Irish Repertory Theatre

Irish Drama.
New York Style.

2006-2007 Season

Tom Crean: Antarctic Explorer

In the W. Scott McLucas Studio Theatre

by Aiden Dooley

July 17- August 9, 2007

Tom Crean (1877-1938), the intrepid Antarctic explorer and one of Ireland’s unsung heroes, is brought to life in this dramatic and humorous solo performance by Aidan Dooley. Hear the riveting  true stories of Crean’s Antarctic explorations as one of the few men to serve with both Scott and Shackleton and survive three legendary expeditions: DISCOVERY (1901-1904), TERRA NOVA (1910-1913) and ENDURANCE (1914-1916).

Crean’s solitary trek to base camp during the Terra Nova Expedition to rescue his comrades has been described as “The finest feat of individual heroism in the entire age of exploration.” With a  limited engagement

TOM CREAN – ANTARCTIC EXPLORER is presented in association with Northern Stage, Fairbank Productions & Play On Word Theatre and made possible in part by Culture Ireland

“An unparalleled portrayal. It isn’t the destination; it is the journey. Mr. Dooley’s effort so vividly embodies that maxim, you almost start to believe it.” -The New York Times

“Writer and performer Aidan Dooley incarnates Crean in a compelling one-man performance that gives this ‘unsung hero’ his much deserved due. In Dooley’s expressive hands, the play pays tribute not only to a remarkable figure but to the towering, blank indifference of nature.” -Backstage

“Earnest and heartfelt. Dooley’s impassioned chronicle of heroic determination is so satisfying, most theatergoers should be up for the journey.” -Time Out New York

“Aidan Dooley is the consummate Irish storyteller. And what a story he has to tell. When Dooley segues into Crean’s actual adventures, the story becomes incredibly involving and exciting. (Dooley) brings the dangers and glories of another era to life.” -Curtainup

“A banquet for the ears. Words create adventure that’s just as vivid as the special effects in a Hollywood bonanza.” -Variety

Gaslight

by Patrick Hamilton
directed by Charlotte Moore

May 9- July 8, 2007

  • Lucille Lortel Nom., “Best Actor” – Brian Murray, Gaslight
  • Drama League Nom., “Distinguished Revival of a Play”
  • Drama League Nom., “Distinguished Performance Award” – David Staller, Gaslight

Bella Manningham’s devilishly attractive husband may be driving her insane with accusations of petty aberrations which may have been cleverly arranged by himself. When a mysterious police inspector arrives and suggests that Jack Manningham is suspected of a black-hearted murder committed fifteen years ago in the very same house, the game of uncovering the necessary evidence begins…..

“As usual with this superlative troupe, IT’S A KNOCKOUT! If your spine needs a tingle, this is the place to get it.” -The Wall Street Journal

“EXCELLENT” -The New York Times

“Gaslight is a treat!” -New York Post

“Spellbinding Acting” -Backstage

 

Defender of the Faith

by Stuart Carolan
directed by Ciarán O’Reilly

March 1- April 22, 2007

An intense seething thriller set in 1980s Northern Ireland. Five years after the celebrated 1981 hunger strikes and in the midst of the paranoia surrounding informers in the Irish Republican movement, a family faces a turning point.  Some “operations” have been compromised and a beloved farm hand is suspected of being an informer.  An IRA investigator is brought in to sniff out the traitor, and his ominous presence begin to gnaw away at the edges of familial loyalty.  Don’t miss the American Premiere of this heart-stopping, chilling theatrical experience.

Defender of the Faith contains mature language and subject matter and is not intended for young audiences.

Oh, it’s a nasty piece of work alright with  VISCERAL ACTING and a FINE CAST’ -The New York Times

“Masterful performances…filled with wonderful moments” -Backstage

A sinister thriller that suggests OBVIOUS TALENT. The opening scenes build CRACKERJACK SUSPENSE.” -Variety

Meet Me in St. Louis

book by Hugh Wheeler
songs by Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane

directed by Charlotte Moore
musical direction by John Bell
choreography by Barry McNabb

December 6- January 28, 2007

Based on the heartwarming film of the same name, Meet Me In St. Louis takes audience members on a musical journey back to the early 1900’s, on the brink of the 1904 World’s Fair. In the show’s center are the Smiths, a humble middle-class family made up of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, their four daughters Rose, Esther, Agnes, and Tootie, and their son Lon. With the addition of romantic suitors, comedic misunderstandings, and jovial pranks, this musical is filled with nonstop entertainment featuring memorable musical numbers such as “The Boy Next Door”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, and “A Day In New York”.

“Entrancing! Charmingly designed and well-sung by an appealing cast. These wonderful songs still sound terrific.” -The New York Times

“This evocation of a vanished era and even more vanished family life resonates with a nostalgic glow,” -New York Post

“High on charm! This musical- boosted by the presence of three classics- allows viewers to “have yourself a merry little Christmas,” indeed. Enjoyable family entertainment: mature audience and kids are likely to he highly pleased.” -Variety

Great White American Teeth / Swansong

Irish One Acts in the W. Scott McLucas Studio Theatre

October 11- November 5, 2006

Great White American Teeth
by Fiona Walsh
directed by Virginia Scott

What’s a young Irish girl do to when she lives in a tiny community from the excitement of the America she desperately craves – that loveable hunk Warren Beatty? Fiona Walsh’s delightful solo her resolve to get to the land of amber waves of grain – no matter what.

Swansong
by Conor McDermottroe
directed by David Sullivan

A lost soul looking for a place to belong, Austin embarks on a raw, fane journey through rural Ireland that is both hilarious and heartbreaking. The show has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, in London, and in Dublin, bringing “a vivid and bruising picture of life in the west of Ireland.”

“hilarious and immensely likable” -Village Voice

 

The Hairy Ape

by Eugene O’Neill
directed by Ciarán O’Reilly

September 29- November 19, 2006

  • The 2007 Jujamcyn Theaters Award
  • Joe A. Callaway Award Nom., “Best Director” – Ciarán O’Reilly
  • Lucille Lortel Nom., “Outstanding Scenic Design” – Eugene Lee
  • Drama Desk Nom., “Outstanding Revival of a Play”
  • Drama Desk Nom., “Outstanding Director of a Play” – Ciarán O’Reilly
  • Drama League Nom., “Distinguished Revival of a Play ”
  • Drama League Nom., “Distinguished Performance Award” – Gregory Derelian & Gerald Finnegan

When The Hairy Ape opened in 1922 it set the theatrical world on fire. This journey of a dark-souled, brutish ship laborer known as “Yank” is a riveting story of a common man’s search for belonging in a world controlled by the rich and powerful. As head coal stoker on an ocean liner, Yank is in his element: he rules his dark world- he powers the ship- he belongs. But when the beautiful, pale, spoiled daughter of the ship’s owner owner visits the engine room for a thrill, she is at once repulsed and terrified by Yank and what she sees there. Half in love with the unattainable and half blinded by rage at the unattainable, the bewildered Yank blunders violently through Manhattan seeking at once revenge and a place in a society which refuses him. The Hairy Ape remains a vibrate and eloquent classic.

“A gorgeously grim-looking attempt to make the audience of 2006 appreciate what a gut-punch this work must have been when it premiere in 1922.” -The New York Times

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