Bingo is more than a game; it's a musical comedy. Hermosa Beach, California played host to the world premiere of Bingo, a new tuner by Michael Heitzman, Ilene Reid and David Holcenberg, closing May 6. Performances began at the Hermosa Beach Playhouse April 24.

Although the game ends in California, that's not the end of the game. Bingo will resurface at Minneapolis' Ordway Center for the Performing Arts for a run Sept. 18 - Dec. 9 in the McKnight Theatre.

Bingo is played by Honey, Minnie, Shep, and Vern, die-hard bingo teers way too involved in the ritual games held in the basement of St. Bartholomew's Church. There's a fifteen year old feud brewing and even the audience gets sucked into a round of bingo. Heitzman, Reid and Holcenberg co-wrote the song "Throw That Girl Around" from Swing! and the musical Vices with singer-performer Everett Bradley.

Glenn Casale directs. Bingo features John Bisom, Heather Lee, Beth Malone, Mary Jo Mecca, Lisa Robinson, K.T. Vogt and Wendy Worthington.

Opening night is set for April 27. Tickets are $35. Hermosa Beach Playhouse is Pier Avenue at Pacific Coast Highway. For reservations, call (310) 372-4477. Hermosa Beach Playhouse is on the web at http://www.hermosabeachplayhouse.com. — By Christine Ehren