Hello Members!
Thank you for being an Irish Rep member! This newsletter is a special peek behind the scenes at Irish Rep for our members – take a look at rehearsal photos from our upcoming studio show Pumpgirl and from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, and his wife, Sabina Coyne Higgins.
Don’t forget to take advantage of your other membership benefits! Book tickets to our upcoming productions, visit our partner restaurants for member discounts, and look out for announcements of new shows, member pre-sales, discounts, and special events in your inbox!
If you have any questions or need help making use of your membership, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Individual Giving Manager, Seth Bauer at seth@irishrep.org or 212-255-0270.
Inside the Rehearsal Studio: Pumpgirl
After her wonderful work as a director for the O’Casey Season Reading Series and appearing in our production of Hugh Leonard’s Da in 2015, Nicola Murphy is back at Irish Rep to direct Abbie Spallen’s Pumpgirl. Read her thoughts on the upcoming studio production below!
From Left to Right: Cast Members Clare O’Malley, Hamish Allan-Headley, Labhaoise Magee, and Director Nicola Murphy
“Pumpgirl is pretty well known in Ireland, I’d actually never seen a production of it, or read it, until Ciarán suggested it as something that maybe we could work on together. And that’s always my preference – to come at things really fresh.”
Labhaoise Magee as Pumpgirl
“I think that this play shows a different side to Ireland… there’s a real coldness here. There also is an undercurrent of economic disparity, living in a border town, which is very relevant now with Brexit, and also these real, deep rooted issues in terms of the patriarchy that I don’t know I’ve seen bulldozed in your face in the way that this play does. Considering that it was written almost 12 years ago, it is still really current and relevant which is both exciting…and also scary and disappointing that that fact remains true.”
Clare O’Malley as Sinead and Hamish Allan-Headley as Hammy
“I think there is a freshness to it even though it’s a play that has had a life before. I think it’s an exciting time to be coming back to it and revisiting it. I’m excited that I get to be one of the people that does that.”
Pumpgirl begins performances November 7. You can reserve your tickets by calling 212.727.2737 or online here.
President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins Visits Irish Rep
On September 27, Irish Rep welcomed the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina Coyne Higgins for a performance of Conor McPherson’s Dublin Carol.
Charlotte Moore, Ciarán O’Reilly, President Michael D. Higgins, and Sabina Coyne Higgins
Charlotte Moore and Ciarán O’Reilly will travel to Dublin to receive this year’s Presidential Distinguished Service Award for Irish Abroad! Presented by the President each year, this award recognizes the service given to this country or to Irish communities abroad by those who live outside Ireland. For more information about the award, click here.
From Left to Right: Cillian Hegarty, Sabina Coyne Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins, Jeffrey Bean, Sarah Street, Ciarán O’Reilly and Charlotte Moore
With reviews like, “As potent as a shot of whiskey” by Time Out New York and, “a stunning performance” by the Wall Street Journal, Dublin Carol is not to be missed! Performances run through November 10. Reserve your tickets by calling 212.727.2737 or online here.
Upcoming Member Events
A perk of Irish Rep memberships: Invitations to special events! Mark your calendars for the Holiday Open House and upcoming Patron Nights:
November 20 – Patron Night* for Pumpgirl (SOLD OUT)
8pm in the W. Scott McLucas Studio Theatre
Join us after the show for wine and a talk back with the cast.
8pm in the W. Scott McLucas Studio Theatre
December 8 – Member Holiday Open House, 11am – 2pm, invitations to follow.
Save the date! Explore Irish Rep, chat with Charlotte and Ciarán, and enjoy the holiday festivities before the matinee performances of London Assurance and Pumpgirl.
December 18 – Patron Night* for London Assurance
Join us before the show for light refreshments, and after for a talk back with some of the artists.
7pm on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage
*Patron nights are available to members starting at the Associate level. Call 212.255.0270 to upgrade your membership. Already eligible? You can now log into your accountand purchase online!
Rehearsal Photos by Zoe Margolis.
September 27th photos by James Higgins.