Irish Repertory Theatre
The Irish Repertory Theatre is an Off-Broadway theatre company founded in 1988.
History
The Irish Repertory Theatre was founded by Ciarán O'Reilly and Charlotte Moore and opened its doors in September 1988 with Sean O'Casey's The Plough and the Stars.In 1995, the company moved to its permanent home in Chelsea on three completely renovated floors of a former warehouse, allowing for both a Main Stage theatre and a smaller studio space, the W. Scott McLucas Studio. The Irish Repertory Theatre is the only year-round theatre company in New York City devoted to bringing Irish and Irish American works to the stage.
The theater has been recognized with a 2007 Jujamcyn Award, a special Drama Desk Award for "Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish drama," and the Lucille Lortel Award for "Outstanding Body of Work". Its productions draw more than 35,000 audience members annually.
Irish American Writers & Artists Inc. honored the theatre with the Eugene O'Neill Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.
In 2014, The Irish Repertory Theatre started a renovation of their home in Chelsea. For the 2014–15 season, Irish Rep's performances were held at the DR2 Theater near Union Square.
During the holiday seasons of 2016 and 2017, the American Irish Historical Society headquarters on Fifth Avenue was home to the Irish Repertory Theatre's production of The Dead, 1904. The show was an adaptation of James Joyce's short story "The Dead", adapted by novelist Jean Hanff Korelitz and her husband, Irish poet Paul Muldoon. For The Dead, 1904, the building had 57 guests at a time, who for part of the performance joined the cast for a holiday feast drawn from the original novella.
In 2017, the company received an Obie Grant from the Obie Awards presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Village Voice.
Season history
;2023Endgame by Samuel Beckett;2021–2022 SeasonBikeman by Tom Flynn, Produced by Robert Cuccioli, in honor of the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, An Immersive Audio EventAngela's Ashes: The Musical, Produced by Pat Moylan, Music and Lyrics by Adam Howell, Book by Paul Hurt, Based on the book by Frank McCourtAutumn Royal by Kevin BarryA Girl is a Half-formed Thing by Eimear McBride, Adapted by Annie RyanThe Streets of New York written by Dion Boucicault, directed by Charlotte MooreMade By God by Ciara Ní Chuirc, directed by Olivia SongerA Touch of the Poet by Eugene O'Neill, directed by Ciarán O'Reilly Two By Synge by JM Synge, directed by Charlotte Moore
;2020–2021 SeasonIrish Rep Online
- * Digital Fall Season
- ** Belfast Blues written and performed by Geraldine Hughes, A Performance on Screen
- ** Give Me Your Hand A Poetical Stroll through The National Gallery of London, Poems by Paul Durcan, A Performance on Screen
- ** A Touch of the Poet by Eugene O'Neill, A Performance on Screen
- ** On Beckett/In Screen conceived and performed by Bill Irwin, A Performance on Screen
- ** Meet Me in St. Louis, Book by Hugh Wheeler, Songs by Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane, Adapted & Directed by Charlotte Moore, A Holiday Special in Song and on Screen
- * The Aran Islands by J.M. Synge, adapted & directed by Joe O'Byrne
- * John Cullum: An Accidental Star, Conceived by John Cullum and Jeff Berger, Written by David Thompson, in association Vineyard Theatre and Goodspeed Musicals with Jeff Berger, Directed by Lonny Price and Matt Cowart
- * Little Gem by Elaine Murphy
- * The Man Who Wanted to Fly, directed by Frank Shouldice, A NY Film Premiere starring Bobby CooteDigital Summer Season
- * Ghosting by Jamie Beamish and Anne O'Riordan, A Theatre Royal, Waterford & Throwin Shapes Production, A Performance on Screen
- * The Cordelia Dream by Marina Carr, A Performance on Screen
- * Summer Online Season
- ** Molly Sweeney by Brian Friel, A Performance on Screen
- ** The Gifts You Gave to the Dark by Darren Murphy
- ** YES! Reflections of Molly Bloom From the novel Ulysses by James Joyce, Adapted for stage by Aedín Moloney & Colum McCann, A Performance on Screen
