A Couple of Blaguards, the comedy by Pulitzer prize winner Frank McCourt and his brother Malachy, opens Dec. 14 at Off-Broadway's TRIAD Theatre. Previews began Nov. 27.
The play is a true story based on the experiences of the McCourt brothers as they grew up in the slums of Limerick, Ireland. Blaguards features the stories of the people of Limerick intermingled with Irish songs and poetry. A Couple of Blaguards served as the inspiration for both Frank's 1997 Pulitzer Prize winner Angela's Ashes, and Malachy's A Monk Swimming.
Mickey Kelly who performed Frank McCourt in the Dublin production reprises his role at the Triad. Kelly also appeared in the Irish Art's Center production of Brian Friel's Lovers and Kenneth Brannagh's Public Enemy. Shay Duffin plays Malachy McCourt. Recently, Duffin has traveled to Boston and Toronto as the Irish poet and playwright Brendan Behan in Confessions of an Irish Rebel.
Howard Platt directs. Scenic and costume design is by Gloria Parker with lighting design by Matt Berman.
In conjunction with A Couple of Blaguards, the TRIAD will offer some Irish dishes (with recipes from the McCourts) and beverages as a part of the theatre's regular dinner service. The musical revue, Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know recently left the Triad for a larger house in midtown, the Ibis Theatre. For tickets ($42.50-$40) and information on A Couple of Blaguards call 212-799-4599.
-- By Christine Ehren
