Chatham, NJ - The Chatham Community Players is thrilled to close its 101st Season with the sharp & witty, “The Lifespan of a Fact” by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell, and Gordon Farrell from May 5 -14, 2023 at The Chatham Playhouse 23 North Passaic Ave. Chatham.  Making his Chatham Playhouse directorial debut, Doug McLaughlin of Hillsborough directs. McLaughlin shared that “while the play centers on the very timely conflict between “truth” and “fact” in our daily lives, it also examines the importance of connection and collaboration. I’m happy to say that we’ve been blessed by both factors throughout our rehearsal period!”

 “The Lifespan of a Fact” revolves around Jim Fingal, who is a fresh-out-of-Harvard fact checker for a prominent but sinking New York magazine. John D’Agata is a talented writer with a transcendent essay about the suicide of a teenage boy—an essay that could save the magazine from collapse. When Jim is assigned to fact check D’Agata’s essay, the two come head-to-head in a comedic yet gripping battle over facts versus truth. This thought-provoking play, which debuted as a Broadway production in 2012, was originally written as a long form essay, an experimental work of non-fiction by writer John D’Agata and his editor Jim Fingal. The meta-essay, which included both the original reportage written by D’Agata as well as the red-penned edits made by The Believer magazine editor Fingal, explored the relationship between writer and editor, fact and storytelling, truth and embellishment. Co-Producer Eileen Cadorette explained, “Based on a true story, “The Lifespan of a Fact” urges audiences to tackle the concepts of 'fact' and 'truth'. With exceptional attention to the details of telling a story, the Chatham Community Players production will challenge audiences to explore what it takes to tell a story and how facts are distinguished from beliefs and opinions.”

 The talented cast includes actors from all around New Jersey: Corey Chichizola of East Rutherford as Jim Fingal, Kevin Cluff of Union as John D’Agata, Gabrielle Wagner of Summit as Emily Penrose.

 Rounding out the director’s talented production team, Co-Producers are Eileen Cadorette and Leslie Williams Ellis, Stage Manager is George Seylaz, Scenic Designer is Alan Ellis and Roy Pancirov, Costumes by Amy McLaughlin, Lighting Designer is Diane Giangreco, Sound Designer is Joe DeVico, Scenic Artist is Dean Sickler, Props & Set Decoration by Carol Saso and Scenic Painting by Gordon Wiener.
 You can help the show go on! A COVID exposure means that our show could potentially lose a performance or be shut down. Masks encouraged while inside the theater, not required. Proof of vaccination is not required. We ask if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, you stay home. These requirements are subject to change based on local health advisories.

 Box Office Information - Online Ticketing

Performance dates are May 5, 6, 11, 12 & 13 at 8:00PM and May 7 & 14 at 3:00PM. All performances are at the Chatham Playhouse, 23 North Passaic Avenue, in Chatham. Tickets are $25 for adults and $23 for youth/senior. Join us for a Talk Back led by Susan Speidel about the production and meet members of the company, immediately following the matinee on May 7.

Tickets can be purchased online by accessing the theater’s online ticketing service, where you can now reserve your particular seat, simply go to ccp.booktix.com. The service is available 24 hours a day. Purchasing tickets in person at Chatham Playhouse’s box office will begin on April 25. For information regarding box office hours, please call the box office number at (973) 635-7363. Patrons with special needs requiring seating accommodations should contact the Playhouse at least 24 hours prior to the performance. Without prior notice, accommodations cannot be guaranteed.

Date: May 5 -14, 2023

Time: May 5, 6, 11, 12 & 13 at 8:00PM and May 7 & 14 at 3:00PM

Location: Chatham Playhouse, 23 North Passaic Avenue, in Chatham, FL

Tickets: $25 for adults and $23 for youth/senior.