- ** The Weir by Conor McPherson, A Performance on Screen
- ** Love, Noël written and devised by Barry Day, A Performance on ScreenPostponed Due to COVID-19
- * The Smuggler by Ronán Noone
- * A Touch of the Poet by Eugene O'Neill
- * The Shadow of a Gunman by Seán O'Casey
- * Juno and the Paycock by Seán O'Casey
- * The Plough and the Stars by Seán O'CaseyYES! Reflections of Molly Bloom From the novel Ulysses by James Joyce, Adapted for stage by Aedín Moloney & Colum McCannLove, Noël written and devised by Barry DayLittle Gem by Elaine Murphy
;2016–2017 SeasonAfterplay by Brian FrielFinian's Rainbow music by Burton Lane, book by E.Y. Harburg & Fred Saidy, lyrics by E.Y. HarburgThe Pigeon in The Taj Mahal by Laoisa SextonThe Dead, 1904 based on the short story by James Joyce, adapted by Paul Muldoon & Jean Hanff KorelitzCrackskull Row by Honor MolloyThe Emperor Jones by Eugene O'NeillRebel in the Soul by Larry KirwanWoody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie devised by David M. Lutken with Nick Corley and Darcie Deaville, Helen Jean Russell & Andy TeirsteinThe Aran Islands by J.M. Synge, adapted & directed by Joe O'Byrne
;2015–2016 SeasonThe Quare Land by John McManusA Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan ThomasThe Burial At Thebes by Seamus HeaneyA Celebration of Harold Pinter with Julian SandsShining City by Conor McPhersonQuietly by Owen McCafferty
;2014–2015 SeasonPort Authority by Conor McPhersonA Christmas Memory by Truman Capote, adapted by Larry Grossman and Carol HallDa by Hugh LeonardThe Belle of Belfast by Nate Rufus EdelmanThe Weir by Conor McPherson
;2013–2014 SeasonJuno and the Paycock by Seán O'CaseyA Mind-Bending Evening of Beckett by Samuel BeckettIt's a Wonderful Life adapted by Anthony E. PalermoTransport book by Thomas Keneally, music and lyrics by Larry KirwanSea Marks by Gardner McKay
;2012 – 2013The Freedom of the City by Brian FrielIt's a Wonderful Life adapted by Anthony E. PalermoA Celebration of Harold Pinter starring Julian Sands, directed by John MalkovichThe Songs I Love So Well starring Phil CoulterAirswimming by Charlotte JonesDonnybrook! book by Robert E. McEnroe; music and lyrics by Johnny BurkeFor Love by Laoisa SextonWho's Your Daddy? by Johnny O'CallaghanThe Weir by Conor McPhersonGibraltar by Patrick Fitzgerald
;2011 – 2012Weep for the Virgins by Nellise ChildNoctu conceived and directed by Breandán de GallaíDancing at Lughnasa by Brian FrielBeyond the Horizon by Eugene O'NeillGive Me Your Hand by Paul DuncanMan and Superman by George Bernard ShawNew Girl in Town book by George Abbott, music and lyrics by Bob Merrill
;2010 – 2011Banished Children of Eve by Kelly Younger, adapted from the novel by Peter QuinnSt. Nicholas by Conor McPhersonA Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan ThomasMolly Sweeney by Brian FrielMy Scandalous Life by Thomas KilroyThe Shaughraun by Dion Boucicault
;2009–2010The Emperor Jones by Eugene O'NeillErnest in Love by Oscar WildeCandida by George Bernard ShawWhite Woman Street by Sebastian BarryThe Irish... and How They Got That Way by Frank McCourt
;2008–2009After Luke & When I Was God by Cónal CreedonThe Yeats Project by W. B. YeatsAristocrats by Brian FrielA Child's Christmas in Wales based on the story by Dylan ThomasThe Master Builder by Henrik Ibsen adapted by Frank McGuinnessConfessions of an Irish Publican from the writings of John B. Keane, adapted by Des Keogh
;2007–2008Around the World in 80 Days by Mark Brown, based on the novel by Jules VernePrisoner of the Crown by Richard Stockton, Additional Material and Original Concept by Richard T. HerdTake Me Along, Book by Joseph Stein and Bob Russell, Lyrics and Music by Bob MerrillA Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan ThomasThe Devil's Disciple by George Bernard ShawSive by John B. Keane
;2006–2007Tom Crean – Antarctic Explorer by Aidan DooleyGaslight by Patrick HamiltonDefender of the Faith by Stuart CarolanMeet Me in St. Louis, Book by Hugh Wheeler, Songs by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane
