LIMERICK’S oldest theatre company, College Players, is gearing up for its highly anticipated winter 2024 production, Arthur Miller’s iconic play All My Sons.
The show will run from Wednesday, November 6 to Saturday, November 9, with a special matinee performance on the final day, at the Lime Tree Theatre.
This year, Margaret Hough, a well-known figure in Limerick theatre and director of productions like Pigtown (2022) and Translations (2019), returns to direct.
Hough will be joined by Rebecca Barry, another familiar face, as Assistant Director. Together, they lead a stellar cast of local talent, including College Players regulars Brian McNamara, Joan McGarry, Dan Mooney, and Rachel Griffin. Newcomers such as Eoinín Shinnors and Ronan Duffy will alternate in the role of Bert, adding fresh energy to the production.
All My Sons is one of Arthur Miller’s most celebrated works, sitting alongside classics like Death of a Salesman and The Crucible. Based on real events from a post-World War II scandal, the play explores themes of greed, guilt, and moral accountability.
The plot revolves around Joe Keller, whose efforts to bury a past crime unravel, leading to devastating consequences for his family. With its compelling storylines, the play serves as a searing critique of the American Dream.
The College Players production boasts an experienced creative team. Set design is by Gerry Lombard, costumes by Jacinta Florish, lighting design by Michael Finneran, and Brian Griffin leads stage management.
Their collaborative work promises a full-scale, polished performance, a hallmark of College Players’ productions in recent years.
The company, founded in 1926, continues to bring both classical and modern theatre to Limerick audiences, enriching the city’s cultural life.
Chairman Dave Griffin expressed his excitement about the return to the Lime Tree Theatre, following their successful 2023 run, saying:
“We are delighted to be returning to the Lime Tree Theatre after our successful run in 2023.
“The company is once again lucky to boast an experienced and talented cast, who, we are confident, will give Limerick audiences another memorable theatrical experience.
“Welcoming back to the role of director, we have the wonderful Margaret Hough, well known to Limerick theatre followers from her running of Spotlight Stage School and from previous director roles with College on ‘Translations’ in 2019 and ‘Pigtown’ in 2022.
“We are also delighted to welcome back to the team, another great friend, actress and director, Rebecca Barry in the role of Assistant Director.”
On behalf of College Players, Dave also voiced their particular appreciation for the welcome partnership of The Gaff – and the team led by Monica Spencer, who have been hugely collaborative in providing rehearsal, meeting and set-building facilities for the company throughout the production process.
Director Margaret Hough added: “It’s a delight to be back again with College to direct, having had such a fantastic experience in 2022 with ‘Pigtown’. And a joy to have such a superb local cast who have been so great to work with in the rehearsal room.
“And it goes without saying that I’m thrilled to be able to work with this fantastic, classic American story – filled with brilliant plotlines, characters, twists and turns.
“We can’t wait to present it to live audiences. I would also like to acknowledge my assistant Director, Rebecca, and to be supported by an amazing production team who have dedicated so much of their time to realising the vision I have for this show.
“I believe we have the team, who together will deliver a stage performance that will delight Limerick audiences’ she said.
Tickets for All My Sons are now on sale through the Lime Tree Theatre box office and website. With a dedicated local cast and crew, this promises to be a theatrical highlight of the season.
