Scena Presents Two Powerful Irish Dramas at the Atlas: Shining City by Conor McPherson and the World Premiere of Molly by George O'Brien
Media Contact: Peggy Kearns
t: 571.216.5136 | e: ScenaMedia@gmail.com
Washington, DC — July 16, 2014 — The Directors of Scena are excited to announce two overlapping Irish productions: Shining City, by modern master Conor McPherson and the World Premiere of Molly, a play about the mistress of Irish playwright J.M Synge by George O'Brien. Both shows will be directed by Scena Artistic Director Robert McNamara at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on H Street in NE DC.
McNamara's connection to Ireland runs deep. In Dublin he received an M.Litt. degree from Trinity College and subsequently founded Dublin Stage One Theatre. In addition to Shining City, McNamara has produced many other modern Irish classics by McPherson including Dublin Carol in 2009, The Weir in 2011, and The Seafarer in 2012.
Scena Theatre is also very thrilled to direct the world premiere of Molly, by George O'Brien—a native of Ireland who has written multiple Irish memoirs, literary articles for the Irish Times, and studies of playwright Brian Friel. He won the Irish Book Awards silver medal and is currently Professor Emeritus at Georgetown University.
Shining City Previews: $10 Aug. 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 (Tue. - Sat. 8pm, Sun. 3pm)
Shining City Opening: Sat., Aug. 16, 8:00 pm is Press / Opening Night, reception after
Shining City Full Run: Aug. 16 - Sept. 21 (Thurs. - Sat. 8pm, Sun 3pm)
Molly Previews: There are no previews for Molly
Molly Opening: Sat., Aug. 23, 3:00 pm is Press / Opening Night, reception after
Molly Full Run: Aug. 16 - Sept. 21 (Tue. & Wed. 8pm, Sat. 3pm, Sun. 7pm)
Price: Range: $20 - $40 (see website for exact prices for each production and day)
TICKETS: Reserve online: ScenaTheater.org (OR) call Box Office: 202.399.7993
(OR) buy in person at the Atlas box office (1333 H St. NE, DC) between 9am - 5pm weekdays, plus up until showtime on performance days
Venue: ATLAS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER - 1333 H Street NE, WDC 20002
Press: All inquiries and Press Night RSVPs: ScenaMedia@gmail.com
Parking: Valet Parking is available at the Rock n Roll Hotel (1353 H St., a few doors from the Atlas). Or, side-street parking is suggested (Maryland Ave, 10th–12th Streets, etc.).
Metrobus: X2 Metrobus runs down H Street. Visit www.wmata.com for schedules
About Shining City
Dubliner John is convinced he sees his dead wife appearing in their house. He visits a fledgling therapist who has his own troubles. Shining City tracks the two men on their journey to understand the world and what is happening to them. It also examines the impulsive choices we make and their haunting effects on our lives. This play was first performed in London's West End at the Royal Court Theatre in June 2004. It opened on Broadway at the Biltmore Theatre on May 9, 2006, and was nominated for two Tony Awards, including Best Play. The New York Times critic Ben Brantley hailed it as a "Quiet, haunting and absolutely glorious new play...Shining City is as close to perfection as contemporary playwriting gets". Featuring: Lee Ordeman, Ron Litman, and Ellie Nicoll.
Actors: Lee Ordeman, Ron Litman, Ellie Nicoll, and Kevin O'Reilly
Designers (Shining City and Molly): Joe Musumeci, Jr. (Scenic Designer), Elizabeth McFadden (Asst. Scenic Designer), Megan Holeva (Costume Designer), Daniel Schrader (Lighting Designer), Jessica Hansen (Dialect Coach), Toni Goldberg (Properties Artisan), Gabriele Jakobi (Dramaturg), Denise R. Rose (Sound Designer), Dave Humke (Master Carpenter), Lena Salins (Production / Stage Manager).
About Molly
This World Premiere is a one-woman play. It explores secret revelations of the young mistress of J.M. Synge—esteemed playwright of the Irish Literary Renaissance. Synge died at 37, yet his work still greatly impacts audiences, writers, and culture. See this original play by award-winning Irish author and Georgetown Professor Emeritus, O’Brien.
Actor: Danielle Davy.
Designers (Molly):Becky Griffith (Stage Manager) and Alisa Mandel (Costume Designer).
About SCENA
SCENA Theatre brings the best 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 seasonally staged readings, as well as a Workshop Series to develop new works from around the globe. To learn more about SCENA's mission, niche in Washington, or past productions, please visit ScenaTheater.org or call 703-684-7990.
###