-Brenda Hillegas
photo by Kim Carson Photography
Grab a pint at the pub and sit down for a chat with Mad Mary! She has a lot to say, of course, as she seems to be the talk of her small Irish town of Drogheda. Mary drinks a lot, gets into fights, and just got out of jail…and she’s looking for a date to her best friend’s wedding.
The American premiere of 10 Dates with Mad Mary, written by Irish-Pakistani playwright Yasmine Akram and directed by Kathryn MacMillan, kicks off Inis Nua Theatre Company’s 19th season and the long-awaited return of their “Pop-Up Play in a Pub” series. Your ticket includes a seat at Fergie’s Pub where the show takes place, a pint (or house wine), and a British-style hand pie courtesy of Stargazy. The show runs through November 6th.
The solo show introduces audiences to the foul-mouthed and rough-around-the-edges Mary McArdle, played by Anna Faye Lieberman. Through Mary, we meet her friends, family, and strangers. We travel with her to the nightclubs and pubs around Drogheda, a speed-dating field trip, and shopping at Bride Sally Bride! Lieberman really connects with the audience- you’ll feel like you’re the only person at the bar with her as you hang on to her every word. Mary is quick and tells it like it is! In fact, you might even forget you’re at a performance. One day, maybe, you’ll just remember the time you talked to this mad Irish woman at a bar and her journey to find true love.
10 Dates with Mad Mary checks the boxes of Inis Nua’s mission- to produce contemporary, provocative plays from Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales which reflect those cultures’ new identities in today’s world. Mary’s story could take place anywhere and be about any young woman. We can all relate in some way. So, raise a pint, nod along in agreement, and enjoy a night out with your new friend.
Tickets and info here.
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