THE RIVALRY Brings Lincoln/Douglas Debates To Irish Rep, Previews 5/15

The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street) will continue its 21st Season with Norman Corwin's THE RIVALRY, dealing with the Lincoln/Douglas debates . Previews begin on Friday, May 15, 2009. The production will open on Thursday, May 21, 2009. Vincent Dowling will direct.

Don't miss this RARE OPPORTUNITY to see fine actors perform this riveting drama directed by Vincent Dowling, former Artistic Director of Ireland's National Theatre, The Abbey Theatre of Dublin!

In 1858, two extraordinary men shared a podium to debate issues that would rock the world. Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, the nation's most charismatic orators, tackled these historic debates with a fervor and an energy which hypnotized the nation.

Using their passionate words, playwright Norman Corwin opens the world of the past with searing intensity and offers a play as trailblazing as the real life characters who inhabit it. In this year of the historic election of President Barack Obama corresponding to the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln the topics addressed in THE RIVALRY have never been more timely or more brilliantly brought to life.

Christian Kaufman portrays Abraham Lincoln, Peter Cormican brings "the Little Giant", Stephen Douglas to fiery life, Mary Linda Rapelye as Adele Douglas and Doug Stender as the Republican Committeeman complete the cast.

Director Vincent Dowling is a Lifetime Associate Director of The National Theatre of Ireland -'The Abbey Theatre'. During 27 years, he was Artistic Director, Deputy Artistic Director, and Director of the Experimental Theatre and, for 23 years, a leading company actor and director. He led The Abbey Theatre to The Moscow Arts Theatre and brought the famous Russian theatre to Dublin. He organized, directed, and led to great cities and small university towns the first financially and artistically successful Abbey Theatre National Tour of the USA in 55 years. He has played and directed in London, Paris, Florence, and the Edinburgh Festival, and has directed at many of America's finest regional theatres and is also a well-known radio and television broadcaster. At a number of universities and colleges in the U. S. he has held Chairs of Humane Letters, Theatre, and Continuing Studies. Vincent Dowling was Artistic Director of The Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival of Ohio from 1976-84. He performed on three occasions at The White House. In the early 90's, he founded The Miniature Theatre of Chester, a professional theatre now in its 19th Season, operating in an economically deprived village. He is a recipient of five Honorary Doctorates and numerous Awards. He is a published writer, poet, and playwright. In 2000, he published the first volume of his memoirs. His second volume is due out in 2009 published by Kent State University Press.

Set Design, Eugene D. Warner, Costume Design, Rosi Zingales, Lighting Design, Brian Nason, Sound Design, Zachary Williamson, Original Sound Design, Walter Mantani, Production Stage Manager, Elis C. Arroyo, Assistant Stage Manager, Pamela Brusoski, Charlotte Moore, Artistic Director, Ciarán O'Reilly, Producing Director. Jeffrey Chrzczon, General Manager.

Performances of THE RIVALRY are Wednesday - Saturday at 8 PM, Matinees are Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 3 PM. Please visit The Irish Rep website www.irishrep.org for

Tickets to the THE RIVALRY are $65 and $55 and can be purchased by calling (212) 727-2737 or at the Box Office. The Irish Repertory Theatre is located at 132 West 22nd Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues. For more information, visit www.irishrep.org.