Eugene Ionesco's 'The Chairs'

"The Chairs"
Eugene Ionesco's funny and tragic farce
Opens December 19th
Palm Beach Dramaworks

Palm Beach Dramaworks, continues its 9th anniversary season with a new translation of Eugene Ionesco's landmark play, "The Chairs" opening on Friday, December 19th (8PM) at their  downtown theatre (322 Banyan Boulevard). Special priced preview performances are slated for December 17th & 18th (8PM) and the production will play through February 1st.

Seen through the cock-eyed view of an aging couple adrift in an expiring universe, "The Chairs" is an absurdist comedy about 'Old Man' and 'Old Woman' awaiting the arrival of invisible guests.  As they set up chairs, the two reminisce about a fading past full of missed opportunities. With a twist ending, this humorous exploration into man's existence may raise new doubt in the never-ending quest for the meaning of life. In the original program notes, Ionesco wrote, "As the world is incomprehensible to me, I am waiting for someone to explain it.'

Resident director J. Barry Lewis will direct the production featuring Barbara Bradshaw, Dan Leonard and Shel Shanak. The play will feature scenery designed by Michael Amico, costumes designed by Erin Amico, lights designed by Todd Wren and sound designed by Steve Shapiro.

Although written in 1952, "The Chairs" did not run on Broadway until 1998, earning several Tony Award nominations.  One of Ionesco's most popular plays, "The Chairs" was first performed in Paris.  It was soon praised for its unique style and became a defining example of Theatre of the Absurd - a literary philosophy that emphasized the absurdity and futility of the human condition.

Eugene Ionesco wrote his first play, The Bald Soprano, at 41.  Rejecting logical plot and character development, Ionesco created his own form of comedy to explore the insignificance of human existence.  Ionesco soon found himself to be a renowned playwright by critics and audiences alike.  He went on to write over 20 plays including Rhinoceros, Exit The King, The Lesson and Macbett.

Performance times are Wednesday through Saturday at 8PM (with select Sunday performances at 7PM & Friday matinees at 3 pm) and regular matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2PM. Individual tickets are $42 for evening performances and $40 for matinees. Group rates for 20 or more, and discounted season subscriptions are also available. The theatre is located in downtown West Palm Beach, at 322 Banyan Boulevard, between Dixie Highway and Olive Avenue, Florida 33401.

Parking is offered across the street for a nominal fee, or in the City Garage on the corner of Olive Avenue and Banyan Boulevard ---the first hour is $1.00, but the second hour is free. For ticket information contact the box office at (561) 514-4042, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10AM to 4PM, or visit their website at www.palmbeachdramaworks.org.

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