The Actors Theater of Orcas Island announces seven performances of the laugh-out-loud comedy “Moonlight and Magnolias” written by Ron Hutchinson and directed by Doug Bechtel at the Orcas Grange.

Loosely based on a true story, “Moonlight And Magnolias” is a portrait of the legendary movie producer David O. Selznick and his collaborators as they write the screenplay for “Gone With The Wind.”

The year is 1939 and Hollywood is abuzz.  Selznick has just shut down production of “Gone With The Wind” because the screenplay just doesn’t work. While fending off the film’s stars, gossip columnists and his own father-in-law, Selznick brings in screenwriter Ben Hecht and pulls director Victor Fleming from the set of “The Wizard of Oz.”

Summoning both to his office, he locks the doors, closes the shades, and on a diet of bananas and peanuts, the three men labor over five days to fashion a screenplay that will become the blueprint for one of the most successful and beloved films of all time.

Join Ron Herman as David O. Selznick, John Mazzarella as Ben Hecht, Tony Lee as Victor Fleming and Gillian Smith as the beleaguered Miss Poppenghul as they strive to write the screenplay in five days.

“Moonlight and Magnolias” opens on Friday, Feb. 21  with additional performances on February 22, 28, March 1, 7, 8 and closing night on Sunday, March 9. Performances are at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and are available at Darvill’s, online at www.orcasactors.com or at the door. Some language may not be suitable for younger children. For additional information, contact Doug Bechtel at 317-5601.