Event

How They Attack Us

Are cell phones instruments of organized mass hypnosis? Is the television screen actually a portal to the Underworld? Has the pizza been spiked by with a mind controlling chemical agent by radical fringe extremists?

These questions may be answered in How They Attack Us, a play intent on uncovering the sinister purpose behind everyday events. The world premiere dark comedy by local playwright Kevin McKeon is being presented by Seattle's New City Theater, November 21 through December 15.

How They Attack Us recalls movies and literature from jittery cold-war-era 1950's and 60's, notably Don Siegel's 1956 sci-fi masterpiece Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Siegel's film is widely considered a cautionary metaphor, for as people sleep, their bodies and minds are taken over by an alien species.

Is that what's happening to the hapless characters in How They Attack Us?

"Someone has an idea that something or someone is out to get them," McKeon says. "Where does it go from there? What does it take to convince other people that something might really be happening?" All of a sudden, a conspiracy theory is born.

"And then," McKeon says, "Watch out."

Seattle actors Meg McLynn, Robert Kriley, and McKeon make up the cast. McKeon just closed a run at Seattle Public Theater as Arthur in Superior Donuts. McLynn just appeared as the wife of Andrew Jackson in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson at Arts West. All three actors have extensive local and national acting credits.

Tickets are available through Brown Paper Tickets at brownpapertickets.com or by calling 1-800-838-3006. More information is available at newcitytheater.org.