Irish Rep to Open Season with American Premiere of THE QUARE LAND

The Irish Repertory Theatre announces the first production of its 28th theater season -- the American premiere of John McManus's THE QUARE LAND, directed by Ciarán O'Reilly. Developed as part of the Irish Rep's Reading Series in 2014, THE QUARE LAND will be performed Tuesday, September 22 - Sunday, November 15, 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). The Opening is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2015.

In THE QUARE LAND, old Irish farmer Hugh Pugh is having a bubble bath; it's his first wash in four years. His sudden interest in hygiene has been brought on by the upcoming visit of his estranged brother, but another visitor arrives mid-soak. Developer Rob McNulty is hoping to buy a field to convert to a golf course, but Hugh is far more interested in spinning yarns than signing contracts. Excruciating negotiations ensue, amidst the suds and rubber duck, in this hilarious meeting of avarice and ambition.

THE QUARE LAND stars Rufus Collins (THE ROYAL FAMILY, TO BE OR NOT TO BE) as Rob, and Peter Maloney (OUTSIDE MULLINGAR, Irish Rep's recent production of PORT AUTHORITY) as Hugh.

THE QUARE LAND has scenic design by Charlie Corcoran; costume design by David Toser; lighting design by Michael Gottlieb; sound design by Ryan Rumery and M. Florian Staab; properties by Deirdre Brennan; and special effects by J&M Special Effects, Bodhan Bushell. The Production Stage Manager is Pamela Brusoski.

John McManus (Playwright) is from Ballyconnell in County Cavan, Ireland. His first play, NO HATE GOING TO LOSS, a radio drama, won the RTE P.J. O'Connor award in 2005. He was a runner up in the same competition in 2008 with WILL YOU SWAP KNEES WITH ME? John's first stage play, A LOCK OF FIERCE ROARS, was developed by Druid Theatre Company and produced by Moth Productions in 2014. THE QUARE LAND, was first produced at the Galway Arts Festival by the Galway Arts Centre and Decadent Theatre Company. In 2013 the play toured Ireland in a new production directed by Seamus O'Rourke. John recently completed the New Playwrights Programme at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin. His new play, KLONDIKE, is to be produced in 2016.

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.

Co-founded by Producing Director Ciarán O'Reilly and Artistic Director Charlotte Moore, Irish Repertory Theatre 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 QUARE LAND will be performed Tuesday, September 22 - Sunday, November 15, 2015. The Press Opening is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 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.

The running time of THE QUARE LAND is 90 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets to THE QUARE LAND are priced at $70.00 and are on sale now through The Irish Rep box office by calling 212-727-2737, or online at www.irishrep.org.

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