By Paddy McCarthy
The Irish Repertory Theatre held their 2026 Gala featuring Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady in concert at Town Hall in Manhattan. The gala was a complete sell out and, yes, I was also there. I have been to lots of concerts in my life time but this one topped them all. The talent that was on stage were the cream of the crop as you would say. I have to give it to those two magnificent talented actors and producers of the concert, Ciarán O’Reilly and Charlotte Moore, who again put on a superb show.
I was over whelmed with all the talent on one stage that got standing ovations. The visionary leadership award went to this brilliant woman Melissa Vogel Brown who is associate general counsel and managing director at Goldman Sachs. The music director and conductor was the one and only John Bell. The orchestrations were by Robert Russell Bennett and Phil Lang with the fabulous orchestra.
The cast consisted of Murray Abraham, Shereen Ahmed, Julie Benko, Whitney Bashor, Norbert Leo Butz, Robert Cuccioli, Melissa Errico, Bill Irwin, Lencia Kebede, Laird Mackintosh, Michael Malakal, Polly McKie, Mary Beth Peil, Lou Diamond Phillips, David Staller and Gary Troy; again what talent all on that one stage, as it was as I said brilliant.
Along with the chorus and orchestra it was the one of the greatest shows that I’ve had the pleasure of being in an audience to witness. To all the staff and stage managers who worked so hard to make this concert a great success and from me myself and The Irish Examiner USA staff, congratulations from all of us.
This message came from the directors to thank you for over almost four decades, they have prided themselves with that by staying on the mission and the evening was no exception. Without George Bernard Shaw, one of Ireland’s greatest playwright, there would be no My Fair Lady and let me tell yea that is so true and I can attest to that after seeing the talent that was on stage on the show of super actors who can also sing as well as act.
The photo above is from the pre-reception that was held at Bryant Park and yes, as you can see, yours truly was also invited. The VIP reception before The Gala typically serves as an elegant introduction to the event. It always includes a cocktail hour, and is a perfect place to socialize before the main program begins. This segment sets the tone for the evening and allows attendees to network and relax now you know what a great night it was with so much to celebrate.
I hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About as you never know where I will be visiting…