The Stone Church Players (aka SCP) is pleased to present ‘A Man of No Importance’, at the All Saints Memorial Church in Atlantic Highlands. The show opens on Friday, October 10th at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, October 11th at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, October 12th at 2 p.m. Michael McClellan, also Artistic Director for Stone Church Players, will be directing. His team includes Hannah Elarmo as musical director, John Leslie as stage manager, John Paul Durazzo as producer, Jesse Luciani as lighting designer, and Darren DeAngelo as set designer and technical director.
Set against the backdrop of 1960s Dublin, "A Man of No Importance" is a musical that tells the story of Alfie Byrne, a bus conductor and amateur theater director with a secret love for Oscar Wilde. This heartwarming tale explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the transformative power of art and community.
The musical delves into the journey of coming to terms with one's true identity, the redemptive power of theatre, and the importance of friendship and acceptance. It also highlights the struggle against societal and religious intolerance. Through his art and the relationships he forms, Alfie learns to embrace his true self. He discovers strength in the community that accepts him, finding redemption and a sense of belonging.
"A Man of No Importance" is the result of a collaboration between bookwriter Terrence McNally and the Tony Award-winning team behind "Ragtime," composer Stephen Flaherty, and lyricist Lynn Ahrens. The musical's score is a unique blend of Irish folk music and Broadway scoring, creating a moving and distinctive sound that enhances the storytelling.
This talented cast includes a large group of returning SCP actors, including Brian Craig portraying the role of Alfie Byrne, having played the role in 2014 at Edison Valley Playhouse in Edison. He was also seen in NENA Production’s Pirates of Penzance (Sergeant of Police), as well as First Avenue Playhouse’s production of True West (Austin). Lauren Friedman returns as Lily Byrne, having previously performed in The Diary of Anne Frank (Edith Frank) with the Algonquin Arts Theatre, and The Music Man (Eulalie Shinn) with Phoenix Productions; Colleen Gilgan as Adele Rice, previously seen in Nine at Playhouse 22 (Carla) and The Drowsy Chaperone at Middletown Arts Center (Kitty); John Paul Durazzo plays the role of Carney, having previously performed in Villagers Theatre’s spring production of The Shawshank Redemption (Hadley), and Middletown Arts Center’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone (Feldzieg).
We also have SCP newcomers Randy Hurst as Baldy/Carson, previously seen in Legally Blonde (Prof. Callahan), and The Great Gatsby: A Live Radio Play (Tom Buchanan); and Garrett Nolan as Robbie, last seen as Donalbain and Seyton, in Macbeth, and Jesus in Godspell - both with Brookdale Performing Arts Center.
Rounding out the cast are John Davis as Father Kenny/Breton Beret, Christine Jay as Mrs. Patrick, Lisa Catalfamo as Miss Crowe, Loretta Boyle as Mrs. Curtin, Amanda Dubinsky as Mrs. Grace/Kitty, Caitlin Mahon as Ernestine “Ernie” Lally, Chris Stypa as Oscar Wilde/Sully O’Hara, and Lex Friedman as Rasher Flynn/Monsignor.
Running time: approximately 2 hours, including a 15-minute intermission. A limited amount of accessible parking spots will be available in the main parking lot. Please email us at stonechurchplayersnj@gmail.com, and we can reserve a parking spot for you. Restrooms are available in the Parish House, and refreshments will be available for purchase on the patio. Tickets are $25, and can be purchased in advance online at scp.booktix.com (includes a small service fee). Limited tickets will be available for purchase at the door (cash preferred). For more information, visit our website, stonechurchplayers.org.
