BTE's OUTSIDE MULLINGAR Directed By Steve Scott Opens May 4

Buffalo Theatre Ensemble (BTE), the professional Equity company in residence at the McAninch Arts Center, presents John Patrick Shanley's heartwarming romantic comedy "Outside Mullingar," directed by Steve Scott, May 3-June 3. Says the Seattle Times, "The Irish-American Shanley (known for his delightful film romance 'Moonstruck,' and trenchant morality drama 'Doubt') can sure and begorrah dish the bickering and the blarney, the Irish wisdom and gallows wit."

Anthony and Rosemary, two introverted middle-aged misfits, have every reason to fear romantic catastrophe. Both have spent their entire lives on farms in rural Ireland, but due to a long-standing land feud between the families, they may lose it all. "Outside Mullingar is touchingly sweet-just the right thing for a happy cry" says the Los Angeles Times. The cast for BTE's production of "Outside Mullingar" is Robert Jordan Bailey* (Anthony), Kelli Walker* (Rosemary), Norm Woodel (Tony) and Millie Hurley (Aoife).

Shanley is an American playwright, screenwriter and theater/film director. His play "Doubt: A Parable" won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. He also won the 1988 Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for his film "Moonstruck." "Outside Mullingar" premiered on Broadway in January 2014 and featured the Broadway debut of Debra Messing. Shanley is the author of more than 23 plays, which have been translated and performed around the world, including 80 productions a year in North America.

Says BTE Artistic Director Connie Canaday Howard, "I can't think of a better play to present in the spring. It is witty, light-hearted and romantic. Anyone who enjoys a laugh and watching the unfolding lives of truly endearing characters, will adore this play. And I'm thrilled to have as our director, Steve Scott, who previously directed our productions of 'Romance, Romance' (1998-1999 season), 'Art' (2002-2003 season) and 'Communicating Doors' (2005-2006 season)."

Steve Scott (Director) is an Artistic Associate and recently retired Producer of The Goodman Theatre, a position he held for more than 30 years, overseeing more than 200 productions. His most recent Goodman directing credits include "Ah! Wilderness," "Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike," Horton Foote's "Blind Date" and the 2011 and 2012 editions of "A Christmas Carol." Other recent productions include "Rose" at the Greenhouse Theatre, "Summer and Smoke" at the Theatre Conservatory at Roosevelt University (where he is a faculty member), and this summer's production of "Bus Stop" for Eclipse Theatre (where he has been a company member since 1999). For his work Scott has received six Jeff nominations, an After Dark Award, the Illinois Theatre Association's Award of Honor, Eclipse's Corona Award, and the 2017 Special Jeff Award for his contributions to the Chicago theater community. Later this month he will receive the League of Chicago Theatre's Lifetime Achievement Award.

The design team for "Outside Mullingar" includes Chicago's Pauline Olesky (Scenic Designer), Wheaton's Kimberly G. Morris (Costume Designer) and Chicago's Cat Wilson (Lighting Designer), Christopher Kriz* (Sound Designer) and Jesse Gaffney (Properties Designer). Stage manager is Chicago's David A Loranca.

*Denotes BTE Ensemble Member

Tickets

Buffalo Theatre Ensemble presents "Outside Mullingar," by John Patrick Shanley, directed by Steve Scott in the Playhouse Theatre of the McAninch Arts Center, located at 425 Fawell Blvd. on the campus of College of DuPage May 3-June 3. There will be a preview performance on Thursday, May 3; press opening is Friday, May 4. Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $37. For tickets or more information visit AtTheMAC.org or call 630.942.4000.

Related Special Events: Pre-show discussion with director and designers, Thursday, May 3, 6:45 p.m. Post-show discussion with director, actors and crew, Friday, May 11.

Buffalo Theatre Ensemble

Buffalo Theatre Ensemble members include: Aly Amidei, Robert Jordan Bailey, BTE Associate Artistic Director Amelia Barrett, Bryan Burke, BTE Artistic Director Connie Canaday Howard, Jon Gantt, Christopher Kriz, Loretta Hauser, Michael W. Moon, Kurt Naebig, Galen G. Ramsey, William "Sandy" Smillie, and Kelli Walker.

The mission of Buffalo Theatre Ensemble is to provide a forum in which artists, scholars, writers, students and community members explore new ideas and provocative issues through the production of high quality theater for the enjoyment of its audiences. Since 1986 BTE has staged more than 114 productions. For more information about BTE visit btechicago.com.

BTE thanks the DuPage Foundation for their generous support in the reinstatement and continued operation of Buffalo Theatre Ensemble. BTE also thanks the Norm Woodel Inspiration Fund for its assistance in the rebirth and further development of Buffalo Theatre Ensemble.

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