“Endgame” has opened, and strongly! Itinerant Theatre was proud and pleased both at the size of a Thursday night audience and also at the audience’s strong reception to this dystopic modern masterpiece by 20th century great Samuel Beckett, as directed by new local director Jonathon Richards. Cast includes Corey Lambert as Hamm, Sean Hager as Clov, Ronald Doyle as Nagg and Jordan Belle Ashworth as Nell.

And now, one day later, is the equally challenging “Beauty Queen of Leenane” by Irish writer Martin McDonagh, as directed by local new director Ronald Doyle. It opens tonight, Jan. 15, at 7:00pm sharp, also in the Ben Mount Theatre of Central School. “Beauty Queen…” weighs in on a troubling, darkly challenged, if humorous, mother-daughter relationship and asks the question, “How much can we give to family members in need.” “Beauty Queen…”’s cast includes Jo Ann Hanks as Maureen, Joy Pace as Mag, Claude DarDar as Ray Dooley and Dan Sadler as Pato Dooley. There is one intermission.

Each play is produced on alternating nights over two long weekends. “Beauty Queen…” runs at 7pm on Jan. 15, 21 & 23 and one Sunday 2pm matinee on Jan 17. “Endgame” runs Jan. 16 and 22 at 7pm and one 2pm Sunday matinee on Jan 24.

Tickets are per play and are $15 or $10 for students of any age.