National Theatre live at arts center

FRYEBURG — The Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center will broadcast Live via satellite and show onscreen the National Theatre of London’s production of "The Magistrate" on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 2 p.m. with an encore screening at 7 p.m.

National Theatre Live continues its fourth season with "The Magistrate." 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.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors (65+) and $10 for students (18-) and may be purchased at the Box Office by calling 935-9232 or online at www.fryeburgacademy.org/pac.

Group discounts are available to parties of 10 or more. The theater is located at 18 Bradley Street on the campus of Fryeburg Academy in Fryeburg. Parking is free.

National Theatre Live is an initiative by the UK’s National Theatre to broadcast live performances onto cinema screens around the world. Since its first season, which began in June 2009 with the acclaimed production of "Phédre" starring Helen Mirren, more than 750,000 people have now experienced the National’s work on movie screens worldwide. For more information about NT Live visit http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk.