Blog

Auditions for “The Cripple of Inishmaan” at Towngate

Thinking about auditioning for Towngate Theatre’s upcoming production of “The Cripple of Inishmaan?” You should!

The Cripple of Inishmaan Is a Dark Comedy

Martin McDonagh, who just won Golden Globes for best director and screenplay for “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” wrote “The Cripple of Inishmaan.”  A dark, comedic play, set in the year 1934, the play concerns a tiny community of Inishmaan residing at the Aran Islands, off the western coast of Ireland. The inhabitants of the island are pretty excited about the prospect of a Hollywood film crew arriving in the neighboring region of Inishmore for the purpose of filming a documentary on the lives of people living on the island.
Billy Claven, who is regularly referred to as Cripple Billy, sees it as an opportunity to escape the boredom, poverty and gossip of Inishmaan. To everyone’s surprise, despite being a social outcast and an orphan, Billy lands a chance to play a role in the documentary film…or as is believed by some.

Being In Community Theater Is Good for You!

Being in a play has positive benefits that can affect your life in many ways!
• Communication skills. Performing onstage can help you get comfortable speaking in front of large audiences.
• Expressing our humanity. Acting is a way we express that which makes us human.
• Meeting people. Being in a play brings you together with a community of people that you may not have interacted with before, giving you the opportunity to meet new people.
• Community involvement. Theater gives back to the community. The time you give can entertain hundreds of people and bring joy to their lives.

Come Audition!

Auditions for “The Cripple of Inishmaan” will be held this Monday and Tuesday, January 22 & 23 at Towngate Theatre. The play will be staged March 16-18 & 23-24, 2018. The cast calls for 5 men and 4 woman (ages teen to adult).  P.D. Gregg directs the production.
Characters include:
• Billy Claven, a crippled orphan
• Kate Osbourne, Billy’s adoptive aunt
• Eileen Osbourne, Kate’s sister and Billy’s other adoptive aunt
• Johnnypateenmike, the town’s gossip
• Mammy O’Dougal, Johnny’s alcoholic 90-year-old mother
• Helen McCormick, Billy’s crush
• Bartley McCormick, the village idiot
• Dr. McSharry, the town’s doctor
• Boatman Babbybobby Bennet

Keeping the Community in Community Theater in Wheeling. . .

Towngate is a cornerstone of creative life in Wheeling and serves as an entertainment destination for residents of the Ohio Valley and beyond. People of all ages and backgrounds gather here to create and experience art onstage. Most of all, Towngate celebrates the essential power of theater to illuminate our common humanity. The community enjoys and participates in hundreds of live performances, classes and workshops year-round.

The Prosers Bring “Perspective” to Towngate

On Saturday, January 20th, The Prosers return to the Towngate stage, bringing their unique style of spoken word poetry. The group performs original, intensely emotional works. They share powerful stories of personal struggle and authentic experiences while examining social justice issues. The show begins at 8pm.

Perspective

This performance is The Prosers’ main show of this season at Towngate Theatre, and group member and director Whitney Healy said it is one not to miss. The theme for this show is “Perspective.”

“Prosers fans will be seeing something old and something new,” Whitney said.
“Without giving too much away, attendees will get to listen to expected heart-felt poetry but will see it from an all-new perspective.”

Prosers for this performance include: Ryan Norman, Samantha Pearl, Claudell Whetstone, Gabrielle Marshall, Whitney Healy, Adam Croasmun, and Cassie Springer.

Performers have taken the theme of “Perspective” and interpreted it in their own way, with a more advanced connecting element this time.

“As performers, this format has allowed us to experiment with something new while keeping the ‘safety’ of what is familiar,” Whitney said. “I know this sounds vague, but I don’t want to give away our secret!”

Samantha Pearl said that this show is “nothing like we have ever done before.”
“It’s innovative and original—a true Prosers’ creation. This show molds the boundaries between traditional theater and modern spoken word,” Samantha said.

Gabrielle Marshall said she is excited to be performing in the upcoming show.
“Being part of the creation of The Prosers group has made slam poetry and spoken word a part of who I am,” Gabrielle said. “I couldn’t imagine missing a show. It’s like a family reunion with art, thoughts, and writing every time I get on stage.”

Open Mic to Follow

In addition to The Prosers who are performing at this show, the event will also feature an open mic session. Poets, new and experienced, shy and bold, are welcome to bring their poems and read aloud to the audience.

If you have something to say, the microphones and the ears are open at Towngate Theatre. Come share your story. Come share your perspective.

Tickets are on sale now. Purchase tickets online, at the door or call 304-242-7700. Admission is only $5.

Towngate Theatre is more than theater…

Towngate’s Second Season enhances Wheeling’s arts landscape with literary programming, spoken word performances, improvisation and more. Programs often feature works by emerging and/or local authors, playwrights and poets.