Guthrie Director Joe Dowling talks Friel's FAITH HEALER with the Minneapolis Star Tribune

Minneapolis Star Tribune theater writer Graydon Royce talks with Guthrie director Joe Dowling, the preeminent director and scholar of Brian Friel's work, as he prepares to step onstage in homage to his friend and fellow Irishman.

The article is called 'Onstage: A Leap Of 'Faith' by Graydon Royce and it was printed in the Star Tribune October 18th.

It begins: "Finances have gotten so tight at the Guthrie that Joe Dowling has had to cast himself as an actor.

"Yes, soon we'll do all one-man shows and I will run back and forth to every theater," Dowling said, playing along with the gag during an interview. In a more serious vein, he said he wants Twin Cities actors to know he has no intention of taking work away from them. He's particularly sensitive because the Guthrie is hiring fewer actors in this down-budget year."

To read the full article click here: http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/onstage/64455397.html

This powerful play about Frank Hardy, his wife Grace and talent manager Teddy offers an intimate portrait of three adults, told through a series of four emotionally stirring monologues. Frank, Grace and Teddy each describe their own version of the personal and professional bond they share, the astonishing yet unpredictable nature of Frank's ability, and how their lives were ultimately shaped forever by a single event.

Dowling -- who is making his American acting debut -- plays the title role in Friel's Faith Healer, which began preview performances this past weekend and opens Friday, October 23 on the McGuire Proscenium Stage at the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis.

For complete production information, visit www.FaithHealerLive.com.