The Iceman Cometh (play)

"The Iceman Cometh" is a four-act play by American playwright Eugene O'Neill, set in a bar in New York City in 1912. The story focuses on a group of downtrodden patrons who escape their harsh realities through dreams and delusions. The arrival of a charismatic traveling salesman, Hickey, challenges their fantasies and forces them to confront the truth about their lives. The play explores themes of hope, despair, and the human condition, ultimately examining how people cope with life's disappointments and the struggle between illusion and reality. It is lauded for its depth and rich characterizations.