In 1997, Inquirer theater critic Douglas J. Keating described a “congenial, amusing” show in the cabaret space of the Society Hill Playhouse. He attended the world premiere of LAFFERTY’S WAKE, an interactive Irish-style play (“or at least what Americans perceive to be Irish”) conceived by Susan Turlish and her cast of local actors.
LAFFERTY’S WAKE has since seen performances on stages across the country, entertaining with singalong favorites “Molly Malone,” “Whiskey in the Jar,” “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” and others. Beginning March 6, the comedy returns to its original venue for six weekends of shows. The premise is simple: Charlie Lafferty is being waked, with his wife Kathleen; daughter Maggie; son-in-law Patrick; the village priest Father Pettigrew; his special friend, Molly; and his best friend Rory in attendance at Rory’s Pub. They tell stories, sing songs, and ramble along “a silly but apt enough plot.”
Jason Klemm returns from the original production, swapping the role of Patrick for that of barkeep Rory. The cast also includes Michelle Pauls, Tory Mittelman, Angie Fennell, David Ferrier, Stephen Fala, and Jeff Baxt. Costumes are by Tina Heinz, who also costumed the original production.
Oh! And Guinness is on sale in the lobby. [Society Hill Playhouse cabaret, 507 South 8th Street] March 6-April 12, 2015; societyhillplayhouse.com.