We Dare You to Stroll Through This Exhibit

Join a cast of eccentric characters as they wander the halls of a modern art museum in Tina Howe’s “Museum,” opening tonight in the PCC Little Theater.

The play takes place during the final day of an exhibit at a modern art museum housing works by three contemporary American artists. During the course of the play, the museum is visited by nearly 40 people: artists, socialites, students, foreigners and lost souls. Museum guards oversee the exhibit and provide a framework for the play’s action.

“‘Museum’ is a comedy of absurdities,” said professor Duke Stroud, who is directing the piece along with professor Whitney Rydbeck. “The whole point is to keep piling excess upon excess.”

The large cast of characters, which enables many of the actors to portray more than one role, makes for a bevy of activity onstage at all times.

“Howe was inspired by old Marx Brothers films,” said Rydbeck. “She likes to write about artists and chaos, turning lunacy into a high art form.”

“Museum” runs Feb. 3 to 5 at 8 p.m. in the Little Theater (Room C106), with an additional matinee showing Feb. 5 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for students, staff and senior citizens. Free parking is available in any student lot for Friday and Saturday performances. Thursday attendees are required to purchase a daily parking pass for $1.

Call 626-585-7485 for reservations and 626-585-7216 for more information.