'The Pillowman' to Debut at Chatham Playhouse Tonight

The Chatham Community Players will continue their 88th season tonight when the black comedy "The Pillowman," written by Irish playwright Martin McDonagh, opens at Chatham Playhouse. It is directed by Jonathan Wierzbicki.

The play has received two Tony Awards—the 2004 Olivier Award for Best Play and the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best New Foreign Play.

Its plot follows Katurian, who is a short story writer and a citizen of a totalitarian state. Katurian is taken from his home by government officials without explanation. Soon, he is interrogated by two detectives about his writing. His stories tend to be violent and gruesome, and many involve children that are strikingly similar to a number of actual child murders happening in his town. What is the connection?

The cast includes Michael King as Tupolski, Rick Holloway as Katurian, Hans Augustave as Ariel, Peter Horn as Michal, Valerie de Leon as Mother, Nicholas Duchensky as Father, Zachary Catron as the Boy and Brielle Raddi as the Girl.

Wierzbicki is returning to the Chatham Playhouse after directing "Inherit the Wind" last season. He has acted in, directed and written productions for regional and community theatre for over 25 years.

"The Pillowman challenges our concept of justice, responsibility and the very nature of art," he said. "Using humor to disarm the audience, we are drawn into the dark imagination of a man who is grappling with his past."

Playhouse officials said they understand this challenging play must find the perfect balance of brutal drama and dark comedy. Whether the lead character's stories are works of expression of his inner art or just gratuitous shock pandering for attention, is up to the audience member to decide, they said. 

"The Pillowman," Chatham Playhouse, 23 N. Passaic Ave. Performances are Feb. 26, 27, March 5, 6, 12, 13 at 8 p.m.; March 7 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults 19 and older and $18 for seniors and for those 18 or younger. Contains scenes and language that may offend and is not suitable for children.

To access the theater's online ticketing service, go to http://www.chathamplayers.org/tickets.htm and click on the "TicketLeap" logo.  The service is available 24 hours a day, and tickets can be purchased online up until three hours prior to curtain on the day of a performance.  The box office is accepting phone reservations at 973-635-7363. Information regarding box office hours is available at the box office number listed above.