Philadelphia, Here I Come! Revival
Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes including a 15 minute intermission.
Philadelphia, Here I Come! - 2024 Off-Broadway History , Info & More
Irish Repertory Theatre
132 West 22nd St.(between 6th & 7th Aves) New York, NY 10011
Set in 1962, this classic bittersweet comedy revolves around the young Gar O’Donnell on the eve of his departure from Ireland to America. Gar’s heartache from losing his girlfriend to a successful businessman propels him to accept an invitation to go and live with an aunt in Philadelphia. Despite the wild fantasies of what life in America might hold, and his yearning to escape the tedium of small town Ballybeg, a kind word from his taciturn father could change his mind.
Philadelphia, Here I Come! was Friel’s first major success, premiering in 1964 at the Gaiety Theatre Dublin, and transferring to Broadway two years later.
Philadelphia, Here I Come! - 2024 - Off-Broadway Cast
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Philadelphia, Here I Come!
In Irish Rep’s Capable Hands, ‘The Friel Project’ Is a Highlight of This Theater Season
9 / 10
In Irish Rep’s new staging, masterfully helmed by producing director Ciarán O’Reilly, that voice is relayed by a young musical theater veteran, A.J. Shively, whose formidable footwork was a high point of Broadway’s overstuffed “Paradise Square.” As Private Gar, Mr. Shively gets a more modest but wittier showcase for his song-and-dance skills — both Gars sing, and here they also jump and prance about nimbly — as well as a vehicle for his considerable gift with accents. His Gar, in dialogue with his public self, imagines himself in roles ranging from a posh British radio announcer to an old-school Hollywood screen siren.
PHILADELPHIA, HERE I COME!: THE BRIAN FRIEL CLASSIC RETURNS IN GRAND FASHION
10 / 10
O’Reilly does bravura work both directing and portraying the hardened Screwballs. The veteran artist clearly knows the play all too well. Every scene, every character is crafted with a precise touch and he adds nuanced dimension in the most unexpected ways. The combined effect makes the production feel much bigger than the Irish Rep’s cramped stage might at first suggest. Kudos as well to set designer Charlie Corcoran and costumer Orla Long for capturing just the right tone in setting place and time.
by Stephi Wild - March 26, 2024
Philadelphia, Here I Come! celebrated its opening night at Irish Rep this past weekend, as part of The Friel Project. Check out all new photos from opening night here!
by Nicole Rosky - March 25, 2024
The Friel Project continues at Irish Rep, where Philadelphia, Here I Come! just celebrated its opening night. Check out what the critics are saying about the production here.
Philadelphia, Here I Come! FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Philadelphia, Here I Come! History
Other Productions of Philadelphia, Here I Come!
| 1966 | Broadway |
Broadway |
| 1994 | Broadway |
Broadway |
| 2024 | Off-Broadway |
Irish Repertory Theatre Off-Broadway Production Off-Broadway |
Philadelphia, Here I Come! - 2024 Off-Broadway Awards and Nominations
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Direction of a Play | Ciaran O'Reilly |
| 2024 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play | A.J. Shively |
| 2024 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Play | Philadelphia, Here I Come |
| 2024 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Play | Philadelphia, Here I Come! |
| 2024 | The Lortels | Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play | A.J. Shively |
| 2024 | The Lortels | Outstanding Revival | Philadelphia, Here I Come! |
| 2024 | Theatre World Awards | Dorothy Loudon Award | A. J. Shively |
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