Perth Theatre presents the Scottish premiere of Ron Hutchinson’s fast paced farce, Moonlight and Magnolias – the funny and incredible true story behind the making of Gone with the Wind.

Directed by Rachel O’Riordan, Moonlight and Magnolias runs exclusively in Perth Theatre from Friday 16 until Saturday 31 March.

Benny Young plays director Victor Fleming, called in at the eleventh hour by movie mogul David O. Selznick (Steven McNicoll) along with scriptwriter Ben Hecht (Joseph Chance) to save his floundering project.  The fact that Ben Hecht is probably the only man in Hollywood who hasn’t read the book sets the comedic stage for Selznick and Fleming to re-enact all parts of the epic, convoluted story, scene by scene, while Hecht  frantically writes against the clock in a farcical marathon of creativity.

Moonlight and Magnolias is Rachel O’Riordan’s third play as artistic director for Perth Theatre and concludes the 11/12 subscription season which has already brought Twelfth Night, Men Should Weep and Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me to audiences. Set design is by Gary McCann.

Rachel O’Riordan said:

“We are thrilled to be staging the Scottish premiere of Moonlight and Magnolias.  It’s a fantastic piece that strips away the glamour of the movie industry exposing the money making machine at the heart of the glossy finished product.  In its debunking of celebrity culture it feels more relevant than ever to be staging this now – it’s almost the ultimate reality show! However, set in 1939, as the war in looms in Europe, the Jewish producer and writer battle with more than just their storylines.

“Above all, Moonlight and Magnolias is a really funny play.  The combination of slapstick and snappy dialogue is a challenging and exciting mix to perform and direct and I look forward to ending the season with a comedic bang.”

Moonlight and Magnolias is in Perth Theatre from Friday 16 until Saturday 31 March, with special screenings of Gone with the Wind in Playhouse Cinema on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 March.  Ticket buyers can save £1 on their cinema visit if they buy tickets for both at Perth Theatre Box Office.  Call 01738 621031 or visit www.horsecross.co.uk.

Source: Horsecross