The collaboration between Atlantic and Ireland's Druid troupe got solid reviews following its Dec. 21, 2008, opening. Previews began Dec. 9. The limited engagement was originally scheduled through Feb. 1, 2009, and first extended to March 1.
Directed by Tony Award winner Garry Hynes (The Beauty Queen of Leenane), the celebrated Irish and American cast features Kerry Condon (HBO's "Rome"), Andrew Connolly (The Lieutenant of Inishmore), Laurence Kinlan, Tony Award nominee Dearbhla Molloy (Dancing at Lughnasa), Aaron Monaghan (Abbey Theatre's Romeo & Juliet), Tony Award winner Marie Mullen (The Beauty Queen of Leenane), Patricia O'Connell (Waiting in the Wings), David Pearse and John C. Vennema (The Ride Down Mt. Morgan).
"Set in 1934 on an island off the west coast of Ireland, Hollywood filmmaker Robert Flaherty arrives on the neighboring island of Inishmore to film his movie 'The Man of Aran' and excitement ripples through the sleepy community of Inishmaan," according to Atlantic. "For orphaned Billy Claven, who has been relentlessly scorned by the island's inhabitants, the film represents an escape from the poverty of his existence. He vies for a part in the film, and to everyone's surprise, it is the cripple who gets his chance."
This production marks the third collaboration between Atlantic and McDonagh following the company's critically acclaimed American premiere production of The Lieutenant of Inishmore, which transferred to Broadway and received five 2006 Tony Award nominations, including Best Play.
Atlantic and Druid previously collaborated on the world premiere of McDonagh's hit play The Beauty Queen of Leenane, which transferred to Broadway and won four 1998 Tony Awards. The creative team for The Cripple of Inishmaan features scenic and costume design by Francis O'Connor, lighting design by Davy Cunningham, sound design by John Leonard and original music composed by Colin Towns.
Performances play Atlantic's Linda Gross Theater, 336 W. 20th Street in Manhattan.
Tickets are $65 and are available by calling Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 (ticketcentral.com). For more information visit www.atlantictheater.org.
