LONG BEACH : Civic Light Opera Names Interim Director

The Civic Light Opera has appointed Phillip Keene as interim executive director.

Keene, who also serves as president of the California Tourism Corp., started his new job last week. He succeeds Clare Faulkner, who left in August to take a job with the California State University system. Producer Barry Brown also left the company.

The two departures forced the Civic Light Opera to postpone the season opener, “Can-Can,” from October to January.

Despite the opera’s financial problems, which caused some theater board members to warn that the company was on the verge of collapse, Keene said he is certain the theater is heading for a comeback.

“There are challenges, but there are also all the right ingredients for success,” said Keene, 53, who added that his primary goal is to implement the opera’s new business plan. He accepted a 90-day contract with the Civic Light Opera, with the possibility that his stay will be extended.

Last week, the City Council approved a $490,000-per-year funding package for the next two years for the Civic Light Opera. The funds will be available provided the theater can raise a matching amount.