{"id":18283,"date":"2020-12-09T16:45:05","date_gmt":"2020-12-09T20:45:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=18283"},"modified":"2020-12-09T16:45:05","modified_gmt":"2020-12-09T20:45:05","slug":"outabout-100","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=18283","title":{"rendered":"Out&About"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"By Paddy McCarthy<\/em><\/p>\n

Ho, Ho, Ho! Isn\u2019t 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\u2019s 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\u2019s enjoy what we have to do now and have some fun.<\/p>\n

The Irish Repertory Theatre<\/strong> 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<\/strong>, an abridged version of the 1989 Broadway musical, based on the 1944 film of the same name starring Judy Garland<\/strong>. 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\u2019s Fair. This special digital adaptation from\u00a0Charlotte Moore<\/strong>\u00a0(Anna Smith in the original Broadway cast) will include favorite tunes, including \u201cThe Trolley Song,\u201d \u201cThe Boy Next Door\u201d and \u201cHave Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,\u201d 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\u2019re celebrating this year. The cast of\u00a0Meet Me in St. Louis\u00a0will include\u00a0Shereen Ahmed<\/strong>\u00a0(My Fair Lady) as Esther Smith,\u00a0William Bellamy<\/strong>\u00a0(On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Lon Smith,\u00a0Rufus Collins<\/strong>\u00a0(The Dead, 1904) as Alonzo Smith,\u00a0Kerry Conte<\/strong>\u00a0(Mary Poppins\u00a0National Tour) as Lucille Ballard,\u00a0Melissa Errico<\/strong>\u00a0(On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Anna Smith,\u00a0Ali Ewoldt<\/strong>\u00a0(The Phantom of the Opera)\u00a0as Rose Smith,\u00a0Kathy Fitzgerald<\/strong>\u00a0(Wicked)\u00a0as Katie,\u00a0Ian Holcomb<\/strong>\u00a0(London Assurance)\u00a0as Warren Sheffield,\u00a0Austyn Johnson<\/strong>\u00a0(The Greatest Showman)\u00a0as Agnes,\u00a0Jay Aubrey Jones<\/strong>\u00a0(How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying)\u00a0as Grandpa,\u00a0Kylie Kuioka<\/strong>\u00a0(The King and INational Tour)\u00a0as Tootie,\u00a0Ashley Robinson<\/strong>\u00a0(A Child\u2019s Christmas in Wales)\u00a0as Postman and Trolley Man, and\u00a0Max von Essen<\/strong>\u00a0(An American in Paris)\u00a0as John Truitt.<\/p>\n

Meet Me in St. Louis\u00a0will feature musical direction by\u00a0John Bell<\/strong>,\u00a0orchestrations by\u00a0Josh Clayton<\/strong>,\u00a0scenic design by\u00a0Charlie Corcoran<\/strong>,\u00a0video editing by\u00a0Meridith Sommers<\/strong>, sound design and mix by\u00a0M. Florian Staab<\/strong>,\u00a0and\u00a0lighting design by\u00a0Michael Gottlieb<\/strong>.\u00a0Tracy Christensen<\/strong>\u00a0is the costume consultant,\u00a0Pamela Brusoski<\/strong>\u00a0and Rebecca C. Monroe<\/strong>\u00a0are the production managers,\u00a0and\u00a0Simon Patrick Geaney<\/strong>\u00a0is the production assistant. For more information call (212) 727-2737 or check out their website at irishrep.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A good friend of The Irish Examiner, Tim Myles<\/strong>, sent me a reminder that December 8 is National Bartender Day<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"This came to me from someone I really admire and who deserves a good plug on his business and that is Garret Doyle<\/strong> of Tuttles Bar and Grill<\/strong>. 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\u2019t 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\u00a0New York State Department of Health\u00a0and\u00a0Centers 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. <\/p>\n

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 \u2013 united in an effort to keep everyone safe. Give them a visit, you won\u2019t be disappointed and tell I sent yea.<\/p>\n

This just came in from the Cork Association<\/strong> and I have to let you know about a fabulous woman, Mary English<\/strong>, RIP.<\/p>\n

Mary passed away on December\u00a07 and the Cork\u2008Association and we here at the Irish\u2008Examiner USA extend our deepest\u00a0condolences 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.<\/p>\n

A native of Coothill, Co. Cavan she was born into the Breffni O\u2019Reilly clan and educated at Lisboduff NS and at Cavan Technical school.\u00a0 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.\u00a0Mary was devoted to many causes\u00a0and the Cork Association, Cavan Association and the Woodside Community at large would benefit greatly\u00a0as a result.\u00a0\u00a0A passionate and tireless worker she served the Cork Association in many roles including trustee, recording secretary, auditor and the building committee.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In 2009, the Association honored her work through the Frank T. Carvill Distinguished Service Award for all that she had contributed over the years.\u00a0 \u00a0She left her mark on the Association and we were certainly better because of her. The Association will gather at\u00a04:30 pm\u00a0at Lynch’s Funeral Home (43-07 Queens Blvd. in Sunnyside) on Thursday to show our respect to Mary and her family.\u00a0\u00a0Please note, social distancing guidelines (masks and 6 feet\u00a0of separation) should be adhered to at all times.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n

Our deepest condolences go out to the\u00a0English and O\u2019Reilly families at this time of great sorrow.\u00a0 Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.<\/p>\n

Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam.<\/p>\n

The spirit of Christmas is here so I should be Out&About and have a bit of gossip for you next week…<\/p>\n

Share this:<\/h3>