Captivating Irish drama opens at Florida Rep

Back row, from left: Rachel Burttram, Lisa Morgan, Jan Wikstrom, Front row: Michelle Damato and Carrie Lund in "Dancing at Lughnasa," which opens Jan. 9 at the Florida Repertory Theatre. "Dancing at Lughnasa," the Tony Award-winning drama by Brian Friel, opens at the Florida Repertory Theatre on Friday, Jan. 9.

Mr. Friel's play is a magical and captivating story that

The New York Times said "does exactly what theater was born to do," and Florida Rep's production assembles the same creative team that brought both "Rabbit Hole" and "Doubt" to life in Southwest Florida

"This is one of the truly great plays of the 20th century," said Producing Artistic Director Robert Cacioppo. "We couldn't have a more gifted creative team. From the fine cast we've assembled to the design team and our guest director, Maureen Heffernan, it is a first-rate ensemble."

"Dancing at Lughnasa" is a memory play told through the eyes of Michael Evans, now a man, who recalls the summer he spent with his mother and her four maiden sisters in a tiny and impoverished Irish home in 1936. Set against the backdrop of the pagan festival of Lughnasa, the story of changing times and the strength of one family's bond unfolds as the music of their first wireless set casts its spell under the hot August sun.

"It seems that January has become the right time for Florida Rep to bring a powerful drama to life in Southwest Florida, and 2009 will be no different," Mr. Cacioppo said. "We are very fortunate to have this cast and this creative team working on this play, it is truly first-rate craftsmanship at work."

"Dancing at Lughnasa" plays at Florida Rep Jan. 9 through Feb. 1. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Wednesdays, Sundays and selected Saturdays with a twilight performance at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11.

For tickets or information, call 332- 4488 or go to www.floridarep.org.