'Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller' Comes to a Close Dec 30

Season Two of, "Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller" ends Sunday, Dec. 30th, at the Long Beach Playhouse, when the winner is determined by the audience and judges. The spring, summer, and fall shows each produced two finalists who had the winning true, five-minute story of the night. The Winter Final Show, will pit, Ben Peters, Robbin Fortier, Kori Denis, Justin Ezzi, Catherine Close and Jason Bowes, on the main stage to determine, "The Greatest Storyteller."

Andrew Vonderschmitt, Producing Artistic Director of The Playhouse, remarked, "Last year the finals sold out; it was a great night! Our playhouse is for the community, and this event is a chance for anyone, not just actors using scripts, to perform."

During the year, story topics ranged from Robbin Fortier's poignant and moving cancer survivor story, to a different kind of medical experience. Justin Ezzi spun a hilarious tale about his visit to the doctor for an examination of the "bathing suit area." For finals, each storyteller must come up with a new tale.

Oscar-winning, Hall of Fame local songwriter, Paul Williams will be on hand to open the show with his own true story. "Actually, Paul will tell a new story too," chuckles show producer, Mariana Williams, Paul's wife. "We also have another guest to open the second half, comedian Wayne Federman, who has appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm, as well as other sit-coms."

Six judges, along with the audience, vote and the winner is awarded $100 cash, as in every show. The judges are all luminaries in Long Beach representing many facets of the arts community: respectively, Novelist; Darlene Quinn, LBCC English Professor; Charla Howard, Drama Coach: Frederick Ponzlov, Educator & host of Straight Talk; Art Levine, Editor of Grunion Gazette; Harry Saltzgaver, and from L.A., Moth Competitive Storyteller of renown; Bill Ratner. Each judge's vote counts for five points and each audience member's vote is one.

The Storyteller Final Event takes place on Sunday, December 30 at 7pm. Admission is $10.00.

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