"A bright new musical celebrating love, kindness, and the extraordinary power of community"
Such is the description of the musical "Parcel From America" which has just started reviews in New York.
The Off Off Broadway production is set in West Limerick in the 1950s and is playing at Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street..
Adapted from a tale by acclaimed Irish storyteller Tomáseen Foley, the musical began previews this week and will celebrate its official opening on November 4, with a limited engagement through November 22.
"Parcel From America," according to a release, is the story of a young boy and a lonely widow in a remote parish in the west of Ireland, and the importance of one special parcel that changes the lives of the entire community, carrying them all into the true heart of Christmas.
Added the release: "Inspired by the history of Irish emigration and the cherished parcels filled with gently used clothing and much-needed dollars sent by loved ones from across the Atlantic, this musical celebrates the old Irish adage that 'it is only in the shelter of our neighbors that we all can live,' a theme that rings especially true in these fraught times."
According to its producers "at its heart, Parcel from America is about ordinary people choosing kindness. While the story is rooted in rural Ireland during the 1950s, its message is universal. In a world that often feels divided, this musical reminds us that compassion, generosity, and common decency remain among our greatest strengths. We hope audiences leave the theatre believing that even the smallest act of kindness can transform a life."
The production, continued the release, features an accomplished cast from Ireland and the United States, led by Alex Sharpe (PBS Celtic Woman, West End: Les Miz), Clare O'Malley (Irish Rep’s Pump Girl, The Lonely Ones), Michael Grennell (Abbey Theatre, “Game of Thrones”), Mick Mellamphy (National and International tour of The Smuggler), Úna Clancy (Irish Rep’s Juno and The Paycock), Gregg Goodbrod (Broadway: Thoroughly Modern Millie), Andrea Lynn Green (Broadway: Who’s Afraid of Vriginia Woolf?), Adam Huel Potter (National Tour: Once), Aiden McCracken, Daniel Patrick Sullivan, Serena Parish, Ethan Jack Haberfield (Broadway: Mary Poppins) with standby Danny Rothman and understudies Riley Bocchicchio, Amy Bodnar, Dan Fenaughty, and Olivia Goosman.
The creative team includes Harry Feiner (scenic design), Debbi Hobson (costume design), Joey Moro (lighting & projection design), Ian Scot (sound design), Stephanie Klapper Casting (casting director), Gary Levinson (Production Manager), April Kline-Grimshaw (Production Stage Manager), Miriam Hyfler & Kathleen Mahoney (Assistant Stage Managers), and LDK Productions (General Manager).
Bringing the score to life is an International ensemble of award-winning musicians led by music director Kevin Corcoran (keyboards) and featuring Isaac Alderson (whistle, flute and uilleann pipes), Tom Fitzgerald (bouzouki/mandolin), Aimée Farrell Courtney (bodhrán) and Katie Wasko (fiddle), creating an authentic Irish soundscape that transports audiences to the heart of rural County Limerick.
For tickets and more information, go to ParcelIrishMusical.com.
