Carlsbad Playreaders Present

The Star-Spangled Girl

Did Neil Simon really write a play about political protest, patriotism and the President? Yes, he did - and it's a hilarious romp with two guys and a gal involved in life, liberty and the pursuit of love. Carlsbad Playreaders proudly presents "The Star-Spangled Girl," Monday, May 21, 7:30 p.m., at the Dove Library Schulman Auditorium.

A good old-fashioned love triangle formed by two guys, (Andy and Norman) who publish a protest magazine, and the new girl upstairs (Sophie) who is a red-white & blue Olympic swimmer. Mix in unpaid bills for the boys and a Camp Pendleton Marine fiance for the girl, and this clash of values, free speech, LBJ and puppy love becomes as relevant to today's headlines as it was when Simon first wrote it...not to mention funny.

Allegedly inspired by a political argument Simon witnessed between liberal writer Paddy Chayefsky and a lively conservative woman, the play deals with issues of Red and Blue America, although Sophie would be horrified to be called a "Red."

The cast includes Adam Brick and Justin Snavely as the earnest protesters, and, as the All-American girl, Amanda Sitton. Bill Maass makes his debut as director for the Playreaders - he last appeared on stage in the Playreaders' production of the new play "Capitol." Sitton was last on stage for the Playreaders in "Crimes of the Heart," Snavely in "Boy Gets Girl," and Brick will be making his first on-stage appearance, although he has provided sound design and production assistance for the last several Playreaders shows.

Doors open at the auditorium at 7:00 p.m., Monday. Suggested donation is $5 for adults and $1 for students. Schulman Auditorium is located at 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad (at El Camino Real, just north of Aviara Parkway).

The Star-Spangled Girl is presented by special arrangement with the Dramatists Play Service. This project is made possible in part by support from the Cultural Arts Office, the City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad City Library. For more information, visit www.carlsbadplayreaders.org.