BEOWULF: The Rock Opera at Irish Repertory Theatre October 7 - November 27

The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street) will open their 2005-2006 season with the world premiere adaptation of BEOWULF directed by Charlotte Moore. Performances begin on October 7 and run through November 13th, 2005. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE's Musical Director Lenny Pickett (Composer/Lyricist) and Lindsey Turner (Lyricist) have adapted this epic tenth century poem into a twenty first century ritualistic rock opera.

Fiery dragons, magic swords and severed heads populate this epic sixth century tale of Beowulf; a fierce and romantic young warrior who arrives on a foreign shore seeking to repay its king for saving his father's life. This brave and sometimes foolish young prince hopes to return the favor whilst enhancing his reputation and gaining treasure for his king. But first, the demon, Grendel and his monster-woman mother must be challenged and slaughtered! As Beowulf, mortally wounded is sent out to sea in a flaming funeral pyre, we hear the pure tones of a Celtic harpist relating his legend to the ages.

Charlotte Moore, Director, is Co-Founder and Artistic Director of The Irish Repertory Theatre and has most recently adapted and directed FINIAN'S RAINBOW and ENDGAME. Other directorial credits include Dion Boucicault's THE COLLEEN BAWN, J. Harley manners' PEG O' MY HEART, J.M. Synge's PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD and Dion Boucicault's THE STREET'S OF NEW YORK, which she adapted and scored.

The cast of BEOWULF features Richard Barth as the title character, Edwin Cahill, David Garry, Bill Daelin Gross, John Halbach, Jay Lusteck, Shaun R Parry and Jack Wadell. Musical direction by Mark Janus.

Set design by SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE's Production Designer Akira Yoshimura, costumes design by Randall Klein, lighting design by Brian Nason, sound design by Zachary Williamson, and monsters and puppets designed by Bob Flanagan. Charlotte Moore, Artistic Director, Ciarán O'Reilly, Producing Director, Patrick Kelsey, Managing Director.

Performances of BEOWULF are Wednesdays – Saturdays at 8 PM. Matinees are Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 3 PM.

Tickets are $50 and $45 and can be purchased by calling the Irish Repertory Theatre Box Office at (212) 727-2737.

About The Irish Repertory Theatre

Most recently, The Irish Repertory Theatre received the 2005 Lucille Lortel "Outstanding Body of Work" award. Their current production of PHILADELPHIA, HERE I COME!, directed by Ciarán O'Reilly, has been extended until September 25th.

In the past seventeen years, The Irish Repertory Theatre has presented major works by O'Casey, Synge, Shaw, Wilde, Dion Boucicault, Brendan Behan, Dylan Thomas, and Samuel Beckett, as well as the contemporary artistry of Hugh Leonard, Frank McCourt, Tom Murphy, Brian Friel, Peter Sheridan, Patricia Burke Brogan, Pat McCabe, Geraldine Aron, Jennifer Johnston, Tommy Makem, Shivaun O'C asey, Enda Walsh and Harold Prince. The Irish Repertory Theatre has won the New York Drama Desk Award for "Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish Drama." In 1995, The Irish Repertory Theatre moved to its present location on West 22nd Street, New York City, in which it is currently undertaking a capital campaign to purchase its theatre.

For more information call (212) 727-2732 visit www.irishrep.org.