Through finely-tuned Irish songs and dance, James Joyce’s “The Dead” awakened at the Capital Repertory Theatre on its opening night, March 18. This musical adaptation of Joyce’s best-known story from Dubliners was written by Richard Nelson with music by Shaun Davey and was a hit on Broadway, winning the Tony Award© for Best Book of a Musical.
Set at the Dublin Christmas party of two sisters around the turn of the 20th century, the intimate musical filled with traditional Irish music exposes the tensions and passions of family and friends – especially that of married couple, Gabriel and Gretta. Their solid relationship is suddenly disturbed by Gretta’s tender remembrances of the young, passionate Michael Furey, who died for her love. As Gabriel contemplates love and life, he gains insight into the past, present and future, and we are all reminded that life is to be lived in the moment. Producing Artistic Director Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill who also directs the show calls “The Dead” “a beautiful rendition” that will fill audience members with a sense of the Irish experience. “If you were not Irish when you went in,” she said, “you’ll be Irish when you come out.” Mancinelli-Cahill has assembled an eclectic and talented cast of 13, comprised of veterans of Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theatre – including eight local residents hailing from Albany, Clifton Park, Hoosick Falls and Saratoga Springs. Lead characters Gabriel and Gretta are played by Off-Broadway veteran Don Noble and Saratoga favorite Lezlie Dana. David Sutton, who plays Bartell D’Arcy, is a resident of Hoosick Falls.
“The Dead” will run through April 5. Tuesday through Thursday performances begin at 7:30 pm, Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 4 pm and 8:30 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm. Tickets range in price from $31 to $46 and are available now by calling the box office at 518-445-7469 or emailing boxoffice@capitalrep.org.