Celtic Band Brosna to Play George Street Playhouse, 10/18

George Street Playhouse's season opener, Outside Mullingar by John Patrick Shanley, has more than a touch of Irish mysticism and romance. Like his Oscar-winning movie Moonstruck, the play is the story of an unlikely romance, but set in Ireland. To complement the Irish theme of the play, the Playhouse is offering its patrons to enjoy libations and the sounds of Highland Park-based Celtic Band Brosna, who perform their unique take on Celtic classics following the 8pm Saturday performance.

The word "Brosna" means "bundle of sticks" in the Celtic language, but it is also a town in County Kerry situated in the Sliabh Luachra region, a part of Ireland known for its great musical tradition.

Their repertoire includes classic as well as newer instrumental jigs, polkas, reels, hornpipes and marches, as well as songs, both new and old. The members of Brosna are: Rob Lowe (fiddle, guitar), Jeff Zajac (flute, fiddle), Sharon Grau (bodhran & voice), and Mark Montesion (mandolin, concertina). Brosna plays instrumental tunes in what some might call the "pure drop" style, without the use of harmonic backup, such as guitar or piano. This approach produces a bright melodically-driven sound ideally suited for both dance and trance.

The Band's performance will take place in the Playhouse's Cabaret lobby space. There is no cover or minimum, although the Cabaret bar will be open with Guinness and other tempting libations and snacks. For further information contact the George Street Playhouse Box Office 732-246-7717. George Street Playhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue in the heart of New Brunswick's vibrant downtown. Visit the Playhouse website, www.GSPonline.org, to purchase tickets and plan your visit.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director David Saint, George Street Playhouse has become a nationally recognized theatre, presenting an acclaimed mainstage season while providing an artistic home for established and emerging theatre artists. Kelly Ryman was appointed Managing Director in 2013. Founded in 1974, the Playhouse has been well represented by numerous productions both on and off-Broadway - recent productions include the Outer Critics' Circle Best Musical Award-winner The Toxic Avenger; the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk and Drama League nominated production of The Spitfire Grill; and the recent Broadway hit and Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning play Proof by David Auburn, which was developed at GSP during the 1999 Next Stage Series of new plays. In addition to its mainstage season, GSP's Touring Theatre features four issue-oriented productions that are seen by more than 40,000 students annually. George Street Playhouse programming is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.