J.B. Heaps' New Play THE KOAN OF SEYMOUR to Play IRT Theater

IRT Theater presents Punchline Productions' THE KOAN OF SEYMOUR by J.B. Heaps, directed by Justin Bennett, running September 2-18, 2016.

It would be impossible to name a performer who more effectively blurred the lines between his real life and his life on stage than Seymour Fitzgerald Payne. While his fans loved adorable characters like The Purple Orange and The Bellowing Mime, Seymour was also involved in a series of public confrontations that left his public wondering if these incidents were rehearsed routines or spontaneous tantrums. But just as his career was beginning to soar, his life reportedly ended. Was his mysterious demise an unavoidable and calamitous tragedy? Or the latest, and most elaborate, of Seymour's hoaxes?

In this two-act play, Seymour's fellow comedians gather together to mourn his passing and celebrate his life. But as the evening progresses, truths are revealed, lies are invented and Seymour may - or may not - have one last surprise.

Playwright J.B. Heaps has won three national Emmys for his work with Showtime Sports. Author of the highly regarded Private Disclosures and The Immortal Coil, J.B. Heaps work has been lauded as, "one of the best off-off-Broadway productions that [I] have seen in the past few months," by My Theatre. Theatre Pizzazz on Private Disclosures: "You won't find a more literate, funny and fascinating play on or off Broadway at this time."

Starring Andrew Gombas* (Romeo and Juliet, The Drilling Company), Matthew Stuart Jackson* in his NYC Debut, Cory Lawson* (The Rimers of Eldritch directed by Hal Brooks), Mary Linehan* (Salome with Al Pacino, The Actors Studio), Eric Pargac* (Artistic Director of Furious Theatre Company), and Elise Williams (Endstation Theatre Company). *These actors are appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association.

Also on the creative team are: Stage Manager: Charles Casano; Set Design by Anthony Freitas; Lighting Design by Yi-Chung Chen; and Costume Design by Anna Winter.

Opening Night: Fri, Sept. 2 at 8pm. Regular run: Sept. 3 @ 8pm; Sept. 4 @ 2pm; Sept. 8-10 @ 8pm; Sept. 11 @ 2pm; Sept. 15-17 @ 8pm. Closing: Sun, Sept. 18 @ 2pm.

Tickets are $18 & available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2580816 or irttheater.org/current-season. Show runs approximately 75 minutes.

The IRT Theater is located at 154 Christopher Street, #3B (third floor) New York, NY 10014.

IRT Theater is a grassroots laboratory for independent theater and performance in New York City, providing space and support to a new generation of artists. Tucked away in the old Archive Building in Greenwich Village, IRTs mission is to build a community of emerging and established artists by creating a home for the development and presentation of new work. Some of the artists we have supported include Young Jean Lee, Reggie Watts and Mike Daisey. For more information, visit www.irttheater.org.