"Flanagan’s Wake"
Brings Theatrical “Mourning”
To Town

“Flanagan’s Wake,” the longest running “wake” in Chicago theatre history, will roll into Jimmy Tingle’s Off-Broadway Theatre in Somerville on January 29. In expectation of a lengthy list of mourners, “visiting hours” have been scheduled for a limited time.

Set in the picturesque but fictional village of Grapplin in County Sligo, Ireland, “Flanagan’s Wake” is an audience-interactive, partly improvised theatrical experience. The production has been running in Chicago since 1994 and has enjoyed successful runs in several major cities including Philadelphia, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Detroit and Pittsburgh.

The cast of seven and a pianist invite suggestions from the audience at the beginning of each performance. Acting upon those suggestions, the cast creates wonderfully entertaining stories and songs about the dearly departed, whose life the characters have come to celebrate. Adding an element of suspense, the characters have also come to hear the reading of Flanagan’s will.

According to the show's web site, "you will pay your respects to the glowering Mother Flanagan and to poor grieving fiancee, Fiona Finn.  Listen to a eulogy written by County Sligo's best known writer Mickey Finn and tip a pint with Flanagan's best friend, Brian Ballybunion, himself a weaver of tales.  You can cross yourself with blessings from St. Gregory's Parish Priest Father Damon Fitzgerald, or cross your fingers that local pagan Kathleen Mooney doesn't cast a spell on you.  Mayor Martin O'Doul will preside over the proceedings with an iron hand (and a parched throat) as all try to decide what to do with the famed Flanagan Land."

Every performance actually begins for audience members the moment they enter the theatre. Pre-show, audience members are welcomed at the door and given a name tag. Women are universally named Mary (followed by their own last names). Men will keep their own first names but will be given the last name, Patrick. The actors, in character, mix and mingle with the audience, now counted among the mourners.

For ticket information, call 617-591-1616 or visit www.jtoffbroadway.com.

-- OnStage Boston

1/13/04