Inis Nua Theatre to Present MIDSUMMER [A PLAY WITH SONGS], 4/9-27

Philadelphia's Inis Nua Theatre Company will present the Philadelphia premiere of David Greig and Gordon McIntyre's Midsummer [a play with songs], running April 9-27 at the Off-Broad Street Theater in the First Baptist Church (1636 Sansom Street). Midsummer [a play with songs] premiered at Scotland's Traverse Theatre in 2008 and was performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2009. It has been produced worldwide, including England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and off-Broadway.

Directed by Kate Galvin and starring Charlie DelMarcelle (Dublin by Lamplight) and Liz Filios, Midsummer [a play with songs] is a fast-paced raucous rom-com with a gritty edge. A one night stand between a divorce lawyer Helena and small time crook Bob turns into more when the two suddenly encounter one another the next day. Disillusioned and vulnerable, each in their own way, Helena and Bob embark on a wild midsummer night's spree through Edinburgh. Their surreal adventure includes an encounter with a parking machine that doles out philosophical advice and a trip to a Japanese rope bondage parlor. With unexpected turns of lyricism, Midsummer celebrates the solstice in true Shakespearean style.

Inis Nua presents contemporary plays from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. When asked why he was drawn to create theatre around these cultures, Founder/Artistic Director Tom Reing said, "Because I love these cultures. I love their histories; but more importantly, I love what they are today and want to share that with audiences. It is the mixing of these cultures' great traditions of storytelling with contemporary themes and times that I think stays with you."

Opening night is Friday, April 11 at 8pm, with previews on Wednesday, April 9 and Thursday, April 10 at 7pm. Midsummer [a play with songs] runs for a total of 16 performances, through April 27. Tickets are $25 and $30. To purchase tickets and for further information, phone (215) 454-9776 or visit http://inisnuatheatre.org.