RossDrama Festivaltime
Tickets are now on sale for New Ross Drama Festival which runs from Wednesday, March 14, to Friday, March 23, (excluding St. Patrick’s weekend), at St Michael’s Theatre.
There is a strong emphasis on comedy this year with Bridge Drama performing Cash on Delivery, along with Some Girls, Blithe Spirit and Rumours performed by festival stalwart groups, Ballycogley, Kilmuckridge, Bunclody and the return of Thurles Drama Group to New Ross.
The opening play is a one man show Danger Money, performed by The Knocks Drama Group from County Fermanagh.
The box office is now open in St Michael’s Theatre for patrons to book their seat for the festival costing a reasonable €50 for the eight nights or €10 nightly. (Students pay half price).
The following is a brief synopsis of some of the plays being performed:
The Knocks Drama Group’s Danger Money by John McManus: March 14
‘Danger Money’ is a one man show set in the bog in Leitrim where Teddy “the mucker” Tucker relives three decades sprinkled with hilarity and hardship. With past decisions seriously affecting his present situation, will current decisions affect his future or could a day in the bog possibly deliver his paradise?
Ballycogley Player’s The Night Alive by Conor McPherson: March 15
Set in Dublin, The Night Alive tells the story of Tommy, a middle aged separated man, just about getting by. He’s renting a rundown room in his uncle Maurice’s house and rolling from one get rich quick scheme to another with his pal Doc. Then one night he comes to the aid of Aimee, who’s not had an easy life herself. Their past won’t let go but together maybe they could make something more of their lives. Curtain Call Production’s Some Girl(s) by Neil LaBute: March 16
Guy, an up-and-coming writer, is about to get married. Before his wedding, he decides to visit his ex-girlfriends, all of whom he mistreated. We follow Guy on his odyssey through the landscape of his messy breakups.
Criss-crossing the US, he reunites with Sam, his high school sweetheart; Tyler, his sexually liberated fling; Lindsay, a married college professor; and Bobbi, ‘The One That Got Away’.
Kilmuckridge Drama Group’s The Seafarer by Conor McPherson: March 19
The Seafarer is a chilling new play about the sea, Ireland, and the power of myth. It is Christmas Eve, and Sharky has returned to Dublin to look after his irascible, aging brother who’s recently gone blind. Old drinking buddies Ivan and Nicky are holed up at the house too, hoping to play some cards. But with the arrival of a stranger from the distant past, the stakes are raised ever higher. Sharky may be playing for his very soul.
Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group’s Rumours by Neil Simon: March 20
Rumours is a madcap, slamming door farce set in a large home located just outside of New York in the year 1988. The characters are arriving as guests at a 10th anniversary dinner. The first couple to arrive discovers that one of their hosts (Charley) has apparently attempted suicide...unsuccessfully.