The play is described in publicity materials as a comedy about five guys with one tiny problem…size does matter. Set in a self-help group held weekly in a church basement in Brooklyn Heights, its members are all afflicted by the "Irish curse": Sporty student Rick pads his crotch with a rolled up sock and chases every girl who comes his way; gay cop Stephen has a lot to live up to; lawyer Joseph’s wife has walked out; and Father Shaunessy, who chairs the group, has his own secrets. And then fresh-faced Keiran arrives: It is two weeks to his wedding day, and it's the wedding night that's got him terrified. And all of them find themselves confronting what it is to be man.
The play is directed by David Zak, producing artistic director of Pride Films and Plays. He served as artistic director of Bailiwick Repertory, Chicago, from 1982-2009, where many works received their world or US premieres, including Jerry Springer – the Opera. Among his prior directorial credits are Bare, My Favorite Year, The Oldest Profession, Parade, Oh Holy Allen Ginsberg (both in Chicago and at the Third International Gay Theatre Festival in Dublin) and Barenaked Lads (subsequently seen in Dublin and Provincetown).
Playwright Martin Casella's other plays include Scituate (Best New Play, SCFTA); Mates (LA Weekly Award, Best New Play), Paydirt, Desert Fire, Beautiful Dreamer, Grand Junction, The Big Enchilada and George Bush Goes to Hell. He wrote the book for the musicals Paper Moon, Happy Holidays, Taking Care of Mrs. Carroll, Saint Heaven, Doo-Dah! and co-wrote the book for the new jazz musical Play It Cool (GLAAD nomination). His current theatrical project is the musical Free Money, a musical about the invention of credit cards, with composer/lyricist Keith Gordon and documentary filmmaker Barbara Wellin-Multer.
The play is produced by Peter Bull for ATS Theatre, with designs by Fiona Russell, lighting by Howard Hudson, and casting and associate director Tim McArthur. Casting is yet to be announced.
To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 8932 4747, or visit www.abovethestag.com.
