Arts & Entertainment

Free Documentary

The Board of Social Justice & Outreach, the Board of Cultural Arts, and Prism invite you to a screening of 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture on Friday, May 3, at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Long Beach. Admission is free.

This feature-length documentary follows the dedicated work of researchers tracing the origins of the anti-LGBTQIA+ movement among Christians, which resulted in a grave mistranslation of the Bible.

The Revised Standard Version, published in 1946, was the first instance where the word “homosexual” appeared in any Bible, in any translation. Archives at Yale University, until now unseen, reveal astonishing new revelations and cast significant doubt on any biblical basis for prejudice affecting our culture, politics, religion, and the LGBTQIA+ community for hundreds of years.

Free Mariachi Festival

The City of Long Beach Offices of Councilmember Roberto Uranga and Mary Zendejas are announcing a free Mariachi Festival on Saturday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Harry Bridges Memorial Park, located at 1126 Queens Hwy.

The city is pleased to celebrate and preserve Latino culture through cultural activations, and the festival is a great opportunity to highlight and uplift Mexican-American businesses, nonprofit organizations, cultural performers, musicians, and other entertainers.

There will be live entertainment and an interactive family area where cultural dancing, resources, and other activities will happen.

Mariachi has long been considered a uniquely Mexican sound, representing a homegrown tradition that embraces both indigenous and foreign elements. Mariachi is deeply rooted in the traditions and cultures of the indigenous communities of Mexico and Latin America. As family, friends and neighbors continue those traditions in ways that are most meaningful in their lives, this event encourages the entire community to come together for this musical fiesta in Downtown Long Beach.

Men on Boats

At the Long Beach Playhouse from April 27 to May 25, “Men on Boats” is the true(ish) history of the 1869 expedition of the Grand Canyon when ten explorers, in four boats, led by a one-armed captain, set out to chart the course of the Colorado River.

Playwright Jaclyn Backhaus learned about John Wesley Powell’s expedition in 4th grade history class. Her father had copies of Powell’s journals that she would flip through, and she grew up knowing there was a lake named for him.

In the play, topics such as masculinity, individualism, physical strength and scientific knowledge come into play. With male roles supplanted by women and non-binary individuals, the gender aspect of the men’s experiences brings an intriguing aspect to the story. With women and non-binary individuals delivering the lines, the cluelessness and cockiness of the men becomes biting satire. Of the play, one reviewer wrote: “This play is hilarious, bold, and conscious of its deeply flawed characters without slipping into maliciousness. “Men on Boats” is a historical play for the present day.”

“This show is funny, laugh-out-loud funny, but not simple. It’s clever funny, in that it asks us to consider who writes the history and why does it matter,” said Madison Mooney, Long Beach Playhouse executive director.

“We can never present history exactly as it was,” said Sean Gray, artistic director for the Playhouse. “It’s always somewhat filtered by present day attitudes and expectations. “Men on Boats” invites the inevitable anachronisms, they’re part of what makes the play interesting and memorable. I’m happy we’re doing this show in association with JD Theatricals. This is the third show we partnered on with them. It’s a great experience for us and for the audience.”

The director is Meredith Miranda, a Filipino-American actor, director, and writer who is fluent in English, Tagalog, and Spanish. Miranda attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. She appeared in the Studio Theatre production of The Revolutionists and on the Mainstage in Murder on the Orient Express. She also directed Rent and The Clean House in the Studio Theater.

The ten-member cast includes Ren Warzecha, Kathryn Ludlum, Astrid Caren, and Phoebe Balson making their debuts along with Playhouse veterans, Nina Rae, Giovanni Navarro, Serena Bottiani-Henderson, Carole Louise, Willow Mercury Ardelean, and Alex Lohman.

“One might say this is a rollicking adventure that turns the American myth of “man”-ifest destiny on end,” said Mooney. “Come and see the show!”

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

Art Exhibit

Vivian Wenhuey Chen Solo Exhibit of Art is being held through May 20, in celebration of the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the Long Beach Senior Center, 1150 E. 4th St.

Vivian Wenhuey Chen was born in Taiwan, came to the United States to study. She worked and lived in Boston for more than 30 years and moved and settled in Long Beach in 2006. She has devoted her time to creating artworks, mostly paintings in contemporary and contemporary representational style.

Celtic Woman

The Celtic Woman 20th Anniversary Tour takes place on Friday, May 10, 7:30 p.m. at the Long Beach Terrace Theater.

Don’t miss Grammy-nominated sensation Celtic Woman as they bring their 20th Anniversary Tour to Long Beach Terrace Theater on Friday, May 10th. Experience their captivating blend of traditional Irish music and contemporary flair, featuring breathtaking harmonies and instrumental virtuosity.

Tickets are available now on Ticketmaster.com.