Minding Frankie

November 3-November 26, 2017

Ireland's Maeve Binchy's charming and poignant novel serves as the inspiration for ICTC’s Playwright-in-Residence Shay Linehan’s sensitive adaptation of Minding Frankie. Noel, a lonely and well-intentioned middle-aged Dublin alcoholic, suddenly becomes the "minder" of baby girl Frankie. Building a life for the two of them is not easy, but Noel is supported by his quirky and unconventional extended family, much to the dismay of a disapproving social worker. A touching testament to the power of unconditional love.

Running Time: 1 hour 30 minutes, including one 10 minute intermission.

Directed by Chris Kelly

The Cast
Christian Brandjes* as Noel Lynch
Kristen Tripp Kelley as Moira Tierney

Member, Actors' Equity Association

Irish Classical Theatre: A dream come true for two Dublin-born brothers

In 1985, two Dublin-born brothers, Vincent and Chris O’Neill, internationally acclaimed actors and former members of Ireland’s celebrated Abbey Theatre, found themselves in Buffalo, New York performing Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot in the dining room of a local hotel. They were enthusiastically embraced by Western New York audiences and critics and, together with fellow Dubliners Josephine Hogan and the late Dr. James Warde, formed the Irish Classical Theatre Company. Performing on various rented stages until a permanent home was established at the Calumet Arts Café, ICTC became the fastest growing theatre in the region and led to the building of its new home, The Andrews Theatre, which opened its doors in January of 1999 in Buffalo’s Theatre District.

History

In 1985, two Dublin-born brothers, Vincent and Chris O’Neill, internationally acclaimed actors and former members of Ireland’s celebrated Abbey Theatre, found themselves in Buffalo, performing Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot in the dining room of a local hotel. They were enthusiastically embraced by Western New York audiences and critics, and together with fellow Dubliners Josephine Hogan and the late Dr. James Warde, formed the Irish Classical Theatre Company. Performing on various rented stages until a permanent home was established at the Calumet Arts Café, ICTC became the fastest growing theatre in the region and led to the building of its new home, The Andrews Theatre, which opened its doors in January of 1999. Now entering its 30th Anniversary Season, ICTC continues to celebrate its strong Irish roots through its choice of repertoire, and by bringing special guest directors, playwrights and actors to the Niagara Frontier to work and to be honored.