Errico, Murray, Grissetti et al. Lead Irish Rep's CANDIDA, Opens 3/7

This Spring, Off-Broadway's Irish Repertory Theatre presents CANDIDA -- George Bernard Shaw's classic about a clergyman and his wife who captures the attention of a young poet -- with previews scheduled to begin February 24, prior to its official press opening on March 7 at the Irish Repertory Theatre in Manhattan. Tony and Oscar Award-winner Tony Walton, who helmed the Irish Repertory's acclaimed revivals of Shaw's THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE and MAJOR BARBARA, will direct.

CANDIDA tells the story of Reverend James Morell and how his comfortable marriage to Candida is shaken by the arrival of the young poet, Marchbanks. Both men adore her, in quite different ways and for quite different reasons, and she is attracted to them for their very different qualities. Marchbanks believes Candida has a choice. Morell is devastated by the idea of losing her. They both forget she is her own woman.

Melissa Errico stars in the title role, while Brian Murray portrays Candida's father, Mr. Burgess. The cast also includes Xanthe Elbrick as the clergyman's secretary Prossy; Josh Grisetti as the Reverend's curate Lexy; Ciaran O'Reilly as Reverend James Morell; and Sam Underwood as Eugene Marchbanks, the romantic suitor of Candida.

CANDIDA is Bernard Shaw's most beloved and successful early play. Written in 1894, first published and presented in 1898, this play - upon its triumphal launching - immediately caused Shaw's elevation into the theatrical firmament.

CANDIDA features set and costume design by Tony Walton, lighting design by Richard Pilbrow, sound design by Zach Williamson and Jana Hoglund, and hair design by Robert Charles Vallance. The stage manager is April Kline. The production is co-produced by Alexis Doyle.

Melissa Errico, seen on Broadway this past December in Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS, co-starred in the Irish Repertory Theatre's revivals of FINIAN'S RAINBOW, MAJOR BARBARA, and THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST for which she earned a Drama Desk nomination. Her Broadway
credits include MY FAIR LADY, DRACULA, Anna KarenINA, HIGH SOCIETY, and AMOUR for which she received a Tony nomination.

Brian Murray most recently appeared at Irish Repertory Theatre in GASLIGHT for which he received a 2008 Lucille Lortel Award nomination. He also co-starred in the company's productions of A LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT and DA. Mr. Murray received Tony nominations for his work in THE CRUCIBLE, THE LITTLE FOXES, and ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD. Other Broadway credits include MARY STUART, THE RIVALS, UNCLE VANYA, NOISES OFF, SLEUTH, KING LEAR and TWELFTH NIGHT. He received an OBIE Award for his work Off-Broadway in Edward Albee's THE PLAY ABOUT THE BABY.

Director and designer Tony Walton also returns to the Irish Repertory Theatre, having directed and designed the company's revivals of Shaw's THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE and MAJOR BARBARA, and Oscar Wilde's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, as well as the US premiere of Noel Coward's AFTER THE BALL. His many awards include the Oscar, the Emmy and three Tonys (16 nominations). He was elected to the Theatre Hall of Fame in 1991. His Broadway credits include revivals of OUR TOWN, I'M NOT RAPPAPORT, THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER, UNCLE VANYA, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, 1776, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, SHE LOVES ME, GUYS AND DOLLS and ANYTHING GOES; original productions of Bob Fosse's CHICAGO and PIPPIN, Pinter's MOONLIGHT and ASHES TO ASHES, GRAND HOTEL, THE REAL THING, THE Will Rogers FOLLIES, THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES and WELL; Madison Square Garden's A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and
THE BOY FRIEND, directed by Julie Andrews. He also directed and designed the smash hit revival WHERE'S CHARLIE? for the Goodspeed Opera House and other distinguished regional theatres. Mr. Walton has designed for films including "Mary Poppins," "Murder on the Orient Express," "Fahrenheit 451," "The Wiz," "The Boy Friend," "All That Jazz," "Death of a Salesman," "The Glass Menagerie," "Regarding Henry," and "Deathtrap."

Co-founded by Producing Director Ciaran O'Reilly and Artistic Director Charlotte Moore, The Irish Repertory Theatre opened its doors in September 1988 with Sean O'Casey's THE PLOUGH AND THE STARS. The mission of the theatre was and remains to bring works by Irish and Irish-American masters and contemporary playwrights to American audiences; to provide a context for understanding the contemporary Irish American experience; and to encourage the development of new works focusing on the Irish and Irish American experience, as well as a range of other cultures.

Currently at Irish Repertory Theatre is its acclaimed revival of ERNEST IN LOVE, a musical adaptation of Oscar Wilde's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST. Directed by Charlotte Moore, the musical recently extended through February 14. The Irish Repertory's production of THE EMPEROR JONES, directed by Ciaran O'Reilly and starring John Douglas Thompson, continues through January 31 at SoHo Playhouse.

Performances of CANDIDA run February 24 through April 18 at The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues): Wednesdays-Saturdays at 8pm; plus 3pm matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $65 and $55, and are available by
calling 212-727-2737 or online at www.irishrep.org.