By Kenneth Jones
13 Mar 2008

Beau Jest playwright James Sherman's farce, Affluenza!, seen in regional theatres around the nation following its debut in Chicago, will make its New York City premiere March 13-April 6 at the Lion Theatre on West 42nd Street.

Heiress Productions produces the "contemporary comedy of manners that borrows generously from Restoration comedy. Multi-millionaire William Moore lives the high life in his Chicago penthouse with his loyal assistant Bernard. When Moore brings home a new girlfriend, his son and ex-wife are threatened by the potential new heir to his fortune. Who gets what and who ends up with whom is revealed in this lively farce."

Maura Farver directs a cast that includes Nancy Evans, Paul Herbig, Philipe D. Preston, Michael Saenz, Stephen Squibb and Mary Willis White.

Sherman's plays include Magic Time, The God of Isaac, Mr. 80%, Beau Jest, Romance in D and Door to Door. Since 1986 he has been a Playwright-in-Residence at the Tony Award-winning Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago, and he is currently a member of the Victory Gardens Playwrights Ensemble. Affluenza! premiered there. Beau Jest was the most successful play in VG's 27-year history. It played for one year in Chicago and then played for two-and-a-half years Off-Broadway.

Heiress Productions was founded to raise cancer awareness and funds through entertaining and inspirational professional theatre. Proceeds from Affluenza! will benefit Miracle House, a non-profit organization that provides assistance to caregivers and patients coming to New York City for treatment.

The Lion Theatre is located within the Theatre Row complex at 410 W. 42nd Street, between Ninth and Tenth Avenues.

Performances will play Wednesday-Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM.

Tickets are $20 at www.ticketcentral.com or (212) 279-4200.