The Sidekick Players presents Outside Mullingar by John Patrick Shanley, directed by Cathy Collis coming to The Tsawwassen Arts Centre Jan. 26 to Feb. 11.
Outside Mullingar is a touching story about the romance of Anthony Reilly (Terry Thomas) and Rosemary Muldoon (Laura Burns), neighbours in rural Ireland, who are nearing their middle years. It is by turns poetic, uplifting, dark and funny as hell. Anthony is an introverted farmer and Rosemary is the woman who vows to have him at all costs. Insert their parents, Tony Reilly (Roger Monk) and Aoife Muldoon (Linda Berndt) and the plot unwinds!
Sidekick is very happy to welcome back to the Sidekick stage, Thomas (Drinking Alone) and Monk (Someone to Watch Over Me) and newcomers, Laura Burns and Linda Berndt.
Audiences will recognize Berndt as she has greeted theatre patrons working front of house.
The Players are also thrilled to debut Collis as director.
She has been on the stage in Here on the Flight Path, The Ladies Foursome, Marion Bridge and Drinking Alone.
“Getting to act in plays with Sidekick Players has been so fun for me because when I'm on stage, I can really dig into a character and pretend to be someone else - usually a better version of me,” she said. “Directing is challenging in a different way because I get to dig into all the characters, plus I get to play a bossier version of me, so really, what's not to like?” Collis has enjoyed working with these actors bringing John Patrick Shanley’s words to life. “I'm really enjoying working with this group of actors,” she adds. “When I first read Outside Mullingar, I loved the Irish lilt to the words and the humour and tenderness that came through in the writing…the words on the page really come alive when an actor does their thing, and when we add some Irish music in the mix.”
Collis has also co-written a play called Obit that was showcased in the Vancouver Fringe Festival and was one of those recommended to go see, as well as others
Performances of Outside Mullingar are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. Sunday matinees on Jan. 29 and Feb. 5.
Reserve your seats by calling 604-288-2415. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors.
