Ridgefield Playhouse to Screen MAN & SUPERMAN NTL Live in HD, 5/14

How exciting to be able to see world-famous stage performances captured live at London's National Theatre, as well as insider footage and interviews, close to home! Through the power of high definition (HD) broadcasts, The Ridgefield Playhouse makes it possible to "try out" acclaimed plays with award-winning actors who are appearing on Broadway as well as at London's National Theatre in a comfortable venue and at a much lower ticket price. Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient, Schindler's List; Oedipus at the National Theatre) plays Jack Tanner in this exhilarating reinvention of Shaw's witty, provocative classic in Man & Superman on Thursday, May 14, at 2 p.m., which is Live in HD, and at 6 p.m. (encore). A romantic comedy, an epic fairytale, a fiery philosophical debate, Man and Superman asks fundamental questions about how we live. For dinner-and-a-play, Bernard's (20 West Lane, Ridgefield; reservations suggested) is offering a prix-fixe menu the day of this event when tickets are presented; reservations suggested; lunch 12-2:30 p.m., dinner at 5 p.m. This series is underwritten by Jeanne Cook, Anita and Nicholas Donofrio, Liz and Steven Goldstone, Marilyn and Joe Kreitz, Joanne and John Patrick, Sabina and Walter Slavin and Taylor Zemo Foundation with support from The Ridgefield Press and Whistle Stop Bakery.

Jack Tanner, celebrated radical thinker and rich bachelor, seems an unlikely choice as guardian to the alluring heiress, Ann. But she takes it in her assured stride and, despite the love of a poet, she decides to marry and tame this dazzling revolutionary. Tanner, appalled by the whiff of domesticity, is tipped off by his chauffeur and flees to Spain, where he is captured by bandits and meets The Devil. An extraordinary dream-debate, heaven versus hell, ensues. Following in hot pursuit, Ann is there when Tanner awakes, as fierce in her certainty as he is in his.

For tickets ($25 adults, $20 members & seniors, $15 students by calling the box office), call (203) 438-5795, or order online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.