LOS ANGELES -- The Fountain Theatre will present the world premiere stage adaptation of The Last Tycoon, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Previews begin July 9, pushed up from July 2, and the show opens July 17, moved up from July 10. The show runs to Aug. 16.

The mystique of 1930s Hollywood is re-created in this version of the Fitzgerald novel, as adapted and directed by the Fountain's producing director and dramaturg, Simon Levy.

In the story, movie studio chief Monroe Stahr makes high quality films and mourns for his beloved deceased wife, Minna. His integrity is threatened by moguls and money men.

The cast includes Molly Basler, Gary Bullock, Julia Coffey, Tony Goodstone, Nathan LeGrand, Marty Pistone, Rebecca Roy, Joe Taylor, and Lawrence Monoson as Monroe Stahr

The play is produced by the Fountain Theatre's Co-Artistic Director Stephen Sachs, with choreography by Bill and Debbie Bartlett, with set design by Sets-to-Go, lighting design by Ken Booth, costumes by Jeanne Reith and sound design by Charles Dayton. Levy won the 1996 PEN West Literary Award in Drama for his world-premiere stage adaptation of Fitzgerald's Tender is the Night, which also ran at the Fountain.

Tickets are $12 to $22. For reservations, call (213) 663-1525. The Fountain Theatre is at 5060 Fountain Ave., Hollywood.

--By Michael Farkash
Southern California Correspondent