LEWISTON — “Outside Mullingar” is a humorous and heartwarming play that celebrates the love and luck of the Irish. With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, this recent Broadway hit opens Friday, March 13, at The Public Theatre. 

“This show is down-to-earth and out-of-left-field at the same time,” according to Christopher Schario, executive/artistic director at TPT and director of this production. He said it’s a funny and tender story that “takes an affectionate look at the obstacles to love, most of which exist in our own mind, and reminds us that it’s never too late to take a chance on love.”
The story revolves around Anthony and Rosemary, middle-aged neighbors who have seemed destined for each other since childhood, but they’re Irish and stubborn to the core. Rosemary has been romantically interested in Anthony for just about all of her life. Anthony, however, is shy, and is unaware of Rosemary’s feelings. Anthony does not like farming and his father plans to leave the farm to a nephew.
Their eccentric and aging parents get involved with hilarious consequences.
Joel Leffert plays Anthony’s cantankerous father, Tony.
Leffert most recently appeared on Broadway where he understudied Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen in “Waiting For Godot” and “No Man’s Land.” He was last seen at TPT as Rothko in “Red” and Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol.”
Playing his luckless son, Anthony, is Stephan Wolfert. He last appeared in Lewiston in “Sideman” produced in TPT’s 2000-01 season.
Wolfert has appeared in New York in Bedlam Theatre’s acclaimed productions of “Hamlet” and “Saint Joan.” He directed the military segments for Twyla Tharp and Billy Joel’s Tony-Award winning production of “Movin’ Out” on Broadway, and he is a character coach for Cirque du Soleil’s “Mystere” in Las Vegas, and artistic director for “Shakespeare and Veterans.”
Kathy McCafferty makes her first appearance on the TPT stage as Anthony’s stubborn love interest. She has appeared in regional theaters across the country and she originated the role of Lurene in John Cariani’s most recent play, “Last Gas.”
Cecilia Riddett, also making her TPT debut, portrays Rosemary’s scrappy mother. Riddett appeared in the American premiere of the beloved Irish play, “Da,” as well as off-Broadway at Manhattan Theatre Club, and multiple theatres across the country.
Schario said “Outside Mullingar” is very specific to the people and to this time in rural Ireland and how it’s changing.
“It couldn’t happen anywhere else,” he said.
“The Irish wear their hearts on their sleeves, and their hearts are always broken,” Schario said. Nevertheless, “they have a joy for life even when things are dark.”
“Outside Mullingar” was nominated for the 2014 Tony Award for Best Play. Its author, John Patrick Shanley, wrote “Doubt,” which won the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. TPT produced “Doubt” in its 2007-08 season.
Shanley also wrote the screenplay for “Moonstruck,” the 1987 Oscar-winner which starred Cher.
A reviewer for USA Today said, “If Shanley is raising less-complicated questions this time, there are flecks of wisdom in his sweetly diverting study.”
The TPT stage will represent the Irish countryside and homesteads in sets designed by Kit Mayer. Lighting is designed by Bart Garvey and costumer is Jonna Klaiber.
“Outside Mullingar” will be performed at The Public Theatre March 13-15 and 19-22. Show times are 7:30 p.m. for the Thursday and Friday performances; 8 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2 p,m. on Sundays. There is an added Saturday matinee at 3 p.m. on March 21.
For tickets go online to www.thepublictheatre.org or call 782-3200. The Public Theatre is at located at 31 Maple St.