American Mystery Classic--The Maltese Falcon--First Time on Any Stage - Hammett's Approve

Long Beach Shakespeare Company is holding a press conference on Friday, April 22, to celebrate the opening of the World Premiere Stage Production of Dashiell Hammett's "The Maltese Falcon."

(PRWEB) April 16, 2005 -- The black bird comes to Long Beach. And youre invited to join us. Announcing a special press conference at the Black Box Theatre with Jo Hammett and Julie Rivett, Dashiell Hammetts daughter and granddaughter, to celebrate the world premiere stage adaptation of Dashiell Hammetts classic American mystery, The Maltese Falcon.

One of Americas greatest novels, The Maltese Falcon is a story of the disparate qualities of greed, duplicity and honor. This year marks the 75th anniversary of its publication, and the occasion is being celebrated across the country. The novel has become an icon of the hardboiled private eye genre and was adapted into a major film starring Humphrey Bogart and directed by John Huston.

It is high time that this classic mystery, which is so well suited to the stage, finally be adapted for live performance. Martin Popes adaptation has been sanctioned by the Hammett family, and will, for its millions of fans, pay honor to the novel. The Long Beach Shakespeare Company's mission is to promote literacy and inspire its audiences with performances of classic literature from all genres, cultures and historical periods. The Falcon has all the intrigue, treachery and passion of a Twentieth century Macbeth, and we embrace its perpetual relevance.

Martin Pope, the adaptor and director, will also participate in the press conference, as will Helen Borgers, the Companys artistic director.

We will also have some of our actors there, performing a scene or two from the play. It's a great opportunity for video and still photography.

And there'll be complimentary champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

We look forward to your attendance to give us the opportunity to explain the importance of this dramatic premiere.

11:30 am, Friday, April 22, at the Black Box Theatre, 4250 Atlantic Ave., Suite 2, Long Beach 90807. (Just north of Carson in Bixby Knolls.) Call Vic Warren, Marketing Manager, at 562-437-1443 for more information or to RSVP.

Based on the novel by Dashiell Hammett. Copyright © 1929, 1930 by Alfred A. Knopf, Copyright renewed 1956, 1957 by Dashiell Hammett. Permission arranged with Gelfman Schneider Literary Agents, Inc.

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