Patricia M. Mahon's The Abbey Yard, a play based on the life and stories of the playwright's grandmother in 1912 Ireland, will have its world premiere May 6 at the Odyssey Theatre for a five-week run. The play mixes humor, superstition, religion and fear with live Celtic music and poetry woven throughout. Phillip Scarpaci directs for Brandon Hill Entertainment.

Mahon, a native of New York, studied literature at St. Clare's Hall in Oxford, England and at Trinity College in Dublin. Her works include the poetry collection "Climbing Mountains with Molehill Shoes" and a full-length play, Poetic Justice.

The cast includes Mary Carver, Marta Collier, Dave Florek, Bryan Glanney, Alyss Henderson, Carolyn Palmer, James Parks, Lia Sargent, David Lee Smith and Gregory White. Musical director Pattie Kelly with Collier, Mark Indicator and David Williams comprise the Celtic music ensemble.

Odyssey Theatre is located at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd. For tickets and information call (310) 477-2055.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent