Civic Light Opera Names Art Director

The Long Beach Civic Light Opera has named Barry Brown, a well-known Broadway producer, as its new artistic director, effective Sept. 10.

“We’re elated,” opera executive director Pegge Logefeil said. “He brings . . . a fresh new vision and scope . . . that ensures our audiences of a new era of artistic excellence and professionalism.”

Brown, a Hollywood resident, replaces Martin Wiviott, who announced his resignation in June to accept a similar position with the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera. Among other things, Brown has won Tony awards for his productions of “La Cage Aux Folles” and the current hit revival of “Gypsy.” He also produced an Emmy-winning PBS special called “Broadway Sings the Music of Jule Styne,” as well as more than 10 Broadway shows and a dozen benefits, including “The Best of the Best,” the first major benefit in America to raise money to fight acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

According to a press release announcing the appointment, Brown intends to mount more original shows in Long Beach, including some that will go on tour and possibly even end up on Broadway.