Linden House returns to the stage via rural Ireland

By Manor Park Chronicle September 29, 2022

Janet Uren, Geoff Gruson and Bob are rehearsing in preparation for Linden House Theatre’s return to the stage with Outside Mullingar, Nov. 14 to 20, a romantic play set in rural Ireland. A special fundraising preview performance will be held Thursday Nov. 10. *Photo: Doug Banks*

It’s time, more than time, to meet again. After more than two years of public health restrictions, we all desperately need a bit of fun in our lives. And what could be more fun or charming than a love story set in the Irish countryside? That is what Linden House is proposing for this fall, as audiences begin to gather once again for live theatre.

Do you remember when we first went into lockdown on March 14, 2020? I don’t know about you, but I thought it would be a matter of weeks, not months. I don’t need to remind you of the time that has passed since then. Twice Linden House has made plans to produce a play, and twice we have cancelled.

Not this time. We have booked the theatre at Elmwood School (261 Buena Vista Rd.) and are planning to produce a delightful play designed to lift everyone’s spirits. It’s called Outside Mullingar, written in 2014 by American playwright, John Patrick Shanley. It’s a funny, offbeat love story about two middle-aged lovers who face all the usual roadblocks (and some unusual ones). The last time we were on stage we were speaking with Southern accents (The Savannah Sipping Society). This time, it’s Irish all the way.

Mullingar is a parish in the heart of Ireland, but the play is actually by an American playwright. John Patrick Shanley was born into the Irish-American community of the Bronx in New York City, but he has written a number of award-winning plays centering on Irish themes. One of his early successes was the film script of Moonstruck, starring Cher and Nicholas Cage (1987). Shanley has written 23 plays over the years. He may be best known, however, for the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Doubt (2005), later made into a movie starring Meryl Streep.

The Linden House production will be directed by Lindsay Laviolette and will feature actors David Holton (last seen at Linden House in For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again), Venetia Lawless (The Savannah Sipping Society and Enchanted April), Geoff Gruson (Enchanted April) and Janet Uren (in everything).

Outside Mullingar will open on November 11 and will run November 12 and 18-19 at 7.30 pm, with matinees on November 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets ($30) will go on sale in September on the company website and at Books on Beechwood. For information, call 613-842-4913.

This article was written by Janet Uren, founder of Linden House.