Celebrated American actor John Mahoney returns to Galway this summer to star in the world première of Chapatti, a new work by the Galway playwright Christian O’Reilly.
Chapatti, which is a co-production between the Galway Arts Festival and Chicago’s Northlight Theatre, will run in the Town Hall Theatre from July 15 to 27 as part of the arts festival.
A poignant, yet funny work, Chapatti centres on two lonely animal-lovers living in Dublin. When forlorn Dan and his dog Chapatti cross paths with amiable Betty and her 19 cats, an unexpected spark allows the two to rediscover the importance of human companionship.
O’Reilly is the author of such plays as Sanctuary and The Good Father and the film Inside I’m Dancing, said he feels “very fortunate and excited” at this co-production.
“I’m thrilled at the prospect of Chapatti being produced in Chicago and Galway,” he said. “When I left a copy of the script for John Mahoney, I never seriously expected to hear from him. So when he got in touch to say he wanted to do the play, it took a while for the shock to wear off. I can’t wait to see John and Penny Slusher bring the characters of Dan and Betty to life.”
John Mahoney, best known for his role as Marty Crane in Frasier, has been a regular participant in the Galway Arts Festival, most recently in The Outgoing Tide in 2012. He will star alongside Penny Slusher who made her arts festival debut in Stella & Lou last year.
“We are delighted to work with our colleagues and friends at Northlight Theatre on this world premiere of Christian’s terrific new play,” said arts festival artistic director Paul Fahy. “This production is a very natural progression for the festival following many years of collaboration and exchange between Galway and Chicago.”
Tickets are on sale now from www.galwayartsfestival.com and through the Town Hall on www.tht.ie or 091 - 569777.
