Long Beach Playhouse to Present THE PILLOWMAN This Month

A serial killer is on the loose, and several children have gone missing. But when a writer in this unnamed totalitarian state is interrogated, the police think the gruesome content of their short stories and the similarities to the murders are too close to be a coincidence. Is art a crime and can story-telling be dangerous?

In The Pillowman, award winning Irish playwright, Martin McDonagh, does what he does so well in his plays; he concocts complex relationships, puts enormous strain on them and watches human nature show its best and worst sides. Ultimately, McDonagh delivers the audience thought-provoking questions and insights. Does art imitate life? Or does life imitate art. Or is the answer, “both”? The Pillowman is a gripping and unflinching examination of the nature and purpose of art itself

“This is a show that we have been trying to get the rights for ten years,” said Sean Gray, Producing Artistic Director for the Playhouse. “As a very dark horror thriller, it also has touches of comedy that are McDonagh's style. Our other McDonagh plays have done well in the Studio. This play has something important to say about art and violence in totalitarian states.

“I've heard it described as a complex tale about life and art, about fact and illusion, about politics, society, cruelty and creativity. I agree with that assessment.”

Gray selected Carl daSilva to direct the play. daSilva is a Playhouse favorite having directed some of the most popular past shows including Fences on the Mainstage and The Motherf**ker with the Hat last summer in the Studio Theater.

Of The Pillowman, daSilva said, “This play brings together these two passions of mine, storytelling and theatre, as, at the same time, raises some important questions including, to what extent the storyteller can be held responsible for actions inspired by the art created?  What is more important, the artist or the artist's creation? How much do the experiences of one's childhood impact the choices made in adulthood?”

daSilva encourages audience members to allow themselves to travel inside this beautiful and masterfully written piece and be touched by a playwright at the top of his form. And the talented artists who bring the show to Playhouse audiences.

Madison Mooney, Playhouse Executive Director said, “The stories that arouse detectives' suspicion are enacted as the play moves along. The story is dark but McDonagh's facility with humor dials down the tension. It's a trademark of his writing.

"It's about sibling relationships, abusive authority, the dark side of humanity and art and censorship. It also presents issues we face today including words that summon violence and creeping authoritarianism in governments around the world.”

The six-member cast includes three returning performers, Jeff Cheezum, Peggy Free and Patrick Peterson. Debuting performers are Patrick McLoy, Paul Vroom, and Brian Brennan.

Mooney added, “Several of McDonagh's works have been made into films including Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri in 2017. I know audiences are going to love this show. Don't miss it!”

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

• Pay what you can Preview Thursday, August 29 - community can see this production for whatever they wish to donate, suggested donation $5
• Ten Dollar Preview Friday, August 30 - Tickets are $10.00
• Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on Saturday August 31 - Tickets are $35.00 - SPONSORED BY THE PORT OF LONG BEACH

 

TICKET PRICES

Friday: Adults are $25.00, Seniors $20.00, and Students $20.00

Saturday and Sunday: Adults are $30.00, Seniors $25.00, and Students $20.00.

Tickets are available at www.lbplayhouse.org, or by calling 562-494-1014, option 1.

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