IRISH to be Filmed at Wexford Opera House for PBS

Since opening in 2008, the award-winning Wexford Opera House has attracted much international attention as a world-class venue. And now, Wexford town has also captured the imagination of US/Canadian production company Passionate Film and Music Group who are coming to Wexford to film their brand new musical, IRISH for PBS (Public Broadcast System - USA).

IRISH, the musical, destined to be the new Irish Classic in America, will be broadcast on the Public Broadcasting Station (PBS) next March before embarking on a national US tour, promoted by LIVE-NATION. Although the television broadcast and the extensive performing tour will be in the US, the producers were anxious to cast and film the musical in Ireland.

As a result, on Saturday, July 20, Wexford Opera House will transform into a TV Studio to film 2 live performances of this exciting production and Wexford Opera House and Passionate Film and Music Group would like to invite the public to experience this world-premiere by being a part of the audience. There will be two performances, 3pm and 8pm lasting 90 minutes approximately. The musical is suitable for all ages and best of all - it's FREE! But booking is essential.

IRISH is the story of a quartet of performers leaving Ireland and hoping to make it big in New York. The charismatic leader of the band is Michael O'Riordan (Nigel O'Connell). Street smart with talent to burn, he's the gifted songwriter, and guitar player of the group. The fiddle player is the Celtic wild child and former busker, Shannon Kilcullen (Sharon Sexton). She's a born entertainer. On box accordion is Kevin Fitzgerald (Brian Flanagan). Born into one of the richest families in Ireland, Kevin found himself trapped in a life of quiet desperation until he was saved by music. The fourth and final member of the group is whistle and pipe player, Fiona Brennan (Aine Whelan). The first act ends with the departure of the band to the boat that will carry them to the Promised Land.

Producer/Composer Kate Amesbury described her production as, "a hybrid of a concert and a Broadway musical. Some have called it 'The Commitments' meets a 'Chorus Line' or and Irish 'Jersey Boys'. It is a pop musical about four Irish musicians whose dream it is to be stars in America. This is the first time PBS will feature an Irish themed show with an original score and a story line. They fell in love with the music and felt that the American audience would too."

The stellar four-person cast all hail from Ireland and include Aine Whelan, currently touring with Colm Wilkinson, Brian Flanagan, composer and recording artist, Nigel Connell, who recently toured with Daniel O'Donnell and Rebecca Storm and Sharon Sexton, known to Wexford audiences from role as 'Nancy' in 'Oliver!' in Wexford Opera House in 2010. Joining the talented quartet, are 7 of the top session musicians in Europe, 5 of who played for Van Morrison.

Tickets are free and the show is suitable for all ages, but booking is essential. Demand is expected to be great. Tickets available from Tuesday, July 2. To make sure you are part of this fantastic production, ring the box-office at Wexford Opera House at (053) 912 2144 or call into Wexford Opera House. Box-office is open Monday - Saturday 10am - 4:30pm - closed for lunch 1-2pm.

 

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