WORLD PREMIERE
in the W. Scott McLucas Studio Theatre
Written and Performed by Leenya Rideout
Directed by Lisa Rothe
September 19 – October 21, 2018
“a compelling singer… versatile songwriter and multi-instrumentalist” – The New Yorker
“Wild Abandon is more than a memoir. It’s a rich tapestry of narrative…” – CurtainUp
Leenya, an actor and musician, is figuratively and literally stuck. One night, she finds herself performing alone in a Long Island pub, separated by a snowstorm from the rest of her Irish rock band. Dusting off her original songs, she revisits stories of love, humor, and heartache which all seem to invoke thoughts of her mother, Lynn.
Lynn is also an artist, but she prefers paints and canvas over a live audience. A reluctant stage mom, she is a church lady full of mixed messages. As Leenya performs, she reaches across a continent and a generation – connecting with her mother through art and memories. Together, the two women push beyond their pasts and discover how to live with Wild Abandon.
Both funny and poignant, this solo play with music examines the one primal relationship that is at once universal and infinitely, uniquely complex.
Irish Rep is proud to present the world premiere of Leenya Rideout’s solo show, Wild Abandon, featuring original music by Leenya Rideout and the artwork of Lynn Rideout. Playwright Leenya Rideout is a Broadway actress (Cabaret, Company, War Horse) musician, and songwriter focused on folk, rock, and Celtic music. Wild Abandon explores a complicated mother-daughter relationship in a world where women are just beginning to have their voices heard through art.
