Irish Classical Theatre opens season with ‘A Man of No Importance’

August 31-September 2, 2006

Several talented administrators, alumni and students from Niagara University Theatre are involved in the Irish Classical Theatre's poignant season opener, Terrence McNally's musical, "A Man of No Importance" (Sept. 8 - Oct. 8). Front row from left, Niagara University Theatre director emeritus, Brother Augustine Towey, C.M., director of the production; Michele Roberts, '99, NU Theatre alumnus (Adele); and NU Theatre senior, Meaghan Reilly (Kitty). Back row from left: NU Theatre junior, Matthew Chavez, assistant to the director; NU Theatre senior, Patrick McGee (ensemble); and NU Theatre dance professor Stacy Janusz, choreographer for the production. Missing from the photo are alumnus David Autovino, '03, (Breton Beret) and NU Theatre scenic and lighting director Eric Appleton, who is providing set design for the musical. For more information, visit www.irishclassicaltheatre.com.

The Irish Classical Theatre Company will open its 2006-07 season with the enchanting and poignant musical “A Man of No Importance” directed by Brother Augustine Towey. Stage and screenwriter Terrence McNally (“The Full Monty”) is reunited with his Ragtime collaborators, lyricist Lynn Ahrens and composer Stephen Flaherty. “A Man of No Importance” will open Friday, Sept. 8, and continue through Sunday, Oct. 8, at the Irish Classical Theatre, 625 Main St., Buffalo.

Filled with sparkling wit and heartfelt emotion, this delightful musical is about a Dublin dreamer, a stage-struck bus conductor obsessed with producing the works of Oscar Wilde. Sure to charm and amuse, “A Man of No Importance” marks Towey’s return to directing for the Irish Classical Theatre Company, and for the first time at ICTC’s Andrews Theatre.

Musicians for “A Man of No Importance” will be Mary Ramsey and Brian Eckenrode under the direction of Nathan R. Matthews, music director and conductor.

“A Man of No Importance” features ARTIE Award-winning actor Brian Riggs in the lead role of Alfie. In addition to Riggs, the stellar cast of 21 includes Michele Roberts as Adele; Loraine O’Donnell as Lily; Guy Balotine as Carson/Rasher; John Joy as Baldy; David Autovino as Breton Beret; Tom Zindle as Carney/Wilde; Christopher Standart as Ernie Lally; Joe Natale as Father Kenny; Kelli Bocock-Natale as Miss Crowe; Mary Moebius as Mrs. Curtin; Maggie Zindle as Mrs. Grace; Lisa Ludwig as Mrs. Patrick; Andy Moss as Peter; Chris Critelli as Robbie; Meaghan Reilly as Kitty; and David Butler as Sully O’Hara. Ensemble will include Patrick McGee and Jack Holahan.

Supporting the production are Lighting Designer/Technical Director Brian Cavanagh, Set Designer Eric Appleton, Costume Designer Tessa Lew and Sound Designer Tom Makar.

Opening Night for “A Man of No Importance” will be Friday 7:30 p.m. Curtain times, with the exception of the “Curtain Up!” performance, will be Thursday through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances on Saturday at 3 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The “Curtain Up!” performance is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 29, at 8:30 p.m.

For tickets, call the Irish Classical Theatre Company Box Office at 853-4282 or visit www.irishclassicaltheatre.com.