Michael Tubridy will speak about F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” at the Oradell (NJ) Public Library tomorrow Saturday, Apr. 12, at 3 p.m. “‘The Great Gatsby’ at 100: A Celebration,” sponsored by the Friends of the Oradell Public Library, will focus on the people, places, and conditions that inspired Fitzgerald to create his American masterpiece. Copies of Tubridy’s “An Irish Passion for Justice: The Life of Rebel New York Attorney Paul O’Dwyer” (jointly written with Robert Polner) will also be available for signing and purchase ($30). The Oradell Public Library is located at 375 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell, NJ 07649. For further information, contact the library at (201) 262-2613.
1st Irish continues
Origin's 1st Irish Festival 2025 is into its second week at multiple venues in New York City and will continue through to April 28. There are 12 shows in competition -- seven of them locally-produced plays, such as Ed Gavagan’s one-man show “Loud Memory” (pictured) at Ernie O’Malley’s Bar on East 27th Street, beginning this evening, and five coming from the island of Ireland.
Another local entry is the Irish Repertory Company’s presentation of the world premiere of Ciara Elizabeth Smyth’s comedy “Irishtown,” directed by Nicola Murphy Dubey. “Irishtown” takes us behind the scenes as the Irishtown Players, a celebrated Dublin theatre company sets out to devise a quintessential Irish play. “How hard can that be?” Trouble arises when the actors decide the female playwright is going too dark, too experimental, and… not Irish enough.
This year’s jury is comprised of theater historian Kate Kennon, playwright John Kearns, and community engagement and marketing expert Siobhan McCourt.
For more details go to origintheatre.org and irishrep.org
CraicFest
CraicFest has announced that it is hosting its annual Craic Session on Friday night, April 25, at the Wolfhound in Astoria.
The special guests are Natalie Clark, Saarloos, which is comprised of Brian McGovern and Craic Gallagher, and the Mighty Stef, aka Stefan Murphy.
Craic’s founder/director Terence Mulligan said, “We are delighted to have all the acts back at CraicFest. All three acts have new music they will be performing at Craic Session. We started the Session five years ago with Saarloos so it’s great to have them back at the Craic. We are excited to have Natalie back just in time with the launch of her new album, ‘Here.’ Stef is a perennial favorite at the CraciFest over the years.”
Mulligan said fans should RSVP for the event at www.thecraicfest.com.
