'Back to Babylon'-Back to West Palm

Back to Babylon is unique in that there aren't many local actors or writers presenting their own solo original works in Palm Beach/> County/>/>. It is a contemporary play with its story line about coming of age in the 1970's, its incorporation of rock music and multi-media effects.

Back to Babylon is a one-man comedic drama based on Gregg Tomé's personal experiences of growing up in the suburban town of Babylon/>, Long Island/>, in the 1970s.  The play is introduced by "Donny" in the local bar on the eve of his ten-year high school reunion where he is reminiscing about his past.  Through nine character-driven monologues, the story then unfolds about a group of friends struggling to define themselves within a haze of partying and a close-knit circle of townies.  After a tragedy occurs that destroys this circle of friends, Donny, ten years later, reveals the indelible ties that the characters have to each other and to the history of their town.

Back to Babylon has pleased audiences and impressed critics in Los Angeles/>, New York/> and Florida/>/> where it has been performed. The show had its New York premiere at the New York International Fringe Festival at P.S. 122 in the summer of 2002 and was singled out from over 200 shows performed at the Fringe by NYTHEATER.COM: "Babylon may very well be the finest show in the FringeNYC this year…this show has everything it needs to make its mark: a deeply inspired story, a remarkable performance and perfect timing."  BACKSTAGE magazine praised "the vividness of [Tomé's] characters and their modest, unmistakable authenticity."  THE VILLAGE VOICE wrote, "Recalling suburban teendom, Tomé performs a coterie of 1970s stoners and slackers with aplomb." and NEW YORK NEWSDAY declared it "a Babylonian Homecoming!"

Back to Babylon will run from January 6-February 24. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Saturday matinee at 2 pm, at The Cuillo Centre for the Arts' Cabaret Room, 201 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.  Tickets: $15.  Call 561-835-9226 for reservations.