'The Pillowman' Staged by Hofstra Univ. Dec.6-9

Chris Johnston and the Hofstra University Spectrum Players present the Long Island Premiere of The Pillowman, by Martin McDonagh December 6 – 9 at the Emily and Jerry Spiegel Theater.

"The Pillowman, directed by Drama Department senior Jeremy Benson, is a dark comedy about Katurian, a writer in a totalitarian state who is being interrogated by two police officers about the gruesome murders of children which seem to be based on his stories.  Katurian thinks he has the upper hand, until he finds out that the officers are using his mentally challenged brother as leverage," explain press notes.

The Pillowman opened to rave reviews on Broadway in April, 2005, following a highly successful premiere at The National Theatre of London.  Billy Crudup and Jeff Goldblum starred on Broadway, under the direction of John Crowley.  The production was nominated for six 2005 Tony Awards and won two.

Featured in the cast are Keith Pinault (Katurian), Lauren Cook (Tupolski), Ian Cramer (Ariel), Richie Pepio (Michal), Matt LeClair (Boy), Michael Quattrone (Father), Emily Miethner (Girl) and Chelsea Frati (Mother).

The production staff includes Abigail Strange (Stage Manager), Randi Stauffer (Costumes), Maleeva Eperson (Lighting), Brendan Bailey (Sound), William Moore (Make-up), Joe Bennethum (Props), Liz Nosewicz and Robert DiGiovanni (Technical Directors), Katie Bernhard and Robb Friedlander (Assistant Stage Managers).  

All members of the cast and production team are students of Hofstra University's Department of Drama and Dance, chaired by Professor Jean Dobie Giebel.   The club is advised by Professor James J. Kolb.

Founded in the late 1950s by then-student Francis Ford Coppola, Spectrum Players is a student-run theater club which, each semester, produces one main-stage play, a touring children's show, and an evening of experimental works.  The club also hosts various fundraising events on campus, which allows it to donate significantly to different charities each year.  This year, Spectrum is working with Freedom is Not Free, an organization that aids wounded members of the armed services and their families.

The Pillowman plays December 6-8 at 8 PM and December 9 at 2 PM.  Tickets are $8.00, or $5.00 with Hofstracard and will be sold at the door.  The Emily and Jerry Spiegel Theater is located on the South Campus of Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549.