The Plough and the Stars
concludes The Irish Heritage Theatre’s O’Casey famed “Trilogy”
co-produced by Plays and Players Theatre
Starting May 26th
After highly successful productions of Brian Friel’s Philadelphia, Here I Come, A Night with Lady G (three short plays by Lady Augusta Gregory), The Shadow of a Gunman, and Juno and the Paycock, The Irish Heritage Theatre (in another collaboration with Plays and Players Theatre), is turning its attention to Sean O’Casey’s third and final play in his Dublin Trilogy, The Plough and the Stars. The Irish Heritage Theatre is Philadelphia’s only professional company dedicated to preserving and acquainting new audiences with the poetry and power of classic Irish theatre and its rich legacy in America, and O’Casey is hands down one of Ireland’s, and the world’s, greatest 20th century playwrights. So it seemed like a natural choice for the Irish Heritage Theatre to produce three of O’Casey’s greatest works, and this, his third in the trio, is perhaps his greatest achievement. It is also his most controversial political masterpiece, one that when it was first produced in 1926, sent shockwaves through the Irish community, causing riots in the streets.
In this gripping third installment of Sean O’Casey’s famed Dublin Trilogy, tragedy strikes during the Easter Uprising of 1916. The play centers around the Clitheroe family and their community. Wife Nora desperately fights to keep her husband Jack from joining the fight for Ireland’s freedom. This dramatic historical play features a fascinating cast of characters in the midst of critical moment in Irish history. 2016 is the 100th year anniversary of the Easter Uprising, and The IHT is proud to be commemorating it with this production.
Plough and the Stars, directed by Peggy Mecham, will feature an exceptional cast of returning favorites and very talented newcomers to the Irish Heritage Theatre including: Victoria Bonito, Harry Watermeier, John Schultz, John Cannon, Kevin Rodden, Mary Pat Walsh, Jimmy Guckin, Michelle Pauls, Ian Agnew, Barbaraluz Orlanda, Dexter Anderson, Adam Hammet, Kyra Baker, Cris Welti, Mark Knight, David Kuong and Carlos Forbes. IHT is fortunate enough to have as its co-producer, Plays and Players theatre.
The show will run May 26- June 11th at Plays and Players Theatre (preview on May 26) Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $25, general admission; $20 for seniors; and $15 for students and groups of ten or more. Also check for us on Funsavers. For production information and to purchase tickets: www.irishheritagetheatre.org.
FACT SHEET
The Irish Heritage Theatre’s presents… Plough and the Stars
by Sean O’Casey
directed by Peggy Mecham
Plays and Players Theatre Mainstage at 1714 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA
Thursday, May 26- 7:00pm, $10 Preview Friday, May 27- 7:00pm, Opening Saturday, May 28- 7:00pm, Performance Sunday, May 29- 2:00pm, Performance
Wednesday, June 1- 7:00pm, Performance Thursday, June 2- 7:00pm, Performance Friday, June 3- 7:00pm, Performance Saturday, June 4- 7:00pm, Performance Sunday, June 5- 2:00pm, Performance
Wednesday, June 8- 7:00pm, Performance Thursday, June 9- 7:00pm, Performance Friday, June 10 -7:00pm, Performance Saturday, June 11- 7:00pm, Performance
(Doors open one half hour prior to curtain)
Tickets are $10-$25 Some discounts on certain performances may be made available through the Philadelphia Fun Guide and Goldstar. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit irishheritagetheatre.org.
