Frankie & Johnnie in the Claire de Lune at ICT

I always enjoy going to the award-winning International City Theatre, because I know I can count on them to deliver quality performances, and their interpretation of Terrence McNally's (Ragtime, Kiss of the Spider Woman) Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune is no exception. This production seems more influenced in its casting by the 1991 movie adaptation with Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer than the original Kathy Bates version which opened off Broadway in 1987. Libby West and Thomas Fiscella have a similar edginess to their performance as their movie counterparts, and deliver an appropriate amount of neurotic desperation.

In the play, a one-night-stand between a waitress and a short order cook is propelled into fast-forward by Johnny's declaration of love. Frankie doesn't know whether to kiss or run as Johnny dances a fine line between passion and obsession. The dynamics of their relationship over the course of the night provides comic and poignant moments that resonate with just about anyone who has ever been in a relationship. This is definitely adult content, so leave the kids at home.

When: Aug 29 - Sep 21, 2008, Thu-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm
Where: International City Theatre at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90812 (ICT is around the left behind the Terrace Theatre, a level above and to the right of the entrance to the Sports Arena)
Cost: $32 - $42
Info: www.ictlongbeach.org, (562) 436-4610

There were discounted tickets for Friday night on Goldstar.com, so keep an eye out for other nights to become available.

Photo by Shashin Desai courtesy of International City Theatre