presents
“WHEN IRISH EYES ARE CRYING” REVIEW
| “There’s nothing like walking into an Irish wake on St. Patrick’s Day! Never mind that everything in the joint is ‘green, green, green’ with shamrocks galore, but you just know by the festive atmosphere that this is no ordinary vigil. Such is the case with the lively presentation of ‘When Irish Eyes Are Crying,’ a witty and amusing ‘who-dunnit’ that opens with the poor chap already deceased, and no suspicions whatsoever. You are the guests at Sean O’Reilly’s wake, and his relatives make you feel welcome right from the start. His widow Kathleen (Laurie Dunlap), his daughter Mary Alice (Bette Cassatt), and his son-in-law Kevin (Matthew Staley), greet you at the door, and with authentic Irish accents, and really make you feel a part of the affair. There’s also Sean’s best friend Patrick O’Shaunessy (Tom Sawyer), and Ryan Matthews (Stefan Aleksander), a photographer covering the wake for the local paper. The fun, however, is interrupted by Inspector Danny Sullivan (Dan Orenge), who informs the bewildered family and guests, that Sean didn’t die of natural causes, as first suspected. Throughout the evening, you are to gather clues, exchange information with other guests, and listen carefully to tidbits thrown out willy nilly! Eventually, the Inspector will ask everyone in the room to solve the case by the end of the evening. The whole ‘show’ is the brain-child of Laurie Dunlap (a local theatre favorite), who is positively delightful as the widow, and works the room as if she is really throwing a wake for her husband. Guests are asked to read little snippets of dialogue, and are brought up ‘onstage’ to sing good ol’ Irish songs, while the newspaper photographer snaps away on his camera. Additionally, guests are treated to a charming Irish dance by Ms. Cassatt. True to an authentic Irish wake, there is an abundance of tasteful goodies, including appetizers, fruit and salad, and a delicious main course consisting of pasta, steamed veggies, potatoes, and the most delectable Chicken Marsala. All washed down with a yummy chocolate cake (all provided by the experienced staff of Mama’s). Murder Mysteries Will Travel puts on several holiday occasion shows a year. Mama’s hosted this talented group on Valentine’s Day where they performed ‘I Love You To Death,’ and in October with their Halloween Monster Mystery Musical appropriately titled ‘Bump In The Night.’ The group is available for corporate events, fundraisers, and staff and family parties. Check out their website at www.MurderMysteriesWillTravel.com. And, pull up a chair. You’ll be glad you came.” - INTERMISSION MAGAZINE - Summer Donaldson |
 Constable Danny Sullivan questioning a suspect. |
 Photographer for the Shillelagh Times Ryan Matthews, Constable Danny Sullivan, and son-in-law Kevin O'Toole pondering the facts of the case. |
 Kathleen O'Reilly, wife of the dearly departed Sean, keeping a cheery disposition at her husband's wake. Maybe too cheery? |
 Son-in-law Kevin O'Toole and his wife Mary Alice O'Reilly O'Toole dancing a jig at the celebration. Not very sad... |
 Patrick O'Shaunessy leading the tribute at his best friend's wake. Is he hiding his true feelings? |
 Kathleen leads an Irish song sing-a-long. |
 Wife Kathleen O'Reilly pointing out interesting facts about the dearly departed. |
 Mary Alice and Kathleen reacting to startling information. |