National Theatre’s THE MAGISTRATE hits movie screens

This weekend brings the first of three live (or shot live in high definition) National Theatre of London productions to a theatre near you. Recorded just weeks ago “The Magistrate” is a new adaptation of a classic Victorian era farce performed by an energetic cast of British stage actors headed by American John Lithgow in the lead role. The action is fast and frenetic and returns Lithgow to the type of comedy he perfected during his multi-year run as the star of NBC’s “Third Rock From the Sun”. The crazy goings on emanate from a single white lie when a young widow shaves a few years off her age when she meets and marries said court officer (so her son becomes 14 instead of 19, naturally). Original songs performed by a clown-like Greek chorus make the transitions from drawing-room to French hotel suite to court chambers. The sets are constructed in the style of black and white pen and ink illustrations and the stage opens up like a children’s’ pop-up storybook. An interview with the director precedes the performance and a behind the scenes short is shown during between the mid-point. This is a wonderful opportunity to sample an inspired London stage hit. Check your local theatres for showtimes.

THE MAGISTRATE is presented in the St. Louis area at Landmark’s Tivoli Theatre on Saturday February 9 and Saturday February 16 at 11 AM only!