Original Art Exhibited at The Pearl Theatre 10/17-31

THE Pearl Theatre Company (J.R. Sullivan, Artistic Director; Shira Beckerman, Managing Director) is pleased to announce the exhibition of original artwork by renowned artist Sol Schwartz in the lobby of its theatre, New York City Center Stage II. The six illustrations will be displayed October 17 through October 31, 2010. A reception to honor the artist will take place at Stage II on October 17, 2010 following a performance of The Pearl's current production of Chekhov's THE SNEEZE.

The illustrations were created by the artist during a live performance of THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD. Praised as "a joyous production" (Associated Press) with "a winning cast" (Time Out NY), this production was the first produced by The Pearl last season at New York City Center Stage II.

Sol Schwartz's work has focused on the performing arts as they are being performed. Based in western Massachusetts, he has created and currently displays works at Tanglewood, Shakespeare & Company, and Barrington Stage Company. Mr. Schwartz has produced a book "Drawing Music: The Tanglewood Sketchbook" and he is completing a book on drawing dance for Jacob's Pillow.

Founded in 1984, The Pearl Theatre is a New York City repertory company of resident actors that produces a full range of plays rooted in the classic tradition, impacting over 30,000 artists and audiences each year. Over its 26-year history, The Pearl has been awarded with a 1992 Obie grant for Continued Artistic Excellence; a special Obie Award for Sustained Excellence of Performance; a sweep of Actors' Equity Association's awards for Performance in Classical Plays; an American Theatre Wing grant for consistent commitment to excellence in the professional theatre; and the Board of Education's Friend of Manhattan High Schools Award for Classics in the Classroom, the Pearl's Arts-in-Education initiative which has allowed thousands of New York City high school students to experience classical theatre.

The Pearl performs at New York City Center's Stage II. Its current production, THE SNEEZE, runs through October 31. Following will be Henrik Ibsen's ROSMERSHOLM, which begins performances November 12, 2010. The season will continue with THE MISANTHROPE by Molierè in January 2011 and conclude with David Davalos' contemporary comedy WITTENBERG.

Subscriptions for the 2010-2011 season are currently available and can be purchased by calling 212-598-9802 or going online to www.pearltheatre.org. Single tickets for all of The Pearl's productions are currently on sale through CityTix® at 212-581-1212 and online at www.nycitycenter.org.