Irish Repertory Theatre has announced two upcoming shows which adapt novels for the stage: a new production of Yes! Reflections of Molly Bloom and the world premiere of new musical The Butcher Boy.
Yes! Reflections of Molly Bloom is a stage adaptation of James Joyce's Ulysses by Aedín Moloney and author Colum McCann. Directed by John Keating and starring Moloney, the solo show begins previews June 8 on the W. Scott McLucas Studio Stage. The production will officially open June 15 and run through July 17.
The play delves into the character of Molly Bloom and explores the mysteries and affirmations that come with loss and love, as well as the choices available to a woman in early 20th century Dublin. Set in the early hours of June 17, 1904, Molly's philandering husband returns home and Molly ruminates on the love they once shared through a reflective and unsentimental steam of consciousness.
Moloney read Ulysses as a young girl and has developed her interpretation of Joyce's Penelope chapter since then through performances of passages. With McCann's encouragement, Moloney worked on the show's development beginning with the audio recording "Reflections of Molly Bloom" in 2017. Yes! Reflections of Molly Bloom made its world premiere at Irish Rep in 2019 and was produced for Irish Rep Online during the pandemic.
The production will feature original music by Paddy Moloney, scenic design by Charlie Corcoran, costume design by Leon Dobkowski, lighting design by Michael O’Connor, and sound design by M. Florian Staab. Jeff Davolt is the production stage manager.
The Butcher Boy will make its world premiere on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage. With previews beginning July 21, the show will officially open August 1 and have a limited run through September 11. Based on the novel of the same name by Patrick McCabe, it is the first original musical to be developed by Irish Rep in eight years.
The surrealist coming-of-age musical is set in an Irish village in the 1960s, and follows youthful Francie Brady, whose frustration with his small town and carefree spirit bring him to life in a comic book dreamland that becomes more precarious after taunting newcomer to town, Philip Nugent.
Asher Muldoon wrote the book, music, and lyrics for the adaptation while a high school senior in 2017, and approached the theatre with the adaptation. The work received a workshop and concert performance in 2018. Ciarán O'Reilly will direct the world premiere, and is joined on the creative team by music director David Hancock Turner and choreographer Barry McNabb.
For tickets and more information, visit IrishRep.org.
