Video by Sarah Potter Photography
North American Premiere of Dorian by Phoebe Eclair-Powell and Owen Horsley Opens at ICTC
This Buffalo Rising article pulls back the curtain and gives a sneak peek on Irish Classical’s North American Premiere Production of Dorian by Phoebe Eclair-Powell and Owen Horsley, a startlingly relevant adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. Running until April 13th- tickets and info here.
Celtic Connections at ICTC- Saturday 3/15
I’m pleased to host a Celtic Connections event this St. Pádraig’s Day weekend. Join us at ICTC on Saturday, March 15th at 7:00PM in The Andrews Theatre for a captivating evening exploring the Irish experience in America and Buffalo, including:
Different Shades of Green: The Irish in America – A lecture by Dr. Matthew O’Brien (Franciscan University of Steubenville).
The Buffalo Irish on Screen and Stage – Presented by Tim Bohen, author of "Emerald Thread: The Irish in Buffalo".
Special Photography Exhibition: "Irish Contemporaries 3" by Dublin-based photographer Bobby Zithelo, featuring portraits of Irish musicians, poets, and artists.
Your ticket includes admission + a drink voucher for the Chris O’Neill Lounge!
Tickets available here: https://irishclassicaltheatre.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0FUT000003yegn2AA
Come celebrate Irish heritage, history, and culture with us!
ICTC Partners with Canisius University
Thanks to a generous partnership with the Canisius University’s Creative Writing Program and the Hassett Family Endowment, The Love Ones Playwright Erica Murray was able to travel from Ireland to participate in a Speaker Series engagement at our sold-out closing performance, followed by a visit to Canisius University to discuss her process with some current creative writing students.
North American Premiere of The Loved Ones Receives Critical Acclaim
Our production of The Loved Ones by Erica Murray was met with high praise from audiences and critics alike during its opening weekend.
The Loved Ones runs through March 2nd at Irish Classical Theatre Company. Read more reviews and see show information here.
Irish Echo 40 Under 40 Honoree
I’m honored to be included on this year’s Irish Echo 40 Under 40 list.
This recognition is a celebration of Irish and Irish Americans who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields of work before reaching the age of forty. The Top 40 Under 40 spotlights the up-and-coming leaders of Irish America from around the nation who work in a variety of fields and occupations.
Irish Classical Partners with Irish Theatre Institute for GAP EXCHANGE
I am thrilled to announce that the Irish Classical Theatre Company will be the USA counterpart of the Irish Theatre Institute (ITI) Gap Exchange Program for 2025!
In this unique exchange, ICTC will be welcoming an Irish artist to introduce them to the vibrant Buffalo theatre community and the exciting work we do here. In return, we will be sending a Buffalo representative to Ireland to exchange knowledge, best practices, and artistic inspiration with our counterparts across the pond.
This is an incredible opportunity for artists to build international connections, share creative practices, and deepen their understanding of global arts communities.
Stay tuned for details on how we plan to interact with this incredible Irish artist in Buffalo in June 2025!
Learn more: https://www.irishtheatreinstitute.ie/.../applications.../
Gap Exchange is funded through the Arts Council's International Residencies Initiative Scheme and with contributions from the international partners (SPRING Performing Arts Festival, Arts Centre Viernulvier, Bluecoat, and the Irish Classical Theatre Company). It will also be supported by a number of national partners including The Lime Tree, Backstage Arts Centre, Mermaid Arts Centre, Theatre Royal, Briery Gap, and Cork Theatre Collective.
The Fitzgeralds of St. Paul
Our preview production of The Fitzgeralds of St. Paul by Christie Baugher played for sold out houses, receiving critical acclaim and passionate audience support. Irish Classical is so grateful to have played a part in the realization of this gorgeous new piece of musical theatre, and we are excited to see it continue on its journey. Christie and the team are currently fundraising for a Broadway-star-studded concept album for the show- you can find more info here.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors Receives Rave Reviews and Sold Out Houses
BUFFALO RISING: Keelie Sheridan, Artistic Director of the Irish Classical Theatre Company, Looks to Reimagined Classics for Todays' Theatregoers
ICTC'S Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors Opens Friday, 9/13
*Photos by Jorge Luna, art direction by Keelie Sheridan.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen opens Friday, September 13th during Buffalo’s Curtain Up! celebration, and runs through Sunday, September 29th. Tickets are available at irishclassical.com.
ICTC'S 24-25 Season Announced
I’m very proud to share the ‘24-’25 Season at Irish Classical Theatre Company- the first I’ve programmed as Artistic Director. Tickets and information available at irishclassical.com.
ICTC's 23-24 Season Wins 4 Artie Awards and a Best of Buffalo Award
ICTC's Speaker Series- an Interview with Playwright Jaki McCarrick and Director Kyle LoConti
I had the privilege of interviewing Belfast Girls playwright Jaki McCarrick and director Kyle LoConti just before we opened our production at Irish Classical Theatre Company as a part of our Speaker Series. Listen here as Jaki and Kyle talk about their processes with this work, and what drew them to this story.
OFF ROAD Podcast Interview
I recently sat down with Peter Palmisano of Road Less Traveled Productions’ OFF ROAD podcast to talk about my journey to the Irish Classical Theatre Company and what I hope for the theatre’s future. Have a listen here or anywhere you stream podcasts.
Buffalo News Article
'Our Town' Enters Final Week at Pendragon Theatre
Photos by Burdette Parks. Tickets available here.
Irish Classical Theatre Company Artistic Director Appointment
I am thrilled to join the Irish Classical Theatre Company as Artistic Director, and to build upon the legacy of previous leaders by guiding the company’s next phases of evolution. I look forward to curating programming that contextualizes classical works within our modern landscape, examines the conversations between voices of the past and present, and explores the way Irish and American stories intersect or engage with other cultures around the world. I am particularly eager to share the high-caliber, award-winning work of the Irish Classical Theatre Company with audiences regionally, nationally and globally. I hold highly the theatre’s values of inclusion, diversity, equity and access, and look forward to serving Irish Classical Theatre Company’s existing community and expanding its network of artists and audiences.
Founded in 1985 by Dubliners Vincent and Chris O’Neill, Josephine Hogan and the late Dr. James Warde in Buffalo, NY, the Irish Classical Theatre Company performed on various rented stages before establishing a permanent home at the Calumet Arts Cafe. Now celebrating its 33rd Season, the Irish Classical Theatre Company presents outstanding live productions at The Andrews Theatre, Western New York’s only true theatre-in-the-round, where you are never more than ten feet from the stage. ICTC creatively pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic, remaining culturally relevant as an artistic leader in the Community and offering Buffalo Spree’s “Best Production of a Classic Play” for The Tempest in their 2022 Best of WNY Poll.
Casting Announced for 'Our Town' at Pendragon Theatre
Meet the people of Grover’s Corners. Population: 2,642
As we wind into tech weekend, meet the cast of Pendragon Theatre’s production of Our Town by Thornton Wilder, directed by Jesse Jou, in partnership with Pine Ridge Cemetery. I’m in very good company with this exceptional cast. Tickets available here!
The Saviour by Deirdre Kinahan
I was very pleased to have the opportunity to assist director Louise Lowe on the world premiere of Deirdre Kinahan’s The Saviour, starring Tony award winner Marie Mullen and Jamie O’Neill. This production was produced by Landmark Productions and runs at the Irish Rep in Manhattan from July 1st- August 13th, 2023. Tickets are available here.