Chicago's Hit Show FLANAGAN'S WAKE Makes Its Off-Broadway Debut In January 2010

FLANAGAN'S WAKE, The Hilarious, Interactive Irish Wake that has been running 16 smash years in Chicago, will finally open in the Big Apple, Off-Broadway! FLANAGAN'S WAKE (www.FlanagansWakeNYC.com) will be the first production set for an open run at the new Theater at Sweet Caroline's, 322 West 45th St, between 8th and 9th Aves. Previews begin Friday, November 13, 2009 AT 7:30 PM and the official opening will be on Monday, January 11, 2010. Directed by Amy Binns-Calvey with Musical Direction by Bonnie Shadrake.

One of the longest-running shows in Chicago Theater History, FLANAGAN'S WAKE invites you to join the villagers of Grapplin, Ireland as they mourn and grieve the passing of one of their own as only the Irish can. Help celebrate Flanagan's life and mourn his death with a few pints and plenty of tears - of laughter! Flanagan's Wake is perfect for groups - so grab your friends, gather ‘round the casket and raise a glass for the man "Himself" in true Irish fashion.

FLANAGAN'S WAKE has delighted audiences all over the U.S. - in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Rochester, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and Detroit.

Collaboratively written by Amy Binns-Calvey, Geoff Binns-Calvey, Jimmy Binns, Jack Bronis, Mark Czoske, Phil Lusardi, Pat Musker and Bonnie Shadrake, FLANAGAN'S WAKE was conceived by Jack Bronis and inspired by Joe Liss.

The show's co-creators have strong ties to the Chicago improv scene including Second City. Jack Bronis (director of the original production) has been on the faculty of the Second City in Chicago for over a decade, and has directed many shows there including Brain Humor, Starship Improvise, Corporation, Inc., Life is Mostly Good, and Pub, in addition to various student shows. Patricia Musker and Mark Mark Czoske have been faculty members at Second City. Phil Lusardi is a graduate from Second City and studied with improv legends Paul Sills and Del Close.

"We're so excited for the New York cousins to finally have a chance to come and pay their respects to Flanagan," says Director and Co-Creator Amy Binns-Calvey. "Given his love for theater, it's very fitting that Flanagan is being waked on the great off-white-way."

Amy Binns-Calvey has directed Flanagan's Wake in Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Buffalo. Currently she is also directing a spoof of "The View" entitled "The Spew" in Chicago, where she resides. She was a founding member of the Noble Fool Theater Company in Chicago, an Artist in Residence with the State of Illinois, and an instructor with the Art Institute of Chicago. Amy is a Network Playwright with Chicago Dramatists.

Bonnie Shadrake created the score for Flanagan's Wake and has acted as Music Director for the show in Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Cleveland, and other cities nationwide. She was a founding member of the Noble Fool Theater Company in Chicago, where she was the Cabaret/Musical Director. She is currently the Music Director/Staff Accompanist for the Theatre Conservatory at Roosevelt University in Chicago, and is working on two new musicals.

The cast of FLANAGAN'S WAKE features James Houton, Mary Theresa Archbold, Pay Shay, Brett Waldon, Michael Kevin Baldwin, Mike Connell, and Abigail Gullo. Scenic Design is by Joseph Heitman.

Performances of FLANAGAN'S WAKE are on Thursday -Saturdays at 7:30PM, Sundays at 4:30PM and Mondays @ 7:30PM. Running time is a brisk 90 minutes.

General Admission tickets are $49.95, Premium Seating is available for $74.95 and includes VIP seating, a complimentary drink and souvenir glass. Tickets can be purchased by calling Telecharge at 212-977-3884 or by logging onto www.FlanagansWakeNYC.com

The Theatre at Sweet Caroline's is located at 322 West 45th St. (between 8th and 9th Aves).