Irish Rep's Philadelphia, Here I Come! Opens on July 21

By: Jun. 20, 2005
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The Irish Repertory Theater will end their 2004-2005 season with Brian Friel's Philadelphia, Here I Come! with previews beginning on Thursday, July 14th and an opening set for July 21st; Ciarán O'Reilly will direct the play.

"Set in 1962, this classic bittersweet comedy revolves around the young Gar O'Donnell on the eve of his departure from Ireland to America.  Gar's heartache from losing his girlfriend to a successful businessman propels him to accept an invitation to go and live with an aunt in Philadelphia. Despite the wild fantasies of what life in America might hold, and his yearning to escape the tedium of small town Ballybeg, a kind word from his taciturn father could change his mind" state the show's production notes.

Friel is the acclaimed author of such works as Dancing at Lughnasa (for which he won the 1992 Tony Award for Best Play), Translations, Aristocrats, and Give Me You Answer Do.  Born in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, in 1929, Brian Friel is Ireland's major playwright.  He also received a Tony nomination for Best Play for 1968's Lovers, and other plays to be produced on Broadway include The Loves of Cass McGuire, The Freedom of the City, Faith Healer and Wonderful Tennesse.  His distinction has grown in recent years with dramatic successes in Ireland, London, and New York.  Philadelphia, Here I Come! was first produced on Broadway in 1964 by David Merrick and ran for 326 performances; it was his first piece to be nominated for the Best Play Tony.

The cast features Paddy Croft, Michael Fitzgerald, James Kennedy, Edwin Owens, James Stevens, Tessa Klein, Gil Rogers, Helena Carroll, John Leighton, Geddeth Smith, Tim Ruddy, Joe Berlangero, Darren Connolly and Leo Leyden.  Scenic design is by David Raphel, costume design by David Toser, lighting design by Brian Nason, and sound design by Murmod, Inc.

The Irish Repertory Theatre is the recent recipient of the 2005 Lucille Lortel "Outstanding Body of Work" Award.

Performances of Philadelphia, Here I Come! are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 PM. Matinees are Saturday and Sunday at 3 PM.  Tickets are $50 and $45 and can be purchased by calling (212) 727-2737 or at the box office (132 West 22nd St. Between 6th & 7th Avenues).

For more information, visit www.irishrep.org. 

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