- Irish One Acts: Great White American Teeth by Fiona Walsh and Swansong by Conor McDermottroeThe Hairy Ape by Eugene O'Neill
;2004–2005Philadelphia, Here I Come! by Brian FrielShe Stoops to Conquer by Oliver GoldsmithEndgame by Samuel BeckettAfter the Ball by Noël Coward
;2003–2004Triptych by Enda O'BrienThe Colleen Bawn by Dion BoucicaultChristmas With Tommy Makem by Tommy MakemEden by Eugene O'BrienFinian's Rainbow by E.Y. Harburg, Burton Lane and Fred Saidy, adapted by Charlotte MooreLet's Put On A Show! with Jan and Mickey Rooney
;2002–2003Bailegangaire by Tom MurphyA Celtic Christmas arranged by Charlotte MooreBedbound by Edna WalshThe Love-Hungry Farmer by John B. Keane and adapted for the stage by Des KeoghFoley by Michael WestPeg O' My Heart by J. Hartley Manners, songs by Charlotte Moore
;2001–2002Save It for the Stage: The Life of Reilly by Charles Nelson Reilly and Paul LinkeThe Streets of New York by Dion Boucicault, adaptation and songs by Charlotte MooreThat and the Cup of Tea by Carmel Quinn and Sean FullerA Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan ThomasThe Matchmaker by John B. Keane and adapted for the stage by Phyllis RyanAn Evening in New York with W.B. Yeats and John Quinn, adapted by Neil Bradley and Paul KerryPigtown by Mike FinnThe Playboy of the Western World by J.M. Synge
;2000–2001The Hostage by Brendan BehanA Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan ThomasThe Importance of Being Oscar by Micheál MacLiammóirThe Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde and adapted for the stage by Joe O'ByrneA Life by Hugh LeonardThe Irish... and How They Got That Way by Frank McCourt
;1999–2000Invasions and Legacies by Tommy MakemEclipsed by Patricia Burke BroganThe Irish... and How They Got That Way by Frank McCourtThe Country Boy by John MurphyOur Lady of Sligo by Sebastian Barry Don Juan in Hell by George Bernard Shaw
;1998–1999The Shaughraun by Dion BoucicaultKrapp's Last Tape by Samuel BeckettA Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan ThomasOh, Coward! by Roderick CookThe Happy Prince by Oscar WildeThe Shadow of a Gunman by Seán O'CaseyDear Liar by Jerome Kilty
;1997–1998The Irish... and How They Got That Way by Frank McCourtMajor Barbara by George Bernard Shaw Rafferty Rescues the Moon by June AndersonSong at Sunset conceived by Shivaun O'CaseyLong Day's Journey into Night by Eugene O'Neill
;1996–1997The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan ThomasMy Astonishing Self by Donal DonnellyThe Yeats Plays by William Butler YeatsThe Plough and The Stars by Seán O'Casey The Nightingale and Not The Lark and The Invisible Man by Jennifer JohnstonMass Appeal by Bill C. DavisWait 'til I Tell You by Carmel Quinn
;1995–1996Same Old Moon by Geraldine AronJuno and the Paycock by Seán O'CaseyShimmer by John O'KeefeFrank Pig Says Hello by Pat McCabeA Whistle in the Dark by Tom MurphyDa by Hugh Leonard
;1994–1995The Au Pair Man by Hugh LeonardThe Hasty Heart by John PatrickMother of All the Behans by Peter SheridanAlive, Alive, Oh by Milo O'Shea and Kitty Sullivan
;1992–1993The Madame MacAdam Travelling Theatre by Tom KilroyJoyicity by Ulick O'ConnorFrankly Brendan by Frank O'Connor and Brendan BehanSeconds Out by Young Irish Playwrights
;1991–1992Grandchild of Kings by Harold Prince
; 1990=1991The Playboy of the Western World by J.M. SyngeMaking History by Brian Friel
;1989–1990Sea Marks by Gardiner McKayEnglish That For Me by Eamon KellyA Whistle in the Dark by Tom MurphyEndwords by Chris O'NeillPhiladelphia, Here I Come! by Brian Friel
;1988–1989The Plough and The Stars by Seán O'CaseyI Do Not Like Thee, Dr. Fell by Bernard FarrellYeats! A Celebration by William Butler YeatsA Whistle in the Dark by Tom Murphy
Awards
1992- Drama Desk Award, "Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish Drama"
- Clarence Derwent Award, Patrick Fitzgerald, Grandchild of Kings
- Outer Critics Circle Nom., "Best Director" – Hal Prince, Grandchild of Kings
