Curtain to rise on 'The Pillowman'

Circle Players, 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway, will present Martin McDonough's "The Pillowman" Sept. 14-30, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sept. 30 at 3 p.m.

Set in an unnamed totalitarian state, the plot targets Katurian, whose life centers around caring for his mentally challenged brother and writing gruesome fairytales that are part Brothers Grimm and part Stephen King. After children begin showing up dead, murdered in ways described in his stories, Katurian is arrested. With black humor and an ironic bite that masks a serious sense of purpose, "The Pillowman" takes on some of modern society's most intriguing issues such as what defines art, censorship, the rights of an individual and the power of storytelling. The show is not appropriate for individuals under age 17.

Award-winning director Mary Lyn Dobson will direct the production, which marks the show's New Jersey community theater premiere. The cast includes Randall McCann of South Plainfield, Steven Mennella of Piscataway, David Neal of Fanwood and Jonathan Wierzbicki of Hillsborough.

Tickets cost $15 each for Friday and Saturday performances and $12 for Sunday matinees; student tickets cost $10 each. Senior citizens will receive a $1 discount. Credit cards will not be accepted. There will be a wine-and-cheese party after the opening-night performance.

For reservations and more information, call (732) 968-7555 or log on to www.circleplayers.com.