CANDIDA At Irish Rep Ends Run 4/25

On Sunday, April 25, off-Broadway's Irish Repertory Theatre concludes the run of of its hit revival of George Bernard Shaw's CANDIDA, recently nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Revival, at the Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street) in Manhattan. Tony and Oscar Award-winner Tony Walton, who helmed the Irish Repertory's productions of Shaw's THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE and MAJOR BARBARA directs.

Irish Rep continues its season with Sebastian Barry's WHITE WOMAN STREET, directed by Charlotte Moore, set to begin previews May 7, prior to its official opening May 16.

CANDIDA tells the story of Reverend James Morell (Ciaran O'Reilly) and how his comfortable marriage to Candida (Melissa Errico) is shaken by the arrival of the young poet, Marchbanks (Sam Underwood). Both men adore her, in quite different ways and for quite different reasons, and she is attracted to them for their very different qualities. Marchbanks believes Candida has a choice. Morell is devastated by the idea of losing her. They both forget she is her own woman.

Originally scheduled through April 18, the revival extended its run through April 25 due to positive reviews and enthusiastic audience response. The Associated Press called this production "a fun
perceptive romp through late-Victorian sexual politics that is perfectly at home in the 21st century." About the revival, Time Out New York commented: "It's a credit to Shaw's social insight that CANDIDA's message still seems so modern, but only such a lively staging could make the world of the play feel so fresh." Theatermania.com wrote: "Tony Walton's impeccable taste and talent
makes the Irish Rep's stage and characters that inhabit it look like they're on Broadway." Backstage called the work, "a rarely seen gem," adding "Tony Walton has staged a smart and winning revival."
NYTheatre.com proclaimed, "You'd be hard-pressed to find a more suitable cast than the one assembled for Tony Walton's revival of George Bernard Shaw at the Irish Repertory Theatre. It is a very lovely, respectful production with some fine acting."

Melissa Errico stars in the title role, while Brian Murray portrays Candida's father, Mr. Burgess. The cast also includes Xanthe Elbrick as the clergyman's secretary Prossy; Josh Grisetti as the Reverend's curate Lexy; Ciaran O'Reilly as Reverend James Morell; and Sam Underwood as Eugene Marchbanks, the romantic suitor of Candida.

CANDIDA features set and costume design by Tony Walton, lighting design by Richard Pilbrow, sound design by Zach Williamson and Jana Hoglund, and hair design by Robert Charles Vallance. The stage manager is April Kline. The production is co-produced by Alexis Doyle.

Director and designer Tony Walton also returns to the Irish Repertory Theatre, having directed and designed the company's revivals of Shaw's THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE and MAJOR BARBARA, and Oscar Wilde's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, as well as the US premiere of Noel Coward's AFTER THE BALL. His many awards include the Oscar, the Emmy and three Tonys (16 nominations). He was elected to the Theatre Hall of Fame in 1991.

Co-founded by Producing Director Ciaran O'Reilly and Artistic Director Charlotte Moore, The Irish Repertory Theatre opened its doors in September 1988 with Sean O'Casey's THE PLOUGH AND THE STARS. The mission of the theatre was and remains to bring works by Irish and Irish-American masters and contemporary playwrights to American audiences; to provide a context for understanding the contemporary Irish American experience; and to encourage the development of new works focusing on the Irish and Irish American experience, as well as a range of other cultures. This season, company received four Lucille Lortel Award nominations (including Outstanding Revival nods for CANDIDA and THE EMPEROR JONES) and most recently, two Drama League Award nominations (including a Distinguished Revival of a Play recognition for THE EMPEROR JONES and a Distinguished Performance nomination for John Douglas Thompson).

Irish Repertory Theatre continues its 22nd Season with WHITE WOMAN STREET by Sebastian Barry, author of OUR LADY OF SLIGO, THE STEWARD OF CHRISTENDOM and THE PRIDE OF PARNELL STREET, with previews to begin May 7, prior to its official press opening May 16. Charlotte Moore,
who helmed the company's recent revival of ERNEST IN LOVE, directs.

Set in Ohio in 1916, WHITE WOMAN STREET tells of five outlaws led by Irish expatriate, Trooper O'Hara, who converge on the town of White Woman Street. The cast features Ron Crawford, Charlie Hudson III, Greg Mullavey, Stephen Payne, Gordon Stanley, and Evan Zes. WHITE WOMAN
STREET has scenic design by Hugh Landwehr; costume design by David Toser; lighting design by Clifton Taylor; and sound design by Zach Williamson.

Performances of George Bernard Shaw's CANDIDA conclude Sunday, April 25 at The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues): Wednesdays-Saturdays at 8pm; plus 3pm matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $65 and $55, and are
available by calling 212-727-2737 or online at www.irishrep.org.