No Strings Theatre Company Presents OUTSIDE MULLINGER

No Strings Theatre Company presents John Patrick Shanley's engaging and heartwarming dramatic comedy, "Outside Mullingar," directed by NSTC's Artistic Director, Ceil Herman. The play, opens NSTC's 2016-2017 season, opens Friday, August 26 and runs through Sunday, September 11 at the Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Main Street in Las Cruces.

The opening scene of this Irish play is set in Tony Reilly's kitchen on the day of neighbor Chris Muldoon's funeral, in the rainy weather typical of December. Elderly Tony, who lives with his 42 year old unmarried son Anthony, is initially annoyed that Anthony has invited the elderly widow Aoife and her daughter Rosemary, an unmarried 36 year old, to visit after the funeral. Tony and Aoife are friendly neighbors. However, Aoife will not consider selling back a small amount of land that her husband bought in front of the Reilly farm years many ago when Tony needed the money.

Rosemary now owns the property but still holds a grudge against Anthony from 30 years previously when he pushed her down as a little girl. Tony and Aoife, who know they haven't long to live, would love to see Anthony marry Rosemary but the union seems far from likely. Though Rosemary has been romantically interested in Anthony all her life, Anthony is very shy and socially awkward and has resigned himself to a life of loneliness. The plot complications and twists are very enjoyable to watch in this sweet and beautifully written play.

The NSTC production stars actors who are well known to Las Cruces theatregoers. Jack Ullrich, seen in NSTC's "The Explorer's Club" and "On Golden Pond," plays Tony Reilly. Bobby Senecal, seen at the Black Box Theatre in "The Birthday Party," "Bob: A Life in Five Acts," and "Moonlight and Magnolias" plays his son, Anthony. Rosemary is played by Amy Gaume Whipple, seen in NSTC's "Godspell" and LCCT's "Leading Ladies." Her mother, Aoife, is double cast, played by Carmen Call, seen in LCCTs "Leading Ladies" and NSTC's "Wonder of the Word" and "A Kind of Alaska" and Caryl Kotulac who recently was seen in NSTC's "Murderers." Peter Herman is Light and Scenic designer, Autumn Gieb is the costume designer, Karen Ross is Stage Manager, and Rebekah Riley is the Board Operator.

"Outside Mullingar" performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sunday Matinees on September 4 and September 11 at 2:30 p.m. There will be a Thursday evening performance on September 8 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 regular admission, $12.00 for students and seniors over 65, and all seats on Thursday are $10.00. Season tickets (Preferred Patron Packages) for all 7 plays in the season are on sale for $85.00 regular admission and $70.00 students and seniors. Reservations: (575) 523-1223.