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by A. R. Gurney
PLAYWRIGHT AND PARENTS BATTLE IN ITC'S "THE COCKTAIL HOUR"
A.R. Gurney is one of America's most prolific
playwrights. One of his
earliest hits, the 1988 comedy THE COCKTAIL HOUR, is a true case of art
imitating life – the story of a young playwright confronting his wealthy
parents. The play opens at
the Illinois Theatre Center in Park Forest on Friday, March 2 for a
three week run.
THE COCKTAIL HOUR is set in Gurney's home town of
Buffalo, New York. In the
play, the playwright informs his parents that they are the subject of
his latest play. The rather
stuffy parents don't want the family secrets exposed to the public, and
they offer a check for $20,000 if the son will give up plans to have the
play produced. In real life,
Gurney made an agreement with his parents that he could mount the show
in New York City, but it could never be presented in the Buffalo area
until after they had both died.
Gurney has written nearly 40 plays in the past 35
years. Most of them deal
with the lives of the wealthy and privileged.
His most popular works include THE DINING ROOM, WHAT I DID LAST
SUMMER, RICHARD CORY, THE PERFECT PARTY, CHILDREN, LOVE LETTERS, and
SYLVIA.
THE COCKTAIL HOUR features a cast of ITC veterans.
Peter Robel is the playwright, Kelly Ann Clark is his sister, and
David Boettcher and Jean Roberts are the parents.
The production is directed by Etel Billig.
The production opens Friday, March 2 and runs
through Sunday, March 18.
Performances are Wed. thru Sat. evenings at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 &
7:30 PM. Tickets are priced
at $22 on Fri. & Sat., $20 at all other times.
The Illinois Theatre Center is located in Downtown Park Forest at
371 Artists Walk (off Indianwood Blvd., adjacent to Village Hall).
For tickets, call 708-481-3510.
March 2 to 18, 2012
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