Report by Brad Balfour
Every year, Origin presents Plays in May (formerly known as Mondays in May), live readings during the month of May that represent the Irish experience through the lens of our contemporary playwrights. Plays in May (formerly known as Mondays in May) at Origin is taking place through the friends at The Irish Repertory Theatre and at The Irish Arts Center. The first event took place Monday and was a fantastic example how powerful a live stage reading can be. Considering that the actors didn’t have more than one read-through before their performance made the event even more impactful.
“Five Minutes of Heaven”
Writer: Michael Egan
Where: The Irish Repertory Theatre
132 West 22nd Street
When: May 8th
doors open 7 pm
Director: Ciaran Byrne
Cast: Christa Scott-Reed, John Duddy, Doireann Mac Mahon, Even Zes, McKenna Quigley Harrington
“Five Minutes of Heaven is a stage adaptation by Michael Egan of Guy Hibbert’s original screenplay of the film of the same name — starring Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt. Both the film and this reading dealt with the personal effects of violence and the possibility of reconciliation in Northern Ireland. The stage adaption was developed with and first produced by Illusion Theater, Minneapolis, Minnesota Producing Directors Michael H. Robins and Bonnie Morris.
MAY 16
Double Header!
“The Visit”
Writer: Deirdre Kinahan
Where: The Irish Arts Center
726 11th Avenue (bet 51st and 52nd St.)
When: May 16th
doors open 7 pm
Director: Michael Mellamphy
Cast: Jo Kinsella
Rose has washed and ironed her cowgirl shirt and skirt. She carries it on a hanger. She thinks about her dead husband Stephen, and her sons, and the man who knocked on her door. A funny, heart- warming, touching new play that explores a hidden social reality we are only beginning to understand.
“Pop Tart Lipstick”
Wtiter: Rex Ryan
Where: The Irish Arts Center
726 11th Avenue (bet 51st and 52nd St.)
When: May 16th
7:00pm doors open
Director: Michael Mellamphy.
Cast: Johnny Hopkins, Daniel Marconi
Harris has been released from Mount Joy Prison. John has recently secured his first real job as a bus driver and is pursuing a new way of life.Harris has an escape plan, some lipstick, a stash of stolen drugs and a ticket to Walt Disney World he can’t use… The two men re unite on this one fateful night where they must make the biggest decision of their lives… And eat some Pop Tarts.
“Cortisol”
Writers: Megan Haly and Shannon Haly
Where: The Irish Repertory Theatre
132 West 22nd Street
When: May 22nd
7:00pm doors open
Directoe: Bailey Bass.
Cast: Megan Haly, Shannon Haly
Cortisol tells the story of Sam who, through love, grief and self discovery, is learning to navigate life in her 20s. Co-written by sisters Megan and Shannon Haly. Shannon is Origin 1st Irish 2023 breakthrough artist award recipient.