[invoking classy british accent] The THE-ah-taah!

The Dubiln Theatre Festival kicks off in late September. The festival is regarded as one of the best, being that Dublin is a well known mecca for 20th and 21st century theatre. Theatre is so renowned here, in fact, that I would strongly reccommend seeing a play if you're ever in town. For this city of 1 million people there are no less than 10 major theatres and dozens of smaller ones!

SO! I couldn't be more excited to have landed tickets to some of the best plays this season, thanks to a few friends with great connections. Here's what's on my docket for the next 2 months:

1. The Year of Magical Thinking

Vanessa Redgrave (VANESSA REDGRAVE!) stars in a play chronicling the death of a husband and its aftermath. This is touted as the premier play of the festival--tickets sold out in 15 mins.

Play is in the Gaiety Theatre, but it's also played on Broadway and the West End, too, so check if it's playing near you!

2. Hedda Gabler

This is the story of strong-willed Hedda battling the iconic oppressors men and children. Go Hedda! Hedda Gabler was originally written by Henrik Isben, but this version is reworked by my favorite Irish playwright, Brian Friel. (feel like taking Friel for a test drive? Try Translations.)














3. Black Watch

This play sold out in 20 minutes. A play. Selling out. In 20 minutes. That's like a Justin Timberlake tour. I cannot fathom how good it must be. This play is about the Iraq war. Topical, renowned. Good things.

4. The Cripple of Inismaan

Set on the Aran Islands, this is the classic play by famous Irish playwright Martin McDonagh. The play is about a Hollywood film being shot on the bucolic island of Inismore, when interisland jealousy ensues. Sure to be clever and witty. Can't wait to see it. Playing at the Olympia.















5. The Magic Flute

This last piece is actually a lyric opera written by Mozart. While the play version is part of the Dublin Theatre Festival, I opted to see the opera, which will play a couple of weeks later in the National Concert Hall. It will be my first lyric opera and I am planning on going in formal attire. I CANNOT WAIT!

Should be a great month of fun nights out on the town with friends. Guaranteed I'll be hitting up menupages.ie to find great restaurants for our pre-show meals, too. Hey, let me know if you're up to anything fancy pants soon. Nothing like some exciting events to make autumn that much more appealing.


Have a great Wednesday!