By Paddy McCarthy
Ho, Ho, Ho! Isn’t that what Santa says when he is delivering Christmas presents to everyone? Now I am saying the same thing to you as things are going to get much better for all of us. Yes, I know that traveling home to Ireland is on hold for a lot of us, so let’s make the best of it right here, right now, okay? Look, most of us started with nothing and had to put our heads down and push on in a very strange place and then it grew on us and here we are all together now for a Happy Christmas. Most of us have families back home whether they are mams, dads, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins or friends. Of course we miss them and I can tell yea I do as well. Good days are coming very soon and we will get over this pandemic and jump back on the bus plane or boat back home for a nice pint. Look everybody is waiting for us as you have Tourism Ireland, Aer Lingus, Delta, American, CIE Tours, hotels, guests houses and most of all home sweet home – there is nothing like it and I do mean that, so let’s enjoy what we have to do now and have some fun.
The Irish Repertory Theatre is saying that while you are staying here for the holidays there is something that to enjoy in their new digital production of Meet Me in St. Louis, an abridged version of the 1989 Broadway musical, based on the 1944 film of the same name starring Judy Garland. In this heartwarming holiday musical the Smith family grapples with life changes and new love in a bustling St. Louis on the brink of the 1904 World’s Fair. This special digital adaptation from Charlotte Moore (Anna Smith in the original Broadway cast) will include favorite tunes, including “The Trolley Song,” “The Boy Next Door” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” along with the romantic suitors, comedic misunderstandings and jovial pranks that make this classic musical a holiday treat for families of all ages, no matter where you’re celebrating this year. The cast of Meet Me in St. Louis will include Shereen Ahmed (My Fair Lady) as Esther Smith, William Bellamy (On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Lon Smith, Rufus Collins (The Dead, 1904) as Alonzo Smith, Kerry Conte (Mary Poppins National Tour) as Lucille Ballard, Melissa Errico (On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Anna Smith, Ali Ewoldt (The Phantom of the Opera) as Rose Smith, Kathy Fitzgerald (Wicked) as Katie, Ian Holcomb (London Assurance) as Warren Sheffield, Austyn Johnson (The Greatest Showman) as Agnes, Jay Aubrey Jones (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) as Grandpa, Kylie Kuioka (The King and INational Tour) as Tootie, Ashley Robinson (A Child’s Christmas in Wales) as Postman and Trolley Man, and Max von Essen (An American in Paris) as John Truitt.
Meet Me in St. Louis will feature musical direction by John Bell, orchestrations by Josh Clayton, scenic design by Charlie Corcoran, video editing by Meridith Sommers, sound design and mix by M. Florian Staab, and lighting design by Michael Gottlieb. Tracy Christensen is the costume consultant, Pamela Brusoski and Rebecca C. Monroe are the production managers, and Simon Patrick Geaney is the production assistant. For more information call (212) 727-2737 or check out their website at irishrep.org.
A good friend of The Irish Examiner, Tim Myles, sent me a reminder that December 8 is National Bartender Day. Get out and support and thank your local bartender, Covid permitting!!! It has been a tough year for those in the hospitality industry. Now was that nice of him to pass this onto me and of course we will support it as we also care about the hospitality workers.
This came to me from someone I really admire and who deserves a good plug on his business and that is Garret Doyle of Tuttles Bar and Grill. Garret supports every charity that approaches him, especially those of Irish origin and the arts and theater. He steps up to the plate to help them all out without even blinking, now isn’t that nice. Tuttles is open on Monday thru Sunday from 11am to 10pm anf health and safety are of paramount importance to their management and staff. For several years they have met food safety and sanitation standards, and have implemented stricter procedures during this time to further ensure the well-being of their customers. Currently they are following guidance and recommendations from the New York State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, as they continue to monitor current events, they are increasing protocols, with additional layers of caution and mindfulness, to provide peace of mind to their customers and staff.
Additionally, all staff members have been advised not to report to work and to seek medical attention if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms, or have come in contact with affected individuals. As is the case nationwide, they are seeing an early impact on their business. However, they are also seeing a tremendous surge in support throughout this community – united in an effort to keep everyone safe. Give them a visit, you won’t be disappointed and tell I sent yea.
This just came in from the Cork Association and I have to let you know about a fabulous woman, Mary English, RIP.
Mary passed away on December 7 and the Cork Association and we here at the Irish Examiner USA extend our deepest condolences to all of her family especially her children Patrick (Yvonne), Finbarr (Heidi), Brendan, Mary and Noreen Cosgrove (Paul) as well as her many grandchildren, nieces and nephews here and in Ireland.
A native of Coothill, Co. Cavan she was born into the Breffni O’Reilly clan and educated at Lisboduff NS and at Cavan Technical school. Shortly after arriving in America she would meet and marry the late John B. English a native of Michelstown, Co. Cork and a Past President of the Association. Mary was devoted to many causes and the Cork Association, Cavan Association and the Woodside Community at large would benefit greatly as a result. A passionate and tireless worker she served the Cork Association in many roles including trustee, recording secretary, auditor and the building committee.
In 2009, the Association honored her work through the Frank T. Carvill Distinguished Service Award for all that she had contributed over the years. She left her mark on the Association and we were certainly better because of her. The Association will gather at 4:30 pm at Lynch’s Funeral Home (43-07 Queens Blvd. in Sunnyside) on Thursday to show our respect to Mary and her family. Please note, social distancing guidelines (masks and 6 feet of separation) should be adhered to at all times.
Our deepest condolences go out to the English and O’Reilly families at this time of great sorrow. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam.
The spirit of Christmas is here so I should be Out&About and have a bit of gossip for you next week…