A new play by City Theatre favorite Jessica Dickey. When dedicated museum guard Henry dares to truly connect with the paintings he proudly protects, he sets into motion a time-bending journey where art intersects with life. Inspired by Rembrandt’s “Aristotle with a Bust of Homer,” The Guard embraces the idea of carpe diem in (and at) any age, and takes audiences on a spellbinding theatrical exploration of the power of human connection.
The magic of this play is a quiet one, unfolding in the connections we make between the strivings of the artists whose work has communicated to us across centuries and of the people who find solace, inspiration, and mystery in their work.
[T]he play does twist dramatically into a very different kind of play at a few points, transforming The Guard’s theme of coming to grips with death into a deeper conversation about the nature of legacy and emotional connection throughout human history.
The play’s astonishment, as both actor and character, is Raphael Nash Thompson, who bursts upon us in a monologue you will have to experience to believe, and then in his second character supplies the dark chiaroscuro that is at the heart of Rembrandt’s genius.
Directed by City artistic director Tracy Brigden with her usual panache and a talented design/tech team, The Guard is a banquet for the eye as well as the mind.
City Theatre's 'The Guard' delves into the universal appeal of the 'untouchable'
“I was in a museum in London, at the National Gallery, having an encounter with a painting, just being very moved,” says [Jessica] Dickey, who noticed a guard sitting nearby. “And I realized his job was to watch people like me come in and out and encounter the art. As well, he’s sitting there looking at this painting all day. … And that began the turn key for writing ‘The Guard.’”
Take a seat, and a time-bending journey, with The Guard
$15 rush tickets at the Box Office beginning two hours prior to show.
Tickets will be held at Will Call. Must present valid ID. One ticket per ID.
PAY-WHAT-YOU-WANT
A limited number of “Pay-What-You-Want” tickets will be available two hours before the 1 p.m. performance on Saturday, March 25th. Please call the box office in advance to check on availability. Mention “Pay-What-You-Want” pricing when purchasing.
SENIORS AGE 62 AND OLDER
$22 rush tickets at the Box Office beginning two hours prior to show.
GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE
Save when you bring a group! For pricing, contact Joel Ambrose, Box Office Manager, by email or at: 412.431.4400 x286.
MILITARY FAMILIES
As a participating Blue Star Theatre, City Theatre is happy to offer 25% off to military personnel and their families. More info >