In its only authorized stage adaptation of Dashiell Hammett’s classic detective novel, The Maltese Falcon is playing now through Nov. 3 at The Richard Goad Theatre, located at 4520 Atlantic Avenue in Long Beach.
In association with the Hammett family, artistic director Helen Borgers has adapted the novel for the stage as well as directed the theatre’s production. Hammet’s descendents, who live locally, have also decided to use the theatre’s adaptation as the standard for theatres and schools nationwide.
The production comes after the National Endowment for the Arts listed The Maltese Falcon on their Big Read Project list for the current school year. The adaptation, according to Borgers, comes straight from the novel and includes one critical scene left out in John Huston’s film version.
The Richard Goad Theatre performs Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Due to high demand, guests are encouraged to the get their tickets 48 hours in advance.
For more information, visit the Long Beach Shakespeare Company Web site at www.lbshakespeare.org.
