Irish Rep Extends CANDIDA Through 4/25

Off-Broadway's Irish Repertory Theatre announces a one-week extension of its hit revival of George Bernard Shaw's CANDIDA, with performances now scheduled to run through Sunday, April 25 at the Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street) in Manhattan. Tony and Oscar Award-winner Tony Walton, who helmed the Irish Repertory's productions of Shaw's THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE and MAJOR BARBARA directs.

CANDIDA tells the story of Reverend James Morell (Ciaran O'Reilly) and how his comfortable marriage to Candida (Melissa Errico) is shaken by the arrival of the young poet, Marchbanks (Sam Underwood). Both men adore her, in quite different ways and for quite different reasons,
and she is attracted to them for their very different qualities. Marchbanks believes Candida has a choice. Morell is devastated by the idea of losing her. They both forget she is her own woman.

Originally scheduled through April 18, the revival extends due to positive reviews and enthusiastic audience response. The Associated Press called this production "a fun perceptive romp through
late-Victorian sexual politics that is perfectly at home in the 21st century." About the revival, Time Out New York commented: "It's a credit to Shaw's social insight that CANDIDA's message still seems so modern, but only such a lively staging could make the world of the play feel so fresh." Theatermania.com wrote: "Tony Walton's impeccable taste and talent makes the Irish Rep's stage and characters that inhabit it look like they're on Broadway." Backstage called the work, "a rarely seen gem," adding "Tony Walton has staged a smart and winning revival." NYTheatre.com proclaimed, "You'd be hard-pressed to find a more suitable cast than the one assembled for Tony Walton's revival of George Bernard Shaw at the Irish Repertory Theatre. It is a very lovely, respectful production with some fine acting."

Melissa Errico stars in the title role, while Brian Murray portrays Candida's father, Mr. Burgess. The cast also includes Xanthe Elbrick as the clergyman's secretary Prossy; Josh Grisetti as the Reverend's curate Lexy; Ciaran O'Reilly as Reverend James Morell; and Sam Underwood as Eugene Marchbanks, the romantic suitor of Candida.

CANDIDA is Bernard Shaw's most beloved and successful early play. Written in 1894, first published and presented in 1898, this play - upon its triumphal launching - immediately caused Shaw's elevation into the theatrical firmament.

CANDIDA features set and costume design by Tony Walton, lighting design by Richard Pilbrow, sound design by Zach Williamson and Jana Hoglund, and hair design by Robert Charles Vallance. The stage manager is April Kline. The production is co-produced by Alexis Doyle.

Director and designer Tony Walton also returns to the Irish Repertory Theatre, having directed and designed the company's revivals of Shaw's THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE and MAJOR BARBARA, and Oscar Wilde's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, as well as the US premiere of Noel Coward's AFTER THE BALL. His many awards include the Oscar, the Emmy and three Tonys (16 nominations). He was elected to the Theatre Hall of Fame in 1991. His Broadway credits include revivals of OUR TOWN, I'M NOT RAPPAPORT, THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER, UNCLE VANYA, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, 1776, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, SHE LOVES ME, GUYS AND DOLLS and ANYTHING GOES; original productions of Bob Fosse's CHICAGO and PIPPIN, Pinter's MOONLIGHT and ASHES TO ASHES, GRAND HOTEL, THE REAL THING, THE Will Rogers FOLLIES, THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES and WELL; Madison Square Garden's A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and THE BOY FRIEND, directed by Julie Andrews. He also directed and designed the smash hit revival WHERE'S CHARLIE? for the Goodspeed Opera House and other distinguished regional theatres. Mr. Walton has designed for films including "Mary Poppins," "Murder on the Orient Express," "Fahrenheit 451," "The Wiz," "The Boy Friend," "All That Jazz," "Death of a Salesman," "The Glass Menagerie," "Regarding Henry," and "Deathtrap."

Co-founded by Producing Director Ciaran O'Reilly and Artistic Director Charlotte Moore, The Irish Repertory Theatre opened its doors in September 1988 with Sean O'Casey's THE PLOUGH AND THE STARS. The mission of the theatre was and remains to bring works by Irish and Irish-American masters and contemporary playwrights to American audiences; to provide a context for understanding the contemporary Irish American experience; and to encourage the development of new works focusing on the Irish and Irish American experience, as well as a range of other cultures.

Performances of CANDIDA run through April 25 at The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues): Wednesdays-Saturdays at 8pm; plus 3pm matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $65 and $55, and are available by calling 212-727-2737 or online at www.irishrep.org.

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