- Outer Critics Circle Nom., "Best Actress" – Pauline Flanagan, Grandchild of Kings
- Outer Critics Circle Nom., "Best Scenic Design" – Eugene Lee, Grandchild of Kings
- Drama Desk Nom., "Best Actress" – Melissa Errico, The Importance of Being Earnest
- Drama League Nom., "Best Actress" – Melissa Errico, Major Barbara
- The Irish American Heritage and Culture Week Committee of New York City, Board of Education, "Irish Organization of the *Year Award"
- Obie Award, "Best Actor" – Daniel Gerroll, The Shaughraun
- Obie Award, "Best Actor" – Brian Murray, Long Day's Journey Into Night
- Drama Desk Nom., "Best Actress in a Play" – Frances Sternhagen, Long Day's Journey Into Night
- Outer Critics Circle Nom., "Best Actress" – Marion Seldes, Dear Liar
- Drama Desk Nom., "Best Actress" – Sinead Cusack, Our Lady of Sligo
- Outer Critic Nom., "Best Actress" – Sinead Cusack, Our Lady of Sligo
- Drama Desk Nom., "Best Actor" – Fritz Weaver, A Life
- Outer Critics Circle Nom., "Outstanding Solo Performance" – Charles Nelson Reilly, Save it for the Stage: The Life of Reilly
- Outer Critics Circle Nom., "Outstanding Off-Broadway Play" – The Matchmaker
- Hewes Design Award, "Noteworthy Special Effects" – James Morgan, Pigtown
- Drama League Nom., "Distinguished Production of a Musical" – The Streets of New York
- Drama League Nom., "Best Actress in a Musical" – Kristin Maloney, The Streets of New York
- Drama Desk Nom., "Outstanding Revival of a Play" – The Colleen Bawn
- Drama Desk Nom., "Outstanding Revival of a Musical" – Finian's Rainbow
- Drama League Nom., "Distinguished Revival of a Musical" – Finian's Rainbow
- Drama League Nom., "Best Actress in a Play" – Catherine Byrne, Eden
- Drama League Nom., "Best Actress in a Musical" – Melissa Errico, Finian's Rainbow
- Drama League Nom., "Best Actor in a Musical" – Malcolm Gets, Finian's Rainbow
- Joe A. Callaway Award Nom., "Best Director" – Charlotte Moore, Finian's Rainbow
- Edinburgh Theatre Festival Award, "Best Play" – The Love Hungry Farmer
- Edinburgh Theatre Festival Award, "Best Actor" – Des Keogh, The Love Hungry Farmer
- Lucille Lortel Award, "Outstanding Body of Work"
- Lucille Lortel Nom., "Best Revival" – Finian's Rainbow
- Lucille Lortel Nom., "Best Choreography" – Barry McNabb, Finian's Rainbow
- Drama League Nom., "Best Actor" – Alvin Epstein, Endgame
- Obie Award, "Best Actress" – Dana Ivey, Mrs. Warren's Profession
- Drama Desk Nom., "Solo Performance" – Jon Peterson, George M. Cohan, Tonight!
- Drama Desk Nom., "Outstanding Revival" – Philadelphia, Here I Come!
- Lucille Lortel Nom., "Best Revival" – Mrs. Warren's Profession
- Lucille Lortel Nom., "Outstanding Featured Actress" – Helena Carroll, Philadelphia, Here I Come!
- Drama League Nom. – Dana Ivey, Mrs. Warren's Profession
- Drama League Nom. – Jon Peterson, George M. Cohan, Tonight!
- The 2007 Jujamcyn Theaters Award
- Joe A. Callaway Award Nom., "Best Director" – Ciarán O'Reilly, The Hairy Ape
- Lucille Lortel Nom., "Outstanding Scenic Design" – Eugene Lee, The Hairy Ape
- Drama Desk Nom., "Outstanding Actress in a Play" – Orlagh Cassidy, The Field
- Drama Desk Nom., "Outstanding Revival of a Play" – The Hairy Ape
- Drama Desk Nom., "Outstanding Director of a Play" – Ciarán O'Reilly, The Hairy Ape
- Drama League Nom., "Distinguished Revival of a Play "- The Hairy Ape
- Drama League Nom., "Distinguished Performance Award" – Gregory Derelian and Gerald Finnegan, The Hairy Ape
- Lucille Lortel Nom., "Best Actor" – Brian Murray, Gaslight
- Drama Desk Nom., "Outstanding Revival of a Musical" – Take Me Along
- Drama League Nom., "Distinguished Revival of a Play" – Gaslight
- Drama League Nom., "Distinguished Performance Award" – David Staller, Gaslight
- Outer Critics Award, "Outstanding Revival of a Musical" – Take Me Along
- St. Patrick's Committee in Holyoke, "John F. Kennedy National Award" – Charlotte Moore and Ciarán O'Reilly
- Irish America, "50 Most Influential Women" – Charlotte Moore
