The Irish Repertory Theatre

In association with 1407 Productions presents
the World Premiere Production of
Transport 
A New Musical
Book by Thomas Keneally
Music & Lyrics by Larry Kirwan
Directed by Tony Walton
Choreography by Barry McNabb
Music Director John Bell

Sprung from the pen of world-renowned author Thomas Keneally (Schindler's List), "Transport" derives from the true story recalled by the grandmother of his wife, Judy, who journeyed in chains from Cork, Ireland to Sydney, Australia in 1846.

"Transport" tells the story of the impoverished Irish women and young girls (the so- called “undesirables”) who were deported on The Whisper, a prison ship, to the Australian penal colonies. The play’s characters include members of the ship’s crew, an exiled Irish priest, and four of the unfortunate female prisoners.

With an authentic score by Black 47's Larry Kirwan that features traditional Irish music mixed with a contemporary Folk-Rock & Broadway resonance, "Transport" transcends time, place and character with a hauntingly moving immediacy intertwined with the indomitable Irish spirit and a shared and abiding humanity.

“Bound for Australia, the prison ship is packed with Irishwomen brought aboard in chains. The year is 1838, and a rebel among the convicts is plotting insurrection. A small, fierce creature with streaming red hair, Kate O’Hare dreams of seizing the vessel and sailing for the freedom of New York. “And did God give me my raging heart,” she asks, “that I should swallow it and let it be turned to a stone behind my ribs?” In its world premiere production, directed by Tony Walton at Irish Repertory Theater, the show floats along on the strength of Mr. Kirwan’s fiddle- and flute-filled score. The five-piece band, led by John Bell, is in fine form throughout. The songs are pretty and anodyne, more evocative than distinctive: many in the spirit of traditional Irish music, others in the Broadway vein. Jessica Grové’s fiery, fully realized performance as Kate (is) all the more triumphant” -- The New York Times

For more information, to check for performances or to order tickets, visit: http://www.irishrep.org.

Note: On Wednesday, April 2, 8 p.m., The Wild Geese in NYC is presenting a special evening at The Irish Rep production of 'Transport,' featuring a very member-friendly discount and group dining beforehand. Make sure you join The Wild Geese in NYC to get more details, and to keep up with other upcoming events.