BELFAST — Belfast Maskers held auditions last month for John M. Synge’s acclaimed play “Playboy of the Western World.” The celebrated comedic masterpiece, directed by actor, director and dialect coach Michael Toner, follows the coming of age of a young man and woman in rural Ireland at the turn of the 20th century. The production will run from August 30 to September 8, 2024, at the Basil Burwell Community Theater, 17 Court Street in Belfast.
Toner oversaw the auditions and was pleased to report that turnout was good and he has assembled a great cast for the production, Belfast Maskers said in a press release. Greta Brown, a relative newcomer to Belfast Maskers, will play the role of Pegeen Mike Flaherty and Tyler Johnstone, a very familiar face to midcoast audiences, will play Christy Mahon. Joining them on stage are Emily LeBlanc McConnell as The Widow Quin, Peter Conant as Old Mahon, Greg Marsanskis as Michael James Flaherty, Mark Durbin as Shawn Keogh, Tom Maycock as Philly Cullen, Tyson Hoffman as Jimmy Farrell, Ember Hoffman as Sara Tansey, Isla Hughes as Susan Brady and Eden Hoffman as Honor Blake. Ivy Lobato is stage manager and Tom Maycock is the producer and plays the role of Philly.
The set was designed by acclaimed set designer John Bielenberg, who generously donated his decades of professional, regional and academic experience to Belfast’s beloved community theatre. Elaine Bielenberg will provide set design, lighting design is by Zafra Whitcomb and sound design is by Jay Rosenberg. Sandy Lehman will handle props and Beth Zeitlin will design costumes.
This production of Playboy of the Western World is expected to be a highlight of the 2024 season and will provide audiences with an immersive and unforgettable theatrical experience. Performances will be held nightly Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
General admission seating is $18, with a $3 discount for students and seniors. There is a preview night performance on Thursday, August 29 for $10. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.belfastmaskers.com or at the box office one hour before each performance.
