Irish Rep Presents Holiday Classics Dec.5-30

The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd St.) will present Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales & Twas the Night Before Christmas, adapted and directed by Charlotte Moore, with traditional and original music, December 5 - 30, 2007. Previews begin December 5. The official opening will be on December 13, 2007.

A Child's Christmas in Wales includes traditional selections and original songs (many in close harmony) and Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Dylan Thomas (Author) was born in Swansea, a seacoast town in southern Wales, on October 27, 1914.  After dropping out of school at sixteen, he worked as a junior reporter on the South Wales Evening Post.  In November 1934, Thomas moved to London and in December of that year his first book of poetry, short stories, radio plays, and film scripts.  Thomas also conducted a series of reading tours of the United States.   During his fourth American lecture tour, and a few days after his thirty-ninth birthday, he collapsed in his New York hotel.  Dylan Thomas died on November 9, 1953, at St. Vincent's Hospital.  His body was sent back to Wales, where his grave is marked by a simple wooden cross.

Charlotte Moore's most recent directing assignments were Gaslight, Meet Me in St. Louis, Mrs. Warren's Profession and Mr. Dooley's America. She has received two Tony Award nominations, the Outer Critics Circle Award, the Drama Desk Award, and the Irish America Top 100 Irish Award. Moore has directed forty-seven Irish Repertory Theatre productions and all 19 Gala Benefits.

The cast features Kerry Conte, Bonnie Fraser, Justin Packard, Joshua Park, Ashley Robinson. Musical direction is by John Bell.  Rhonda Picou is the Stage Manager.

Performances are Wednesday - Saturday at 8 PM. Matinees are Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 3 PM. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling 212-727-2737 or at the box office prior to the show.