FLANAGAN'S WAKE Opens Off-Broadway

FLANAGAN'S WAKE, The Hilarious, Interactive Irish Wake that has been running 17 smash years in Chicago, has finally hit the Big Apple, Off-Broadway! (www.FlanagansWakeNYC.com) Directed by Amy Binns-Calvey with Musical Direction by Bonnie Shadrake.

One of the longest-running shows in Chicago Theater History (17 years), FLANAGAN'S WAKE invites you to join the villagers of Grapplin, Ireland as they mourn and grieve the passing of one of their own as only the Irish can. Help celebrate Flanagan's life and mourn his death with a few pints and plenty of tears - of laughter! Flanagan's Wake is perfect for groups - so grab your friends, gather 'round the casket and raise a glass for the man "Himself" in true Irish fashion.

FLANAGAN'S WAKE has delighted audiences all over the U.S. - in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Rochester, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and Detroit.

Collaboratively written by Amy Binns-Calvey, Geoff Binns-Calvey, Jimmy Binns, Jack Bronis, Mark Czoske, Phil Lusardi, Pat Musker and Bonnie Shadrake, FLANAGAN'S WAKE was conceived by Jack Bronis and inspired by Joe Liss.

"We're so excited for the New York cousins to finally have a chance to come and pay their respects to Flanagan," says Director and Co-Creator Amy Binns-Calvey. "Given his love for theater, it's very fitting that Flanagan is being waked on the great off-white-way."

Amy Binns-Calvey has directed Flanagan's Wake in Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Buffalo. Currently she is also directing a spoof of "The View" entitled "The Spew" in Chicago, where she resides. She was a founding member of the Noble Fool Theater Company in Chicago, an Artist in Residence with the State of Illinois, and an instructor with the Art Institute of Chicago. Amy is a Network Playwright with Chicago Dramatists.

Bonnie Shadrake created the score for Flanagan's Wake and has acted as Music Director for the show in Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Cleveland, and other cities nationwide. She was a founding member of the Noble Fool Theater Company in Chicago, where she was the Cabaret/Musical Director. She is currently the Music Director/Staff Accompanist for the Theatre Conservatory at Roosevelt University in Chicago, and is working on two new musicals.

The cast of FLANAGAN'S WAKE features a rotating cast: Jimmy Callahan, Neil McNamara, Amber Petty, BrIan White, Mary Theresa Archbold, Pay Shay, Amber Coartney, Mike Connell, and Annie Rubino. Scenic Design is by Joseph Heitman.

Performances of FLANAGAN'S WAKE are scheduled every other week. Please refer to The Triad's calendar at Stage72.com. Running time is 80 minutes.

General Admission tickets are $30 with a two drink minimum. Tickets can be purchased at BrownPaperTickets.com, calling 1-800-836-3006, or by logging onto www.FlanagansWakeNYC.com