- Joe A. Callaway Award, "Best Director" – Ciarán O'Reilly, The Emperor Jones
- The O'Neill Credo Award – Ciarán O'Reilly, The Emperor Jones
- Joe A. Callaway Award, "Best Performance" – John Douglas Thompson, The Emperor Jones
- Lucille Lortel Nom., "Outstanding Revival" – The Emperor Jones
- Lucille Lortel Nom., "Outstanding Lead Actor" – John Douglas Thompson, The Emperor Jones
- Lucille Lortel Nom., "Outstanding Sound Design" – Ryan Rumery and Christian Frederickson, The Emperor Jones
- Drama League Nom., "Distinguished Production of a Play" – The Emperor Jones
- Drama League Nom., "Distinguished Performance Award" – John Douglas Thompson, The Emperor Jones
- Drama Desk Nom., "Outstanding Actor in a Play" – John Douglas Thompson, The Emperor Jones
- Drama Desk Nom., "Outstanding Costume Design" – Antonia Ford-Roberts and Bob Flanagan, The Emperor Jones
- Hewes Design Award Nom., "Scenic Design" – Charlie Corcoran, The Emperor Jones
- 6 AUDELCO Award Nominations, including "Best Revival" – The Emperor Jones
- Lucille Lortel Nom., "Outstanding Revival" – Candida
- Drama Desk Nom., "Outstanding Actress in a Play" – Melissa Errico, Candida
- Drama Desk Nom., "Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play" – Xanthe Elbrick, Candida
- Hewes Design Award Nom., "Lighting Design" – Clifton Taylor, White Woman Street
- Irish America, "50 Most Influential Women" – Charlotte Moore
- The 2011 Eugene O'Neill Lifetime Achievement Award
- Off-Broadway Alliance Nomination, "Best Revival", Beyond the Horizon
- Drama Desk Nom., "Unique Theatrical Experience", Give Me Your Hand
- Joe A. Callaway Award Nomination, "Best Director", Charlotte Moore, Dancing at Lughnasa
- Drama Desk Nom., "Unique Theatrical Experience",NOCTU
- Drama Desk Nom., "Best Choreographer", Brendán de Gallai, NOCTU
- Lucille Lortel Nom., "Outstanding Revival" – The Weir
- Joe A. Callaway Award, "Best Actress" J. Smith Cameron, Juno and the Paycock
- Joe A. Callaway Award Nomination, "Best Director" Ciarán O'Reilly, The Weir
- Outer Critics Circle Special Achievement Award ― Charlotte Moore and Ciarán O'Reilly in recognition of 25 years of producing outstanding theater.
- Drama Desk Award Nomination, "Outstanding Actress in a Musical", Jenny Powers, Donnybrook!
- Drama Desk Award Nomination, "Outstanding Solo Performance", Julian Sands, A Celebration of Harold Pinter
- Outer Critics Circle Nom., "Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical" – A Christmas Memory
- Winner, 1st Irish Festival, "Outstanding Production" – Port Authority & "Best Actor" Peter Maloney
- Winner, 1st Irish Festival, "Best Playwright" – John McManus, The Quare Land
- Winner, 1st Irish Festival, "Best Director", Ciarán O'Reilly, The Quare Land
- Winner, 1st Irish Festival, "Best Design" The Quare Land
- 1st Irish Festival Special Jury Prize, Peter Maloney, for his performance in The Quare Land
- Irish America, "50 Most Influential Women" – Charlotte Moore
- Obie Award, "Outstanding Performance" to Matthew Broderick for Shining City
- Obie Award, "Excellence in Sound Design" to Ryan Rumery for The Emperor Jones
- Drama Desk Nomination, "Outstanding Fight Choreography", Donal O'Farrell for Quietly
- Off-Broadway Alliance "Legend of the Theatre", Charlotte Moore
- Off-Broadway Alliance Award nomination, "Best Play Revival", The Emperor Jones
- 2017 Chita Rivera Award, "Outstanding Female Dancer in an Off-Broadway Show" for Finian's Rainbow, Lyrica Woodruff
- Off-Broadway Alliance Award nomination, "Best Musical Revival", Finian's Rainbow
- Outer Critics Circle Nomination, "Best Revival of a Musical," Finian's Rainbow
- Off Broadway Alliance Awards Nomination, "Best New Musical" for Woody Sez
- Outer Critics Circle Awards Nomination, "Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical" for Woody Sez
- Outer Critics Circle Awards Nomination, "Outstanding Actor in a Musical" for David M. Lutken, Woody Sez
- Chita Rivera Awards Nomination, Colin Campbell for Disco Pigs
- 1st Irish Festival Special Jury Prize, Colin Campbell, for his performance in Disco Pigs