Community News

‘Noises Off’ at Playhouse

British playwright Michael Frayne’s hysterically funny play, “Noises Off,” is playing now through March 21, at the Long Beach Playhouse.

“Noises Off” was written in 1982 and played in London to enthusiastic audiences and reviews. During its first Broadway run in 1984, it was nominated for both Tony and Drama Desk Awards. For nearly 40 years, the play has been a staple of both professional and community theaters on both sides of the Atlantic.

This is its first production at the Long Beach Playhouse, partly due to the complexities of the set which requires shifting between backstage happenings and the on stage performance. Sean Gray, Artistic Director for the Playhouse, felt Larry Mura, the theater’s technical director as well as the show’s set designer, had the expertise to make it work.

Tickets are $20-$14. They are available at www.lbplayhouse.org, or by calling (562) 494-1014, option 1.

Solid Waste Management

Learn about the holistic systems engineering approach to municipal solid waste management and importance of role in climate change from Dr. Eugene Tseng on March 4. He is an environmental engineer and attorney with decades of design, regulatory and construction experience in the area of solid waste management. He is a world-renowned expert on everything relating to trash and holds various process patents on new construction materials made from the recycled waste stream.

Most recently, he has been working closely with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to use satellite imagery to detect methane emissions, with oil refineries and landfills among the worst culprits in Southern California. He will discuss the sources of those and how we as individuals can do our part for a better environment.

There are few things he enjoys more than “trash talking” and can tell you details about waste and recycling from all corners of the globe.

Sierra Club monthly meetings are open to all on the first Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. at the Environmental Services Bureau, 2929 E. Willow St.

For more info contact Gabrielle@WorkWithWeeks.com or call (323) 377-5678. Find Long Beach Area Group at www.sierraclub.org/angeles/long-beach.

Beethoven’s 250 Birthday

In honor of this auspicious occasion, Maestro Eckart Preu chose Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D – the only concerto he ever wrote for that instrument. It begins with five soft beats on the timpani, a motif that is passed around to other instruments as the concerto unfolds. This highly virtuosic work will dazzle you with the instrument’s range, as the Long Beach Symphony’s guest violinist on March 11, Stefan Jackiw, will demonstrate.

Jackiw, who lives in New York City, has soloed with myriad orchestras around the world, is an active recitalist and chamber musician and has collaborated with top names in the classical music world. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University, as well as an Artist Diploma from the New England Conservatory and is the recipient of a prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant.

Founded in 1934, the Long Beach Symphony’s concerts offer music lovers the opportunity to hear live orchestral music without having to drive to LA or Orange County – a real gift to the community given today’s traffic challenges.

Info: www.LongBeachSymphony.org or call (562) 436-3203.

Reagan’s Quest

Most conservatives revere and remember President Ronald Reagan’s two terms in office (1981 to 1989), but don’t always recall Reagan’s 1968 quest to win the Republican Party’s nomination. Reagan historian and author Gene Kopelson reveals new facts from his behind-the-scenes book “Reagan’s 1968 Dress Rehearsal: Ike, RFK and Reagan’s Emergence as a World Statesman” during the Long Beach Republican Women Federated March 14 meeting. A key fact is that President Dwight D. Eisenhower was Reagan’s hidden mentor.

The meeting is at The Grand (4101 E. Willow St.). Registration starts at 9 a.m. with a buffet breakfast. The cost is just $30 for members and $35 for non-members with free parking.

Kopelson’s presentation is “Ike and Dutch: Mentor, Protege and Common Sense.” It includes audio clips, previously lost to history, reveal presidential candidate and later President, Ronald Reagan discussing the critical importance of Eisenhower’s mentorship of Reagan in world affairs (Vietnam but much more), which extended through the end of Reagan’s presidency and beyond. In addition to presenting at many recognized organizations throughout the United States, CSPAN filmed his book talk and made it part of their American Presidency series.

The community is invited to join like-minded women and men. The morning breakfast meeting is an opportunity to learn more about Republican Women Federated and how to be part of America’s largest grassroots organization. For information and reservations: email loisledger5@gmail.com or call (562) 432-5822 or visit www.longbeachrepublicanwomen.com/calendar.

St. Paddy

Climb aboard the legendary Queen Mary and ring in St. Patrick’s Day early! Shamrock ‘n’ Roll through two of the ship’s iconic salons on Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. while celebrating the revelry, the tradition and the spirit of Ireland with a rocking party unlike any other.

Shamrock ‘n’ Roll features top entertainment for music lovers of many genres, including 70s and 80s soft rock, Ska, punk, folk, bluegrass, soul and of course, Irish rock. Get ready for an unforgettable night of live music with four headlining bands: Yachtley Crew, Hoist the Colors, The Untouchables, and Dirty Old Town.

Tickets to Shamrock ‘n’ Roll are currently on-sale starting at $30 for general admission. Shamrock ‘n’ Roll is for guests 21+, tickets grant admission aboard the Queen Mary and access to event stages inside the Queen’s and Royal Salons. For more information, schedule of performances and to purchase tickets visit queenmary.com.

Senior Comedy Afternoons

“O’ Lucky You, Too!” is a lively variety comedy show and luncheon on Sunday March 15 at the newly renovated Proud Bird Restaurant and Events Center at 11022 Aviation Blvd. in Los Angeles, near LAX. A 3-course served luncheon starts at 12:30 p.m. and the show starts at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to wear “Luck of the Irish” green or anything that makes you happy! A guided tour of their famous Air Park takes place post show!

Tickets are $75 each, which includes the show and lunch, including taxes and tips. Show only is $40. Tickets available online at www.seniorcomedyafternoons.com.