Bloody Comedy 'The Lieutenant Of Inishmore'

FST's Stage III Series Begins With Bloody Comedy

The Lieutenant of Inishmore to Open at the Gompertz Theatre

Florida Studio Theatre's Stage III Series is ready to begin its third season in the Gompertz Theatre with Martin McDonagh's Broadway smash hit, The Lieutenant of Inishmore. Performances begin Thursday, January 24 and play through Friday, February 16.

Winner of London's Olivier Award for best comedy and nominated for five Tony Awards (including best play), Inishmore is another dark comedy by young Irish Playwright Martin McDonagh (The Pillowman, The Lonesome West, The Beauty Queen of Leenane). This play takes place (as the name suggests) on the quiet island of Inishmore off the Southeast coast of Ireland. It presents the shockingly funny tale of Padraic, a ruthless Irish Liberation Army Enforcer and the one thing he loves more than anything else in the world…his little black cat, Wee Thomas.

When Wee Thomas is mysteriously murdered, blood begins to fly (think Quentin Tarantino meets Monty Python). Audiences up for the gore will see an impressive spectacle of comedy presented by eight unintelligent characters doing the best they can think of to survive. With most of the characters in or aspiring to be in the IRA and INLA (Irish terrorist groups) the violence that ensues should come as no surprise.

In spite of the violent nature of the play, and the gunshots and blood that sail across stage throughout, it proves to be unbearably funny. The audience cannot help but laugh at the absurd nature with which these people conduct their lives. After the laughter and shock, the play becomes a true insight into the morals of humanity.

The New York Times calls it "a severely moral play, translating into dizzy absurdism the self-perpetuating spirals of political violence that now occur throughout the world."

The Lieutenant of Inishmore begins January 24 and runs through February 16 , 2007. Warning: This play contains adult language, loud gunshots and on-stage violence. Also any individuals with extreme peanut allergies should be aware that a great deal of peanut butter is used onstage during the performance.

Victoria Holloway will be returning to FST to direct this production having last directed Dinner with Friends at the Keating Theatre. The cast includes returning FST actors Dean Bowden and Amy Tribbey as well as newcomers Jerzy Gwiazdowski (who played the role of Davey in the Broadway production of Inishmore at the end of the run), PatRick Jones, Edgar Landa, Eric Miller, David Ojala and David Vining. Handling the design for this production will be FST regular Nayna Ramey with FST's Marcella Beckwith handling the costume design.

All three shows in the Stage III Season – The Lieutenant of Inishmore, The Fula From America and Measure for Pleasure – will be presented at FST's Gompertz Theatre. Single tickets range from $19 for previews to $29-32 for regular performances. A subscription to all 3 shows ranges from $39-52. Both subscription tickets and single tickets may be purchased from the FST Box Office in person or by calling (941) 366-9000.  Florida Studio Theatre 1241 North Palm Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 Website: www.fst2000.org

A complete performance schedule is below.

The Lieutenant of Inishmore

By Martin McDonagh

The Gompertz Theatre

Tickets: $19-$32

Performance Schedule

January 24 – February 16 , 2007

Wednesday, January 24 7:30 p.m. (Preview)

Thursday, January 25 7:30 p.m. (Preview)

Friday, January 26 7:30 p.m. (Opening)

Saturday, January 27 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 28 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 30 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, January 31 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 1 7:30 p.m.

Friday, February 2 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 3 5:30 & 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 4 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 6 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 7 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 8 7:30 p.m.

Friday, February 9 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 10 5:30 & 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 11 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 13 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 14 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 15 7:30 p.m.

Friday, February 16 7:30 p.m.

FALL IN LOVE TODAY!  ADOPT A PET FROM YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER