Irish Rep Extends THE WEIR

The Irish Repertory Theatre (Charlotte Moore, Artistic Director, and Ciarán O'Reilly, Producing Director) announces that the critically-acclaimed revival of Conor McPherson's THE WEIR, directed by Ciarán O'Reilly, will be extended through Sunday, September 6th, 2015 at the DR2 Theatre, located at 103 East 15th Street in Union Square (the Irish Rep's temporary home during renovation of its home base in Chelsea).

Conor McPherson's THE WEIR takes place in a remote country pub in Ireland. Newcomer Valerie arrives and becomes spellbound by an evening of ghostly stories told by the local bachelors who drink there. With a whiff of sexual tension in the air and the wind whistling outside, what starts out as blarney soon turns dark as the tales drift into the realm of the supernatural. Then, Valerie reveals a startling story of her own . . .

The cast of THE WEIR features Sean Gormley (Finbar), John Keating (Jim), Mary McCann (Valerie), Paul O'Brien (Jack), and Tim Ruddy (Brendan).

THE WEIR features set design by Charlie Corcoran; lighting design by Michael Gottlieb; costume design by Leon Dobkowski; and sound design by Drew Levy.

THE WEIR premiered at London's The Royal Court prior to transferring to the West End in 1997 and Broadway's Walter Kerr Theatre in 1999. It won the Lawrence Olivier Award as Best New Play of 1997-98. In a poll conducted by the Royal National Theatre, THE WEIR was voted one of the 100 most significant plays of the 20th Century.

Mr. O'Reilly's revival of THE WEIR first began previews on May 15th, 2013 and opened on May 23rd on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage of the Irish Repertory Theatre. The production was extended three times, playing its final performance on September 15th, 2013. The production returned for an encore this summer, beginning previews on Tuesday, June 30th, 2015, and opening on Thursday, July 9th.

Conor McPherson (Playwright), one of the leading contemporary Irish playwrights, received Tony nominations for SHINING CITY and THE SEAFARER. His plays also include DUBLIN CAROL, RUM AND VODKA, THE GOOD THIEF, THIS LIME TREE BOWER, PORT AUTHORITY, COME ON OVER, an adaptation of THE BIRDS, and ST. NICHOLAS, presented at Irish Repertory Theatre in 2010. His screenplays include "The Actors" and "The Eclipse," which he also directed, and "I Went Down."

Ciarán O'Reilly (Director) has helmed Irish Rep's productions of THE WEIR (Lucille Lortel and Callaway Award nominations); THE EMPEROR JONES (Callaway Award; O'Neill Credo Award; Drama Desk, Drama League and Lucille Lortel Award nominations); THE HAIRY APE (Drama Desk, Drama League and Callaway nominations); PHILADELPHIA, HERE I COME! (Drama Desk nomination); the world pre­miere of BANISHED CHILDREN OF EVE; as well as the recent productions of SEA MARKS and PORT AUTHORITY, among others. As an actor, he has been seen in the Irish Rep productions of DA, JUNO AND THE PAYCOCK, DANCING AT LUGHNASA, MOLLY SWEENEY, ARISTOCRATS, A WHISTLE IN THE DARK, THE SHAUGHRAUN, and THE IRISH AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY. He also appeared in the Roundabout Theatre Company's production of A TOUCH OF THE POET with Gabriel Byrne; at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin; and made his Broadway debut in THE CORN IS GREEN. He has been honored three times by Irish America Magazine with the Irish America "Top 100 Irish" Award.

The Irish Repertory Theatre, co-founded by Producing Director Ciarán O'Reilly and Artistic Director Charlotte Moore, opened its doors in September 1988 with Sean O'Casey's THE PLOUGH AND THE STARS. The Irish Rep is currently the only year-round theatre company in New York City devoted to bringing Irish and Irish American works to the stage. Recognized with the Jujamcyn Theatres Award, a special Drama Desk Award for "Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish Drama," an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Achievement, and the Lucille Lortel Award for "Outstanding Body of Work," the Irish Rep has celebrated the very best in Irish theatre for over twenty-five years, from the masters to the new generation of Irish and Irish American writers who are transforming the stage. Nearly 38,000 audience members annually attend productions at our theatre located in the heart of New York's Off Broadway community. Once here, they witness the Irish Rep's engaging perspective on the Irish and their unique contributions to the world of drama.

THE WEIR will be performed through Sunday, September 6, 2015. The performance schedule is Tuesdays at 7pm; Wednesdays at 3pm and 8pm; Thursdays at 7pm; Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm; and Sundays at 3pm.

Tickets to THE WEIR are priced at $71.00. For tickets and information, call the Irish Rep box office at 212-727-2737 or visit the Irish Rep online at www.irishrep.org.

Photo by Carol Rosegg