By Paddy McCarthy
With everything that is happening between the Coronavirus and the demonstrations there is a light at the end of the tunnel. As Donie Carroll would say, it’s time for a game of golf and as you all know we Irish love the game, well almost all of us… um. Look, it is a great pastime and lets you get some fresh air and some exercise with most of the bars and restaurants in New York City not fully open yet.
Talking about fresh air I am hoping to travel to Ireland via Aer Lingus (plug, plug) in August but only if the quarantine is lifted. I have my fingers crossed for that and in the hope that this pandemic is after receding. It’s a tough call I know, so say a prayer for me and also for the hope that the pubs are back to normal along with the fresh air as they both go together right?
There is no good news yet on the opening of the bars and restaurants here in New York after Governor Cuomo said that it is postponed indefinitely because people were not heeding the rules and not being smart and abusing the laws… and that’s not good for the owners as I have a good relationship with a lot of them and they have been to hell and back to no avail. Look, this is what was said, namely that restaurant reopenings could be interpreted as a glimmer of hope that maybe — just maybe — the worst of the pandemic had passed; these reclosings are a reminder that the virus is anything but gone.
In state after state, indications point to COVID-19 cases spiking after restaurants and bars reopen. On June 30, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s authority on infectious diseases, warned against going to bars. “Congregation at a bar, inside, is bad news,” he said during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing. In East Lansing, Michigan, 107 people who visited the same bar over the course of a week tested positive for COVID-19. This is what New York is afraid of and I don’t blame them for it, so be smart and stick by the rules.
I received this announcement from The Irish Repertory Theatre: “While we wait for our safe return to 22nd Street, we remain committed to bringing the show online. Next up in our Summer Digital Season is The Irish (Rep)…and How We Got That Way on Monday, July 13 at 7pm EDT!
“This special screening of the 1998 World Premiere production of Frank McCourt’s The Irish… and How We Got That Way is free and open to the public, but we ask that if you are in any position to support us, you might consider becoming a VIP to access the limited pre-show VIP reception on Zoom! If you’d like to attend the screening only, you can now register in advance for free to get a pre-show email with the link directly in your inbox!
“The screening will be public on the Irish Rep YouTube channel. The screening is free to view, but if you can afford to support at this time, we encourage donations of $25 per viewer.”
“The special screening of the 1998 Irish Rep World Premiere production of The Irish…and How They Got That Way by Pulitzer Prize winner Frank McCourt, features new video from the people behind the scenes of this special production. A private and limited Zoom pre-show reception for VIP guests and supporters featuring a live performance by Ciarán Sheehan and live conversations with the cast and creatives is available. VIP and pre-event tickets starting at $500 are available now! To attend the screening only, advance registration is recommended but not required.”
The Irish Repertory Theatre have never stopped working to bring you the best in Irish theatre on screen. Here is another blockbuster on screen that will be available free. The Weir, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Ciarán O’Reilly stars Dan Butler, Sean Gormley, John Keating, Tim Ruddy, and Amanda Quaid. This show can be seen from on July 21 to July 25. Be one of the first to signup so as not to be disappointed.
In a remote country pub in Ireland, newcomer Valerie arrives and becomes spellbound by an evening of ghostly stories told by the local bachelors who drink there. With a whiff of sexual tension in the air and the wind whistling outside, what starts out as blarney soon darkens as the tales drift into the realm of the supernatural. Then, Valerie reveals a startling story of her own…
Conor McPherson’s The Weir is a haunting evocative evening you will never forget. This new production has been filmed remotely from quarantine and designed for a digital experience; it is the third Irish Rep production of The Weir. The 2013 Irish Rep production of The Weir was nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Revival. Due to audience demand, The Weir was revived again in Irish Rep’s 2015 season.
This event is free to attend, but advance reservations are required. The event link will be emailed to registered attendees two hours before the performance begins. If you are in a position to support the Irish Rep, they ask that you please consider a donation of $25 per viewer. For more information call the Box Office at (212) 727-2737, email Info@IrishRep.org or visit them online at irishrep.org.
And as always, even during these socially distanced times, there are many wonderful things happening at some Irish cultural institutions around town.
Here is some sad news that the Cork Association sent in: “The Association is deeply saddened to advise you of the passing of Mary Ellen (nee Rabbitt) O’Driscoll, wife of the late Denis O’Driscoll a long time member of the Co. Cork Association on July 1. Mary Ellen was a native of Tuam Co. Galway. She is survived by daughters Patricia O’Shea (Timmy) and Denise Radigan and granddaughter Lauren Radigan. She was predeceased by daughter Mary Ellen and son-in-law John Radigan. We extend our condolences also to brother-in-law Sean Driscoll and sister-in-law Mae O’Driscoll, both past presidents of the Association as well as nephews, nieces and other extended family members in New York and in Ireland, England and Spain. RIP.”
That what I have for you this week and I will see you all again WHEN I am Out&About…