We remember Brian Friel

The Roundabout family mourns the loss of Brian Friel. This gifted playwright gave so many beautiful stories to the world, and we will treasure those that we were able to bring to life with him. Brian always wrote with great depth, whether through his unmatched sense of language, surprising humor, righteous anger, or incredible heart. His commitment to bringing stories of his Irish homeland, often through the town of Ballybeg that he created and populated with so many memorable tales and characters, was admirable.

Brian Friel, cover of Front & Center, Fall 1999." height="300" src="http://blog.roundabouttheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Front-Center_Fall-1999_Page-1-2011.300.41-209x300.jpg" width="209" />

Brian Friel, cover of Front & Center, Fall 1999.

In Roundabout's first season at the original Laura Pels Theatre, we were honored to produce the American Premiere of Brian's brilliant Molly Sweeney, a truly memorable production that starred Alfred Molina and Jason Robards.

Jason Robards in MOLLY SWEENEY. Photo: Carol Rosegg

Our revival of Philadelphia, Here I Come! remains one of the most stunning productions in this institution's long history.

Company of GIVE ME YOUR ANSWER, DO. Photo: Joan Marcus

And his Give Me Your Answer, Do, our final collaboration with Brian, was yet another new work of great impact, with an incredible cast (including Kate Burton, Joel Grey, Lois Smith, John Glover, and Michael Emerson) bringing his words to full life. We will miss the friendship and the talent of this singular artist.