Irish Repertory Theatre has announced the two shows that will make up its summer season: a musical portrait of folk singer Woody Guthrie, Woody Sez: The Life & Music Of Woody Guthrie, and the U.S. premiere of John Millington Synge’s The Aran Islands, adapted by Joe O’Byrne and starring Brendan Conroy.
Woody Sez: The Life & Music Of Woody Guthrie is created by David M. Lutken with Nick Corley, who directs, as well as Darcie Deaville, Helen J. Russell, and Andy Teirstein. Featuring some of Guthrie’s best-known songs like “This Land is Your Land” and “So Long It’s Been Good To Know Yuh,” performances will begin June 1 ahead of a June 8 opening. The limited engagement is scheduled to play through July 23 on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage.
The cast of Woody Sez will be made up of Megan Loomis (War Horse), David M. Lutken (Southern Comfort), Helen J. Russell (Ring of Fire), and Andy Teirstein (A Blessing on the Moon).
The production will feature lighting design by Michael Gottlieb (Rebel in the Soul), set design by Luke Hegel-Cantarella (Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man), costume design by Jeffrey Meek, and music direction by David M. Lutken.
The Aran Islands will begin performances shortly after on June 15 in the W. Scott McLucas Studio Theatre. Adapted and directed by O’Byrne, the play captures the spirit of Synge, when, in 1898, he went to live and explore the mystical land on the West coast of Europe. “In the great history of Irish storytelling, The Aran Islands is a haunting and transporting experience built around an incredible performance,” read production notes from Irish Rep.
The staging will feature set design by Margaret Nolan (Borstal Boy), lighting design by Joe O’Byrne (The Big Fellow), costume design by Marie Tierney (Departed), and original music by Kieran Duddy (Hada to Hada). The Aran Islands is supported by Culture Ireland, and will officially open June 19 for a limited run through July 23.
Tickets to both productions are on sale now through Irish Rep’s box office by calling 212-727-2737, or online at Irishrep.org.
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