Flying Machine Theatre Co. presents

an encore run of

by Glen Berger

Directed by Mark Perry

Featuring J Chachula

Would you recognize a miracle if you saw one?

A Dutch librarian and his calm, cloistered existence are forever changed when a book is left in the return slot at the library—113 years overdue. Initially, he pursues the miscreant eager to deliver “the fine of his life”, but the perpetrator proves difficult to locate. He soon finds himself on a bizarre trail of clues that impels him to leave his cozy nonexistence in pursuit of what he gradually comes to suspect is a genuine miracle. As his obsession deepens and his world opens up, our now ex-librarian is caught up in a whirlwind of existential upheaval, and we witness an inspiring transformation of character. He rents a public hall to share his discoveries, (“An Impressive Presentation of Lovely Evidences”), and through his attempts to prove one man’s life, he finds meaning in his own.

"The story," Berger summarizes with impish enthusiasm, "is about how do any of us authenticate our existence against the backdrop of four billion years of Earth history, 13 billion years of the universe--what are we left with? At best, scraps. So it's a comedy."

"Underneath the Lintel" contains mature themes and brief profanity. It might not be appropriate for young children.

Thursday thru Sunday, October 14-24, 2004

The Earl Wynn Theatre at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro

Produced by ArtsCenter MainStage

Tickets: $14, $12 Students and Friends Tickets available at The ArtsCenter, 919-929-2787, Branch's Bookshop in Chapel Hill, The Regulator in Durham, and Brick Alley Books in Hillsborough.

STUDENTS! get your $5 Student Rush Tickets by showing your student IDs at the box office right before show time.
(Sorry, we cannot accept reservations for rush tickets.)

"...I'm following my shameless kick-off of saturday's standing ovation and writing a fan letter to an amazing performer. I 've also sent out emails tonight to anyone I think might be of a mind to do something a little different on a sunday evening."

--Rowell Gormon

"I will definitely come see it again and will insist that my friends must see it. It is a play that with your acting skill is a "must see."

--Lorrie Carpenter

"Great script, great performance. Can't wait to see it again."

--Lew Shiner

"I do hope you'll keep me posted on future productions--I'll encourage everyone I know--including any librarian with a sense of humor and pathos (and there are some) --to see it."

--Kathy Green

"Please keep me posted if you continue the run or decide to tour it fairly locally. I won't take just one friend, I'll take ten."

--Brenda Lo-Griffin