National Theatre Live in HD presents "The Magistrate" | Press Releases

Thursday, January 17, 2013
2 p.m. (live) and 7 p.m. (encore)
Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts

Image: Magistrate Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts presents The National Theatre of London's acclaimed contemporary staging of "The Magistrate" in a National Theatre Live in HD presentation at 2 p.m. (live) and 7 p.m. (encore) on Thursday, January 17, 2013. Tickets are $25, $20 for seniors, and $15 for students and children.

Academy Award nominee and Tony Award-winner John Lithgow ("Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," "Shrek," "3rd Rock from the Sun") takes the title role in Arthur Wing Pinero's uproarious Victorian farce, directed by Olivier Award-winner Timothy Sheader ("Crazy for You" and "Into the Woods," Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London).

In a similar vein to the National Theatre's smash-hit classic comedies, "She Stoops to Conquer" and "London Assurance," "The Magistrate" is sure to have audiences doubled up with laughter. When amiable magistrate Posket (John Lithgow) marries Agatha (Olivier Award-winner Nancy Carroll, "After the Dance"), little does he realize she's dropped five years from her age - and her son's. When her deception looks set to be revealed, it sparks a series of hilarious indignities and outrageous mishaps.

The critics agree, "The Magistrate" is "a Victorian corker of a show," says the Daily Mail. "A comedy treat that's as crisp, ripe and funny as 'One Man, Two Guvnors,'" echoes the Sunday Express . "John Lithgow is priceless," writes The Times . And Metro agrees: "John Lithgow is excellent ... while Nancy Carroll dazzles as his spirited wife."

In addition to "The Magistrate" HD broadcasts on January 17, 2013, newly announced National Theatre Live in HD performance broadcasts include "People," the new play by celebrated comic playwright Alan Bennett, at 3 p.m. (live) and 7 p.m. (encore) on Thursday, March 21, 2013; and "This House," James Graham's biting and energetic new play, at 2 p.m. (live) and 7 p.m. (encore) on Thursday, May 16, 2013.

Image: The company of "The Magistrate" with John Lithgow (pictured center). Photo by Johan Persson.

Tickets are available through the Quick Center Box Office: (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.quickcenter.com .

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. Entrance to the Quick Center is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road. Free, secure parking is available. Access for people with disabilities is available throughout the Quick Center for audience members and performers. Hearing amplification devices are available upon request at the Box Office. Fairfield University is located off exit 22 of Interstate-95. For further information and directions, call (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7396, or visit www.quickcenter.com .