Conor McPherson's THE SEAFARER Returns to New York Tonight

MidCity Productions first production of 2017 is a big one, the beloved and eerie tale of promises kept and debts to be repaid in Conor McPherson's The Seafarer.

MidCity Productions was last seen on the New York stages with their very successful and well-received run of George Orwell's 1984 adapted for the stage by Michael Gene Sullivan. 1984 saw a two-week run at The Flux Factory in Long Island city to sell-out crowds and hosted members of the New York chapter of the Orwell Society.

McPherson's The Seafarer, originally produced at The Royal National Theatre in Great Britain, tells the story of Sharky, a down-on-his-luck (and his own fault for it) chauffeur and his recently blind bother, Richard, as they prepare for Christmas festivities in their small home in Baldoyle, Ireland. After a night of heavy drinking, Richard and his friend Ivan, are slowly bringing themselves back around to humanity as Sharky tries to get the house ready for the upcoming holiday. But it's not until Nicky Giblin, a friend of Richard's but not so much of Sharky's, drops by with a stranger bearing a sinister familiarity with Sharky, and a game of cards is suggested, does the real story unfold. As the game progresses, it's not his money that Sharky is playing with, but his soul.

This production is being directed by MidCity company member James Rees. James has been working and directing in New York for seven years. Among his acting credits are Measure for Measure (Shakespeare in the Park) and The Killer (Theatre for a New Audience). He's also been featured on Orange is the New Black, Gotham, Bull, and Mr. Robot. In addition to his directing and acting, James is also an audition coach for actors around the city. When asked about the show, Rees simply stated, "At its core, [it] is a show about hope." A show like The Seafarer has a level of comfort and "the more comforted we are by it, the more of a detriment it becomes. We have to come face to face with our fears before we can break routine and move past them."

The cast features Eric Morace*, Daniel O'Shea*, Mac Brydon*, Dana Hoffburton, and Sean Folster* (* Actors appearing courtesy of Actors Equity Association). This production features costumes by Dave Stishan, set and lights by Eddis Brown, stage manager by Jenna R. Lazar*, and directed by James Rees.

13th Street Repertory Company was founded in 1972 by Edith O'Hara as a caring and nurturing space for actors, directors, playwrights, and technicians. As you walk down the steps and into the entrance of this historic theatre, you will instantly be transported to the seedy land of Baldoyle, Ireland and with a set design masterfully executed by Eddis Brown, there will be no escape for the audience until the final word is spoken.

McPherson's The Seafarer will be presented at 13th Street Repertory Theatre, starting tonight, February 15th, and runs through the 5th of March. Shows will be Wednesday through Sunday with the exception of the second week where shows will be only Thursday through Sunday. Wednesday through Saturday shows will start at 8pm and Sundays will have a 2:30 matinee only. Tickets are $18 dollars and are available through the company's website or at the door in cash. For more information, contact Dave Stishan at midcity.productions@gmail.com.

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