Photo Flash: First Look at the West Coast Premiere of OLD CLOWN WANTED

Inspired by a 1970 Federico Fellini film, three aging clowns compete for a job in an absurdly comic look at man's fear of uselessness in society. Odyssey Theatre Ensemblepresents the West Coast premiere of Old Clown Wanted by Romanian-French playwright Matei Vi?niec in a new translation from the French by Jeremy Lawrence. Romanian-born Florinel Fatulescu directs for a Sept. 22 opening, with performances continuing through Nov. 4 at the Odyssey Theatre in West L.A.

Theater and circus arts are intertwined in an absurdist, cynical, tender and very funny look at aging. Alan Abelew, José A. Garcia andBeth Hogan star as Niccolo, Filippo and Peppina, three elderly, washed up circus clowns who run into one another at an audition for a "small part for old clown." As they wait for a casting director who never arrives, they begin to reminisce - but their camaraderie only carries them so far before competition for the job takes over.

"This is a special work by a brilliant writer who is little-known in the U.S.," says Odyssey Theatre artistic director Ron Sossi. "It's reminiscent of everything from Beckett'sWaiting for Godot to Sartre's No Exit, but with a huge dash of comedy and clowning thrown in. The Odyssey has always been committed to producing plays from other countries, and we are lucky to have a wonderful Romanian director available. Florinel was especially excited after seeing Alan and Beth perform together in our production of Beckett 5. These two Odyssey regulars, coupled with newcomer José A. Garcia, are a magnificent combination."

The creative team for Old Clown Wanted includes set designer Jeff Rack, lighting designer Bosco Flanagan, sound designer John Zalewski; costume designer Amanda Martin, prop master Josh La Cour and clowning consultant John Achorn. The assistant director is Rodica Fatulescu, and Ron Sossi produces for Odyssey Theatre Ensemble.

The Odyssey Theatre is located at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West Los Angeles, 90025. For reservations and information, call (310) 477-2055 or go to OdysseyTheatre.com.