Long Beach : Civic Light Opera Producer to Resign at End of Season

Martin Wiviott, producer of the Long Beach Civic Light Opera who has overseen the transformation of that company from a relatively unknown local group into one of the most respected theater companies in Southern California, has announced his resignation effective July 31 with the conclusion of the company’s current season.

“It’s time to move on to other challenges,” said Wiviott, who has been with the company since January, 1983.

Also resigning is Keith Stava, Wiviott’s assistant for the past six years. According to Wiviott, the resignations in no way represent any criticism or rancor within the company. “It’s just a good time to say thank you, it’s been a terrific (almost) eight years,” said Wiviott, adding that he is exploring several career options but has not yet decided what he will do. “It’s been hard, but the challenge is sometimes what makes it exciting.”

Since Wiviott took over, the company has whittled a $1-million deficit into a balanced annual budget of $3.5 million, as well as achieved some critical acclaim. While a search committee has been formed to pick his successor, Wiviott said, it is still engaged in the task of “forming parameters” for what is expected to be a nationwide search.