Outside Mullingar at The Schoolhouse Theater

The Schoolhouse Theater Launches Its 2026 Season with John Patrick Shanley’s Irish Romantic Comedy Outside Mullingar

Directed by beloved Producing Director Bram Lewis

Croton Falls, NY — The Schoolhouse Theater kicks off its 2026 season with Outside Mullingar, the irresistible romantic comedy by Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award winner John Patrick Shanley—best known as the screenwriter of the classic Moonstruck. Directed by Producing Director Bram Lewis, this production promises an evening of laughter, heart, and the kind of hard-earned romance that leaves audiences smiling all the way home.

Set in the lush Irish countryside, Outside Mullingar follows Anthony and Rosemary—two stubborn, lonely neighbors whose lives have unfolded side by side for years, though neither quite has the courage to say what’s in their hearts. What follows is a charming, offbeat courtship filled with sharp humor, surprising turns, and Shanley’s unmistakable gift for finding comedy in human awkwardness and longing.

The production features a standout professional Equity cast. Michael Daly—returning to Schoolhouse after his acclaimed performance in Faith Healer—brings his trademark whimsy and grounded intensity to the role of Tony, capturing both the character’s comedic bluster and emotional depth. He is joined by Thea McCartan, whose vibrant presence and impeccable comic timing make Rosemary a force of nature—funny, fierce, and impossible to ignore. Carole Monferdini—seen previously in Schoolhouse’s The Color of Light—infuses Aoife with wit and authority, while Dana Watkins lends warmth and charm to Anthony.

Under Lewis’s direction, Outside Mullingar leans fully into its identity as a modern Irish romantic comedy—playful, tender, and just a little bit eccentric. This is a story filled with laughter—big, unexpected laughs as well as quieter, knowing ones—but it never loses sight of the genuine longing at its core. Audiences can expect a warm, funny, and thoroughly satisfying night at the theater.

Funny, moving, and full of Irish charm, Outside Mullingar is the perfect way to begin a season dedicated to bold storytelling and unforgettable performances.

About The Schoolhouse Theater

The Schoolhouse Theater, located in Croton Falls, New York, is the oldest professional Equity theater in Westchester County. Under the direction of Owen Thompson and Bram Lewis, the theater is dedicated to producing classic and contemporary plays driven by language, moral conflict, and ensemble rigor.

All performances at:

The North Salem Community Center

3 Owens Road, Croton Falls NY, 10519

Contact:
The Schoolhouse Theater
schoolhousetheater@gmail.com
917-473-7111
www.theschoolhousetheater.org