Irish Repertory Theatre

History

The Irish Repertory Theatre was founded by Ciarán O'Reilly and Charlotte Moore and opened its doors in September 1988 with Sean O'Casey's The Plough and the Stars.

In 1995, the company moved to its permanent home in Chelsea on three completely renovated floors of a former warehouse, allowing for both a Main Stage theatre and a smaller studio space, the W. Scott McLucas Studio. The Irish Repertory Theatre is the only year-round theatre company in New York City devoted to bringing Irish and Irish American works to the stage.

The theater has been recognized with a 2007 Jujamcyn Award, a special Drama Desk Award for "Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish drama," and the Lucille Lortel Award for "Outstanding Body of Work". Its productions draw more than 35,000 audience members annually.

Irish American Writers & Artists Inc. honored the theatre with the Eugene O'Neill Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.

In 2014, The Irish Repertory Theatre started a renovation of their home in Chelsea. For the 2014–15 season, Irish Rep's performances were held at the DR2 Theater near Union Square.

During the holiday seasons of 2016 and 2017, the American Irish Historical Society headquarters on Fifth Avenue was home to the Irish Repertory Theatre's production of The Dead, 1904. The show was an adaptation of James Joyce's short story "The Dead", adapted by novelist Jean Hanff Korelitz and her husband, Irish poet Paul Muldoon. For The Dead, 1904, the building had 57 guests at a time, who for part of the performance joined the cast for a holiday feast drawn from the original novella.

In 2017, the company received an Obie Grant from the Obie Awards presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Village Voice.

Season history

2023

Endgame by Samuel Beckett

2021–2022 Season

Bikeman by Tom Flynn, Produced by Robert Cuccioli, in honor of the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, An Immersive Audio Event

Angela's Ashes: The Musical, Produced by Pat Moylan, Music and Lyrics by Adam Howell, Book by Paul Hurt, Based on the book by Frank McCourt

Autumn Royal by Kevin Barry

A Girl is a Half-formed Thing by Eimear McBride, Adapted by Annie Ryan

The Streets of New York written by Dion Boucicault, directed by Charlotte Moore

Made By God by Ciara Ní Chuirc, directed by Olivia Songer

A Touch of the Poet by Eugene O'Neill, directed by Ciarán O'Reilly

Two By Synge by JM Synge, directed by Charlotte Moore

2020–2021 Season

Irish Rep Online

Digital Fall Season

Belfast Blues written and performed by Geraldine Hughes, A Performance on Screen

Give Me Your Hand A Poetical Stroll through The National Gallery of London, Poems by Paul Durcan, A Performance on Screen

A Touch of the Poet by Eugene O'Neill, A Performance on Screen

Awards

1992

Drama Desk Award, "Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish Drama"

Clarence Derwent Award, Patrick Fitzgerald, Grandchild of Kings

Outer Critics Circle Nom., "Best Director" – Hal Prince, Grandchild of Kings

Outer Critics Circle Nom., "Best Actress" – Pauline Flanagan, Grandchild of Kings

Outer Critics Circle Nom., "Best Scenic Design" – Eugene Lee, Grandchild of Kings

1996

Drama Desk Nom., "Best Actress" – Melissa Errico, The Importance of Being Earnest

1997

Drama League Nom., "Best Actress" – Melissa Errico, Major Barbara

1998

The Irish American Heritage and Culture Week Committee of New York City, Board of Education, "Irish Organization of the *Year Award"

Obie Award, "Best Actor" – Daniel Gerroll, The Shaughraun

Obie Award, "Best Actor" – Brian Murray, Long Day's Journey Into Night

Drama Desk Nom., "Best Actress in a Play" – Frances Sternhagen, Long Day's Journey Into Night

1999

Outer Critics Circle Nom., "Best Actress" – Marion Seldes, Dear Liar