Long Beach, CA's International City Theatre, the resident group at Long Beach Performing Arts Center, opens its 15th "Crystal" Anniversary Season Feb. 11 at the newly expanded Center Theatre with Michael Frayn's backstage farce Noises Off. Shashin Desai directs a cast that includes Frank Ashmore, William S. Caisley, Ron Campbell, Jodi Carlisle, Gail Godown, Sarah Patrick, Jordan Savage, Matthew Walker and Brian Weber. Previews began Feb. 8 for a run through March 5.

"I love directing farce," said Desai. "Noises Off is one of the most challenging because it's actually a farce with a farce. The actors need to be specially adept because each plays two parts--an actor in the troupe, and the role within this really bad play that's being put on."

Frayn's work received the Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy and was nominated for four Tony Awards. Frayn's other credits include Copenhagen and Balmoral, among others. He has translated five plays by Chekhov and has published nine novels, including "Headlong."

LBPAC is located at 300 E. Ocean Blvd. For tickets and information call (562) 436-4610.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent