Toronto Irish Players are proud to bring Little Gem, the debut script from Dublin’s Elaine Murphy, to the stage at Alumnae Theatre. First presented at the Dublin Fringe Festival in 2008 (Fishamble Award for Best New Irish Writing), it travelled to the Edinburg Fringe in 2009 (Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award), before heading off on a successful life across the English-speaking world.
Loosely based on stories gleaned from the playwright’s time working at a women’s health organization, Little Gem tells the story of a year in the lives of three women of three generations in the same family. At times hilarious and at times poignant, Amber, Lorraine and Kay speak in a series of interwoven monologues revealing their lively north Dublin personalities and the cycle of challenges that they face. Like any other nineteen-year-old, the sassy, impetuous Amber loves to party but is not so big on communication, especially with Mum. Lorraine worries about her daughter’s silence, has changed the locks on the door, and is anxious, very anxious. Salsa lessons seem to help. Grandmother Kay, “on the wrong side of sixty, but not dead yet”, is concerned about her family and misses the intimacies which she can no longer share with her stroke stricken husband. The totally age appropriate challenges are met head on with courage, humour, growing family strength and salty language.
Various reviews of the play had this to say:
“…this is a play that, like its characters, gurgles and giggles with life even in the face of death.” Guardian
“…It is one of those rare plays that leave you feeling better about life when you leave the theatre than you did when you entered.” Telegraph
The Toronto Irish Players production of Little Gem is directed by Cliona Kenny (Elvis’ Toenail, Shining City, Translations) and features performances by Billie Jean Shannon (Elvis’ Toenail, Shadow of a Gunman), Rebecca De La Cour (The Night Joe Dolan’s Car Broke Down, The Veil) and Barbara Taylor (Outside Mullingar, Dancing at Lughnasa, The Beauty Queen of Leenane).
Little Gem will open at Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkeley Street on February 16 and will close on March 3. Performances are from Thursday to Sunday.
For more information contact: www.torontoirishplayers.com or tiplittlegem@gmail.com
