MCGOLDRICK'S THREAD World Premiere at 1st Irish Theater Festival Sells Out

MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN is pleased to announce the world premiere production of Marianne Driscoll's MCGOLDRICK'S THREAD, with additional lyrics by Eliot Riskin, music by Ronnie D'Addario, dance arrangements by Patrick Mangan, choreography by Riverdance alums Jason Oremus and Garrett Coleman and directed by Kira Simring initial performances sold-out prior to the public announcement. MCGOLDRICK'S THREAD will play a two-week Off-Broadway limited engagement, as part of the 1st Irish Theater Festival, at St. Marks Theatre 80 (80 St. Marks Pl, NYC). Performances begin Wednesday, September 11 additional performances have been added to accommodate audience demand: Sept. 14th & 28th at 2:00 p.m. and Sept. 17th & 24th at 7:00 p.m.

MCGOLDRICK'S THREAD tells the story of the O'Reilly family, who left home in Clonmel, Ireland and settled in a small apartment in the Bronx to raise their four children. The youngest and only daughter, Magee, is a competitive Irish Step dancer with a big Feis in the morning. The story takes place over a weekend, with a colorful flashback to Ireland ~ revealing trials, tribulations, triumphs, love and humour of the O'Reilly and McGoldrick Families. In their small apartment with brothers, commotion and unanswered questions, Magee learns to believe in herself and what it takes to make her dreams come true ~ in dance and life.

The song writing team of Marianne Driscoll, Eliot Riskin and composer Ronnie D'Addario have penned a classic that combines the beauty, message and meaning of the story in memorable tunes. Coupled with the Dream Dance, and other compositions by Patrick Mangan and it is a truly special musical experience.

Thunderous step dancing kicks MCGOLDRICK'S THREAD into high gear. Top level dancers from five Irish dance schools from New York and Ohio are among the cast. Two renowned dancer/choreographers, Jason Oremus (Lead) and Garrett Coleman (also a two time World Champion) who have appeared in Riverdance, and also developed a breakthrough new dance concept with their dance group, Hammerstep, were recently featured on America's Got Talent. MCGOLDRICK'S THREAD is filled with electrifying energy from start to finish.

The inspiration for the piece, is Driscoll's daughter Jessie Driscoll (Dance Captain) who has been Irish dancing and performing for 16 years; she's competed nationally and internationally with the Hagen-Kavanagh school of Irish Dance. Now pursuing her professional career, she recently returned from Ireland after performing in Dublin, Limerick, and Derry with a new show Take The Floor; in association with Riverdance.

MCGOLDRICK'S THREAD stars Casey Murray as Magee, Elizabeth West* as Marion, Peter Cormican* as PJ, Paul Nugent as William, Conor McIntyre as Shane, John Charles McLaughlin* as Thomas, Garrett Coleman as Eddie Callahan, Jason Oremus as Mr. Duffy and Jesse Driscoll as Golden Fiddle. The ensemble includes Mairead Brown, Declan Byrne, Jessica Byrne, Sean Crosby, Hayleigh Jusas, Ciaran O'Brien, Sheppard Somers, and Natalie Vestergom.

*Performing Courtesy of Actors' Equity. AEA approved showcase.

The production, which was incubated at the cell: A Twenty First Century Salon (Nancy Manocherian, Founding Director; Kira Simring, Artistic Director) features scenic design by Carl Tallent, costume design by Rachel Guilfoyle (with additional Irish Dance Dress Design by Mary Collins and Danielle O'Leary and Dream Dance Costume Artwork Designed and Painted by Jane Rubinstein), and lighting design by Michael Megliola. Thomas Kennedy is the sound designer, Micah Havertape is the audio engineer, Joe Barros is the choreographer, Brian Reager is the assistant director, Christian Steckel is the assistant stage manager and Mackenzie Meeks is the stage manager.

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