Season In Union Square
The American Premiere of a New Play
by John McManus
directed by Ciarán O’Reilly
September 22- November 15, 2015
Old Irish farmer Hugh Pugh is having a bubble bath; it’s his first wash in four years. His sudden interest in hygiene has been brought on by the upcoming visit of his estranged brother, but another visitor arrives mid-soak. Developer Rob McNulty is hoping to buy a field to convert to a golf course, but Hugh is far more interested in spinning yarns than signing contracts. Excruciating negotiations ensue, amidst the suds and rubber duck, in this hilarious meeting of avarice and ambition.
A part of the 2015 1st Irish Festival.
WINNER: Best Director, Ciaran O’Reilly
WINNER: Best Design
WINNER: Best Playwright, John McManus
Special Jury Prize: Peter Maloney
“Smartly directed by Ciaran O’Reilly, The Quare Land is a delightful start to the Irish Rep’s new season.”
–Huffington Post
“You’re guaranteed to have a good time!” –Time Out
“bring big laughs… Cementing his position as one of the stage’s great comedians, Maloney fully embodies the playwright’s seriocomic vision of the Irish character.” –The New Yorker
“Excellent performances… Wonderfully warm” –The New York Times
“Some critics have already compared him to Martin McDonagh, but the truth is playwright John McManus has already proven himself to be a much more accomplished reader of contemporary Ireland’s psyche. –Irish Central
“rollicking 80 minutes of inspired comedy… a highlight of the fall theater season” –Curtain Up