SCENA THEATRE ANNOUNCES THE WASHINGTON PREMIERE OF THE DARK IRISH COMEDY DUBLIN CAROL
Washington, DC - July 15, 2009 — Scena Theatre continues its exciting 2009-2010 season with the professional Washington premiere of Dublin Carol by Irish playwright Conor McPherson. The play previews August 21st - 23rd and the official run is August 27th - September 20th. Dublin Carol debuts at Scena’s new location, the H Street Playhouse, located in Northeast D.C.’s burgeoning arts community. Special events include “Thirsty Thursdays” where young professionals receive $15 tickets and a pint of Guinness, as well as “Irish Wake” nights which include fine Irish cuisine, drink, and music.
Set in present-day Dublin on Christmas Eve, Dublin Carol relates the story of John Plunkett, a funeral parlor worker. John recounts memories of the drinking and womanizing of his youth with his younger assistant Mark. However, when his estranged daughter Mary arrives with sobering news, he is forced to face the more disastrous side of his past. Dublin Carol is a dark Irish comedy that follows John as he takes stock of his choices and their consequences—leaving us all more aware of our own lives and mortality.
Conor McPherson's other plays include This Lime Tree Bower, St. Nicholas, The Good Thief, Rum and Vodka, and The Weir, winner of the 1999 Olivier Award for Best Play, as well as the Broadway and West End hits Shining City and The Seafarer. McPherson is the recipient of the Evening Standard Award for "Outstanding New Playwright" and the London Critics' Circle Award for “Most Promising New Playwright."
The cast for Dublin Carol features Scena veteran Matt Dougherty (John), Joe Baker (This Lime Tree Bower, Mother Courage and Her Children) and Canadian newcomer Annie Grier (recently seen in Her Love Was Vertigo at Source Festival). The design team includes Amy Kellett (Stage Manager), Stephanie Petagno (Costume Designer), Michael C. Stepowany (Set), Andrew Griffin (Light), and Matt Otto (Sound). The play is directed by Scena’s Artistic Director Robert McNamara.
ABOUT SCENA THEATRE
With the possible exception of the Kennedy Center, Scena Theatre is Washington's premier international theatre institution. It brings the best in international theatre to Washington DC and stimulates cultural exchange between theatre artists, locally and worldwide. Founded in 1987 under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert McNamara and Managing Director Amy Schmidt, Scena produces an annual season of plays, and a Workshop Series aimed at developing new work from around the world.
Opening: Saturday, August 22, 2009. (Press Night / Opening Night)
Shows: August 27 – September 20, 2009. Thurs. – Sat. at 8pm; Sun. at 3pm.
Venue: H Street Playhouse, 1365 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Press: Email: ScenaMedia@gmail.com, call 571.216.5136, or click on Press link (at left) for Press Photos
Price: $25 - $45 (Adults – $35 Thursday & Matinees; $45 Friday & Saturday Evenings. Students & Seniors – $25 Thursday & Matinees. $35 Friday & Saturday Evenings; must show IDs at Box Office for discount.)
Tickets: Buy online at ScenaTheatre.org or reserve by Phone: 202.399.7993 ext. 2.
Previews: Sat. Aug. 15 (8pm), Sun. Aug. 16 (3pm), Wed. Aug. 19 (8pm), Thurs. Aug. 20 (8pm), Fri. Aug. 21 (8pm), and Sat. Aug. 22 (3pm)
Parking: Valet Parking is available at 1353 H Street NE (Rock & Roll Hotel, a few doors down). If driving, side-street parking is suggested (Maryland Ave, 10th–12th Streets, etc.). Also, the X2 Metrobus runs down H Street. Visit www.wmata.com for schedules.
Scena Theatre brings the best international theatre to Washington, DC and to stimulates cultural exchange between theatre artists, locally and worldwide. Founded in 1987 under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert McNamara and Managing Director Amy Schmidt, Scena produces an annual season of plays, seasonally staged readings, as well as a Workshop Series aimed at developing new works from around the globe. To learn more about our mission or past stage productions, please call 703.684.7990 or visit www.ScenaTheatre.org.