The Devil Plays Cards in "The Seafarer" Opening March 13 at The Schoolhouse

Four hard-drinking Irishmen sitting around playing cards find the stakes raised substantially by the arrival of a devilish mystery guest in The Schoolhouse Theater's production of The Seafarer, now through April 6. Written by Irish playwright Conor McPherson, the show is directed by Schoolhouse artistic director, Pamela Moller Kareman.

To welcome The Schoolhou se's new executive director James Shearwood, there will be a reception for all on Thursday, March 13, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, before the 8 pm opening night performance.

Unlikely as it sounds, The Seafarer has been called "a gift of hope to the audience" by the Celtic Cafe and "the pick-me-up play of the season" by The New York Times, giving equal meaning to both words in the phrase "dark comedy."

The Seafarer earned rave reviews in 2007 when it was produced on Broadway with Conor McPherson directing. Ben Brantley of The New York Times wrote "McPherson is quite possibly the finest playwright of his generation." The Observer described the play as "succinct, startling and eerie, and the funniest McPherson play to date," while the Hollywood Reporter hailed it as "a timeless classic."

Individual tickets are $35 on Thursday and Friday and $37 on Saturday evening and Sunday matinee. Student tickets are available for $20. They can be purchased online at www.schoolhousetheater.org or by calling the box office at 914-277-8477. The Schoolhouse is located at 3 Owens Road, Croton Falls, NY, just off exit 8 on I-684, and can be "Liked" on Facebook.