Play With Your Food to Present Excerpts from THE AUDIENCE, TORPID & More in April

Fairfield County's innovative lunchtime theater series -- has announced the selections for its final productions of the season.

Programs take place at Toquet Hall in Westport (April 1-3) and Fairfield Theatre Company (April 8). Lunch will be provided by Terrain Garden Cafe in Westport and Garelick and Herbs in Fairfield.

Now in its 12th year, PWYF provides patrons with a theater experience that includes a gourmet buffet lunch, a selection of one-act play readings and post-event discussions with professional actors and playwrights - all packed into a 90-minute program.

The selections for April will be humorous and heartwarming, yet thought-provoking, promises Artistic Director Carole Schweid. Productions will include an excerpt from The Audience by Peter Morgan, Torpid by Craig Pospisil and Long Time, No See by Pulitzer Prize-nominee Janet Burroway.

The Audience centers on the weekly audiences given by Queen Elizabeth II to prime ministers from her accession in 1952 to the present day. The play, which starred Helen Mirren, debuted in 2013 in London's West End and was simulcast to North America and Australia.

"While The Audience spans 11 of her prime ministers, we chose the section of the play with the Queen and Harold Wilson because their relationship seems to evolve into a real friendship," says Artistic Director Carole Schweid. "It's beautiful to watch." Wilson was the prime minister from 1964 to 1970 and then 1974 to 1976.

"Long Time, No See is a comedy about opportunity, success and lost connection, while Torpid is a short, funny play with surprising insight into parenthood," adds Managing Director Inge Maki. "I think it will strike some familiar, humorous chords with our audiences."

"We are very excited that our production of The Audience will feature E. Katherine Kerr (Wilton) as the queen. She is an impeccable performer," says Schweid. "Katherine was the recipient of an Obie Award for her portrayals of three characters in Cloud Nine. A second Drama Desk Nomination followed for playing the women in Christopher Durang's Laughing Wild. She also has appeared in many films."

Additional cast members will include Kim Maresca (formerly of Fairfield) and Kelly Monaghan (Branford.

Tickets for all Play With Your Food shows, including lunch, are $43. To purchase tickets, and see a complete schedule and locations, visit www. playwithyourfood.org or call the box office at (203) 293-8831 Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Shows are presented monthly, January through April, at locations in Fairfield, Greenwich and Westport.

The PWYF concept, and caliber of performances, has been praised by the New York Times as well as local media, critics and audiences.

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