BWW Interviews: Ciaran O'Reilly - Irish Repertory Theatre in NYC

The Irish Repertory Theatre (Irish Rep) has announced its exciting upcoming season featuring Port Authority, A Christmas Memory and Da. Co-founded in 1988 by Artistic Director Charlotte Moore and Producing Director, Ciaran O'Reilly, Irish Rep produces plays year round and draws nearly 38,000 audience members. The theatre is located in the heart of New York's Off-Broadway community and is devoted to bringing Irish and Irish-American works to the stage. Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Ciaran O'Reilly just before the opening of Port Authority.

Irish Rep is currently undergoing a renovation of their location on 132 West 22nd Street in the Chelsea neighborhood. O'Reilly said that it will include great improvements for audience members with new seating, air conditioning and a new balcony so that every seat will be a good one. During this renovation, Irish Rep is making its home only minutes away at the Daryl Roth Theatre on 101 East 15th Street.

The Irish Rep has received impressive awards including a special Drama Desk Award for "Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish Drama" and an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Achievement

O'Reilly has helmed the Irish Rep's recent productions of Garner McKay's Sea Marks, and Brian Friel's The Freedom of the City among others. He received the Joseph A. Callaway Award for Direction for The Emperor Jones. And as an actor, he co-starred in Irish Rep's recent revival of Sean O'Casey's Juno and the Paycock.

O'Reilly was humorous when recalling his first theatrical experiences. Born and raised in Cavan County, Ireland, he said he was about four when he played a witch with a big black cauldron and a pointy hat and really enjoyed the experience. He also said that he was quite familiar with acting as his father was in politics. "Politics is a form of theater."

O'Reilly really started his professional career when he came to New York City as a young man. He called his life in the theater a "lucky thing" and said that he had such fun in the profession that he "found his home with theatre people."

O'Reilly spoke about the successful production of Irish works. "Ireland is absolutely a nation blessed with playwrights and storytellers and that goes way back in history. With playwrights like Frank McMahon and George Bernard Shaw, we have this talent to choose from. The connection starts with good writing."

We asked O'Reilly how he effectively balances his many roles at Irish Rep. He commented, "I enjoy all facets of theater, acting, directing and producing. After 25 years, some of it has become second nature." He also said that is "truly a great feeling of accomplishment to get a play on stage." He also commented, "I am fortunate to work all these years with Charlotte Moore who is so talented and dedicated."

O'Reilly commented on the importance of Irish Rep and its contribution to the arts. "People should know the power of theatre when they come to the Irish Rep. We want them to have a unique experience and come away fulfilled. Theatre is transformative and the purest form of entertainment." Yet, O'Reilly is modest when he talks about his many successes and the success of Irish Rep. "I wake up season after season. It is amazing that we're still around. It's great."

For more information on The Irish Repertory Theatre, upcoming performances and ticketing, please call (212) 727-2737 or visit their web site at www.irishrep.org.

Photo: Courtesy of The Irish Repertory Theatre