New Play About 'Theater People' To Premiere Next Week In Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA — A new romantic comedy about "theater people" is set to premiere in Long Beach next week, and it's essentially a play within a play.

The play, "The Angel Next Door," is described by writer and actor Paul Slade Smith, as "deliciously screwy."

It follows a young USC graduate who is on the brink of success as his novel, which shares the same name as Smith's play, is about to be published.

He converts the book into a play and starts casting actors. But when the actors go on a weekend getaway, it starts to look like all hope of putting on the production is lost.

“It’s a comedy that’s in love with theater,” Smith said in a May press release. “About people in love with theater who, in pursuit of a surefire Broadway hit, might have to give reality a rewrite to arrive at a happy ending.”

Smith, who is based out of Brooklyn, New York, was inspired to write this play after being inspired by a 1923 drawing room comedy by Ferenc Molnar, according to the press release.

Following some countrywide success, Smith is bringing the play to International City Theatre in Long Beach from June 13 to June 29.

The show will be directed by Cate Caplin and stars Armand Akbari, Jessica Fishenfeld, Meeghan Holaway, Geoffrey Lower, Nick Lunetta and Sky Palkowitz.

The Long Beach International City Theatre is located at 330 E. Seaside Way. For tickets, click here. Discounts are available for students and seniors.