Stiff Convictions

Communist societies have a custom of embalming their leaders and putting them in glass display cases. Mao and Lenin enjoyed this fate: decades have gone by and their skin still hasn’t lost that shine. (How long is it before nitroglycerine is used in anti-aging treatments?)

The play Lying in State, by David C. Hyer, is about the fate of a dead American politician. Loved ones have gathered at a Senator’s funeral and they’re vying for his vacant seat in Congress. His neurotic ex-wife, wealthy brother, and exotic-dancer girlfriend (named Buttons) are potential candidates. But behind the scenes, the Senator’s advisers are rigging the cadaver for an appearance at a campaign fundraiser. Lying in State is a perfect commentary on the processes of necrolysis and reanimation in politics. It opens tonight, 8 p.m., at the Caldwell Theater (7901 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton). Tickets cost $38 or less. Call 561-241-7432, or visit www.caldwelltheatre.com.
Thursdays-Sundays, 8 p.m. Starts: Sept. 5. Continues through Sept. 21, 2008