Acclaimed play from the U.K. debuts on big screen at Mary D. Fisher Theatre

Sedona AZ (January 29, 2013) – The National Theatre of London returns to Sedona on Monday, Feb. 4 when the Sedona International Film Festival hosts the big screen premiere of the acclaimed British stage production “The Magistrate”. There will be two shows: 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre.

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.

Critics are raving about “The Magistrate”, which garnered highest 4-star reviews from every major newspaper and magazine in London, including Daily Mail, Evening Standard, The Times, Time Out, Sunday Express. It is playing to sold-out audiences for its entire run at the National Theatre.

“John Lithgow is priceless.” — The Times

“A comedy treat that’s as crisp, ripe and funny as One Man, Two Guvnors.” — Sunday Express

“Joshua McGuire is excellent, full of wicked glee.” — Time Out.

“John Lithgow’s long-legged Posket is wonderfully funny.” — Independent on Sunday

“John Lithgow is excellent…while Nancy Carroll dazzles as his spirited wife.” — Metro

“The Magistrate” will be shown at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on one day only: Monday, Feb. 4 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $15, or $12.50 for Film Festival members. Tickets are available in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office or by calling 282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.com.