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. Find out more about acting studio Chicago classes.
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).
March 2 to 18