Leprechaun

By Callen Harty

Directed by Callen Harty

What could be better than an anniversary trip in Ireland?  Almost anything, when you and your spouse are fighting, an obnoxious American won’t stop singing, a Swedish puppeteer can’t speak English but her puppet can, a psychoanthroculturologist keeps asking questions, and all your ideas about your ancestral homeland are turned on their head by a six-foot tall man that you think may be a leprechaun, especially when he and his wife are also your tour guides.

Broom Street Theater proudly presents Leprechaun, a new play by Artistic Director Callen Harty, which takes place mostly on an Irish tourist bus and at sites in the country as the bus wends its way toward an ancestral destination in the southeast where a man is seeking his heritage.  Along the way the group meets up with sheep, priests and nuns, singers who aren’t quite what they expected, and more.

Leprechaun features a stellar cast of Broom Street veterans and one newcomer.  Returning to the Broom Street stage are veterans Tom Collins, Ben Doran, Siobhan Edge, Rebecca Fischler, Cassi Harris, Lauri Harty, Greg Johnson, Joseph Lutz, Liz Mael, and Shawn Patrick O’Brien.  Brandon McGirr will make his Broom Street debut.  Also making an appearance will be a puppet that was left at the door of the theater last summer, along with several other items and a note that said simply, “Hi.  Puppeteer died.  Use what you can, toss the rest.  Rest in peace.”

“We wanted to honor the memory of this puppeteer because we were touched by it being left for us,” Harty said, “though we wish we knew who it was.”  A part was written into the play for the puppet.  According to Harty the play is for adults despite the use of the puppet.

Produced by Broom Street Theater at 1119 Williamson Street, Madison, WI

Performances: March 7 - April 13, 2008

Performance Times: Friday & Saturday @ 8pm and Sundays @ 2pm.

Ticket Prices: $8.00

Call 608-244-8338 for more information.