Long Beach Landmark Theatre Company - Going to Church

Long Beach Landmark Theatre Company (LBLTC) has its roots inside the First Congregational Church Of Long Beach (FCCLB). A Long Beach landmark, the visually stunning red brick, Italian Romanesque Revival church was built in 1914 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.

As to the theatre company's beginnings, The Rage Monthly spoke with Landmark Theatre Company Executive Director and Producer, Mark Wheeler, about how the theatre company was originally seeded. He shared these insights: "It's been an organic process, really. First Congregational has always had a reputation for having a ton of musical talent and a really strong music program. As a progressive, free-thinking church, we're not limited by dogmas or religious constraints that might otherwise hold a 'church group' back from expressing themselves artistically."

When asked abut his ultimate hope and vision for the theatre company, Wheeler took a moment and replied with, "Hmm... ultimate hope and vision? That's big. My hope is that we can provide to the public excellent, entertaining, thought-provoking, challenging, uplifting theatre."

When Director of Marketing Scott Juhl was posed with the question, as to what inspired the theatre group to take the leap and make permanent residence at the First Congressional Church, he offered this: "There are a few reasons why LBLTC is situated at the First Congregational Church of Long Beach. First and foremost, this is where it all began, literally. For the past 100 plus years, FCCLB has been presenting theater, operas/operettas, oratory and classical music, etc. at that location. The dramatic setting and acoustics inside the sanctuary, lend themselves perfectly to artistic performance of almost every type."

Artistic Director, Megan O'Toole was asked about her background and how it brought her to her position inside the theatre organization. "I began singing and performing in musicals at Long Beach Civic Light Opera from age six to 16, then attended U.S.C. as a Theatre then Music major." Continuing, she said, "I became an opera singer and actor in many shows. I have taught private voice, acting and movement while pursuing my career. In 2009, I was hired as soprano soloist at First Congregational Church of Long Beach, met Mark Wheeler and we have been collaborating ever since."

When asked for the inside scoop on which shows might be next, with great excitement O'Toole said, "LBLTC will soon be announcing more details of our upcoming season, but coming this October, we are thrilled to announce
'The Hunchback of Notre Dame.' " Continuing, she added, "Following our great success last year with 'Titanic the Musical,' this will be another show of epic proportions. It is an ideal fit for us. Not only is this musical a beautiful, moving interpretation of the Victor Hugo novel, 'Hunchback' will also allow us to take full advantage of the amazing, historic architecture of the landmark that we call our home."

O'Toole continued, "When First Congregational Church of Long Beach was built, it was likened to the great cathedrals of Europe. We will be using those similarities to create the fa�ade of Notre-Dame de Paris as well as other architectural elements within the sanctuary to create the streets of Paris and the south tower, Quasimodo's 'sanctuary.' The heartrending story, complex characters, intricate staging, and soaring choruses will spotlight what LBLTC does best. I also think it's a great choice for the weeks leading up to Halloween!"

O'Toole finished her passionate explanation for what theatre and her new home within means to her, "The Long Beach Landmark Theatre Company is truly a dream come true for me. With LBLTC I hope to create an environment like those that fostered in me the love of theatre, an environment that is inclusive, collaborative, encouraging, respectful and joy-filled."

The Landmark Theatre Company's home is inside the First Congregational Church of Long Beach, located at 241 Cedar Avenue.