Old Academy Players proudly presents its 500th production, THE SEAFARER, the Tony and Olivier award nominated play by contemporary Irish playwright Conor McPherson. This chilling black comedy about the sea, Ireland and a mysterious stranger is directed by Christopher Wunder. Show dates are March 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20, 2016. The play is produced by Tiffany Brink.
THE SEAFARER was nominated for two Olivier Awards and won for Best Performance in a Supporting Role. On Broadway, it was nominated for four Tony Awards and won the 2008 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play. It takes place in a rundown suburb of Dublin on Christmas Eve. It captures beautifully the atmosphere and the language of its setting. Sharkey has returned to care for his recently blinded older brother, Richard, who like Sharkey is pretty much an alcoholic. Sharkey has been drifting and was recently fired from his chauffer job for having an affair with the wife of his boss. They are joined by Ivan and Nicky who is now dating Sharkey’s ex-girlfriend. With him is a smooth talking, mysterious stranger introduced as Mr. Lockhart. Petty quarrels reconciliations and drinking follow until a poker game is decided on. When others are occupied, Mr. Lockhart reminds Sharkey they had met before, had played cards before and that Sharkey had promised him a rematch for the favor he had been granted. The stakes of the game are far higher than money as Mr. Lockhart’s identity becomes clear. The suspense of the game mounts and we see a battle of wits and a battle for survival. This powerful play will provoke deep though and lively discussion. This is a theater experience not to be missed! STRONG LANGUAGE – NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN.
The stellar cast includes: Vail Guiltieri as Sharkey, Michael Monroe as Richard, Ben Kendall as Lockhart, Norman Burnosky as Ivan and Phil Czekner as Nicky.
Old Academy Players, a member of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, is a non-profit community theater located at 3544 Indian Queen Lane in East Falls (Philadelphia), the urban village on the Schuylkill River. Constructed in 1819, the Old Academy building has been the OAP home since 1932. Old Academy Players has provided continuous community theater since 1923 and featured the acting debuts of both Grace Kelly and Robert Prosky.
Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Tickets are $15. Old Academy welcomes groups! If you have 15 or more in your party, you can take advantage of group discount pricing. Parking for all performances is free. For information and reservations, call 215-843-1109 or visit the theatre’s website at www.oldacademyplayers.org.
Theater/Organization OLD ACADEMY PLAYERS
Theater/Organization Website: http://www.oldacademyplayers.org/
Theater/Organization Address: 3544 Indian Queen Lane Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129 (Map It)
Theater/Organization Phone: (215) 843-1109
