s faith and report back to “the Boss.”

“This play has been described as one of Simon’s most imaginative plays,” said Sean Gray, artistic director for the Playhouse. “Although most of Simon’s plays are about average people in average domestic situations, with the intervention of a messenger from God as central to the story, the notion of average is largely cast aside.”

Madison Mooney, Playhouse executive director, adds, “We know our audiences enjoy comedies. Simon never fails to infuse his plays with plenty of verbal zingers that audiences enjoy. This cast and director are particularly good at zinger-delivery!”

Gray selected James Rice to direct this show. Rice is a veteran actor and director with 37 years of experience and over 100 productions in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Rice said he was drawn to the question posed by the play, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” and the way Simon answered it with wit and humor.

The show’s eight-member cast is a mix of returning and debuting actors. Returning are Lee Samuel Tanng, Amanda Karr, Charlie Rodriguez, Jessica Plotin, Stephen Saatjian and Geraldine Fuentes. Making their debuts are Samantha Cristol and Sean Farrell.

Mooney says, “This show is funny, touching, thought-provoking and supremely entertaining. We hope you will come and see the show!

Special Events for This Play

Preview Friday April 4 – all tickets are $10

Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on April 5 – Tickets are $35 Sponsored by The Port of Long Beach

Ticket Prices

Thursday and Friday: Adults are $25, Seniors $20 and Students $20.

Saturday and Sunday: Adults are $30, Seniors $25 and Students $20.

Tickets are available at www.lbplayhouse.org, or by calling (562) 494-1014, option 1.

Performances are 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The box office is open Wednesday-Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m. and Sundays, 1-2 p.m. on scheduled matinees.

‘The Violin Maker’ at ICT

International City Theatre presents the American premiere of The Violin Maker. Israeli violin maker Amnon Weinstein gathered and restored ruined violins that survived the Holocaust, creating a remarkable collection known throughout the world as the “Violins of Hope.” His extraordinary story and the true tales behind each of the violins are masterfully interwoven with music in this powerful and uplifting new play.

Who

• Written by Lisa Pearl Rosenbaum and Ronda Spinak
• Musical Curation by Dr. Noreen Green
• Directed and Produced by caryn desai [sic]
• Starring Sheer Aviram, Matthew Bohrer, Matthew Henerson, Lielle Kaidar, Morgan Dean Lauff, Bruce Nozick, Aviva Pressman
• On Stage Musicians: Dr. Noreen Green on piano and Jonathan Rubin on the Shony Alex Braun violin
• Presented by International City Theatre

When

• April 23 through May 11
• Previews: Wednesday April 23 and Thursday, April 24, each at 7:30 p.m.
• Performances: April 25 through May 11, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Where

International City Theatre, Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center’s Beverly O’Neill Theater, 330 East Seaside Way, Long Beach

Ticket Prices

$44-$59

Opening Night (April 25): $59 (includes post-show reception with the actors)

Sunday matinees: $59

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (except Friday, April 25): $56

Previews: $44

How

InternationalCityTheatre.org or (562) 436-4610.

‘Say Cheese’

Local residents are invited to experience a world of fromage like nothing they’ve ever been exposed to – a memorable first-ever cheese pairing and tasting by a world-class expert, and it’s all for the Long Beach Youth Chorus (LBYC). This inaugural “Say Cheese” will be held on Saturday, April 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Seal Beach.

What’s a cheese pairing, you ask? Irene Clemente can tell you. In addition to being a Long Beach Youth Chorus parent, Ms. Irene Clemente, an emerging cheese educator was formally trained at the Academy of Cheese in London and completed a Masterclass and Hands-on Immersion in France with a World Cheese Champion. She also recently stewarded alongside renowned judges at the British and Irish Cheese Awards in England, and for the chorus she will lead a bespoke tasting experience, showcasing the artistry and heritage of Artisan European cheeses. She will lead the guests of our first gala event through the intricate history, tastes and aromas of European cheeses and foods, and how to pair wines with that perfect bite. Guests will receive samples of great cheeses and wines, and even take home a cloche.

The event, dubbed Say Cheese!, will be held on Saturday, April 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Seal Beach Tennis & Pickleball Center clubhouse, 3900 Lampson Ave. In addition to the food guests will be treated to live music by Second Wind. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased though the link at www.longbeachyouthchorus.org/saycheese. The event is a fundraiser for the Long Beach Youth Chorus. Space is limited and seats must be reserved by April 18.

LBYC, serving youth grades 2 through 12 throughout Long Beach and neighboring cities, is committed to promoting and creating a harmonious and safe space for their young singers and community. The organization explores artistic contributions from historically marginalized, disenfranchised and oppressed communities, including Indigenous Peoples, communities of color, immigrants, those of the LGBTQIA+ communities and more.

They have performed throughout the region, including alongside Long Beach Chorale, Camerata Singers of Long Beach, Long Beach Symphony, Jelly of the Month Club and more. They are hosts to both a weeklong Summer Arts Institute and the annual Long Beach Family Arts Festival.

For more information about the gala event or the chorus, visit www.longbeachchorus.org or contact Stan DeWitt, executive director, at stan@longbeachyouthchorus.org or (562) 972-3324.