NY: the cell Adds Shows to HARD TIMES, 9/22 & 9/29

New York, NY: the cell, Nancy Manocherian (Founding Artistic Director) and Kira Simring (Artistic Director) are pleased to announce added Saturday matinees (3pm) to the workshop production of Larry Kirwan's HARD TIMES. With music by Stephen Foster & Larry Kirwan, orchestrations and musical direction by Andrew Smithson, choreography by Joe Barros and direction by Kira Simring, the show is a sold-out and standing-room-only specatacular! To accommodate some of those unable to purchase tickets two shows have been added, Saturday, September 22 at 3pm and Saturday, September 29 at 3pm.

HARD TIMES is a mainstage production of the fifth annual 1st Irish Festival, the only theatre festival in the world dedicated to Irish playwrights. New York's Origin Theatre Company (George C. Heslin Artistic Director) hosts and coordinates 1st Irish. The month-long event showcases 1st-class productions from Ireland and the U.S. of plays by new Irish playwrights at venues across the city. 1st Irish 2012 runs from September 3 to October 1. HARD TIMES performances are at the cell (338 West 23rd Street New York, NY 10011). Performances began Thursday, September 13 and run through Sunday, September 30.

HARD TIMES stars Jed Peterson* as Stephen Foster, Erin West* as Jane Foster, Almeria Campbell* as Nelly Blythe, Philip Callen* as Michael Jenkins, Stephane Duret* as Thomas Jefferson and John Charles McLaughlin as Owen Duignan.

*Performing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association, AEA approved showcase.

The production features scenic and prop design by Dara Wishingrad, lighting design by Gertjan Houben and costume and hair design by Sara Hinkley. Niall O'Leary is the Irish Dance Consultant and Tim Eliot is the fight director. The dramaturg is Samantha Keogh, casting director and associate producer is Jason Najjoum, marketing and publicity by Katie Rosin/Kampfire PR, and general management by Tom Smedes and Carrie Walkup.

HARD TIMES plays the following schedule: Saturday, September 22 at 3pm; Saturday, September 22 at 8pm; Monday, September 24 at 8pm; Thursday, September 27 at 8pm; Friday, September 28 at 8pm; Saturday, September 29 at 3pm; Saturday, September 29 at 8pm; Sunday, September 30 at 3pm.

Tickets are $18 and are now available online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/260783 or by calling 1-800-838-3006. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the cell, ½ hour prior to performance. The running time is 120 minutes (with intermission). for more information visit www.thecelltheatre.org