Mr. Dooley's America

New Irish Rep Production Features The Timeless Wit Of A Gilded Age Newspaper Columnist

At the turn of the 20th century, the newspaper column of Peter Finley Dunne, writing as the fictional Irish pub owner Mr. Dooley, was a national sensation.

Appearing in almost every major newspaper, Mr. Dooley's "everyman" take on political and social issues of the day made the character a household name.

Mr. Dooley's ponderings were read aloud at Cabinet meetings of three Presidents, as well as at millions of breakfast tables. Dunne's sly humor and political acumen actually won a fan in Theodore Roosevelt, even though the President was, a frequent target of Mr. Dooley's barbs. In fact, the writer became a frequent guest at the White House.

The Irish Repertory Theatre's production of MR. DOOLEY'S AMERICA stars former Abbey Theatre artistic director Vincent Dowling as the barkeeper from the Southside of Chicago. There he espouses wit and wisdom that often ring as true today as it did 100 years ago. Joining Dooley for a drink and a bit of debate is his loyal customer, Mr. Hennessy, played by veteran actor Des Keogh, who does double duty as the character of Peter Finley Dunne himself.

The thought-provoking adaptation of Dunne's articles was written by his son, Philip Dunne, with Martin Blaine. The play reminds us that clever writing and keen observation never go out of style. Directed by Charlotte Moore, MR. DOOLEY'S AMERICA runs through September 10, 2006.

Many of Mr. Dooley's observations seem as if they could have been written this year, as opposed to a century ago, including commentary on politicians, marriage, and education. For instance, Dooley wonders why parents start talking about educating a child before they have even given the baby a name. He also discusses whether Democrats will ever elect a President again and observes that "wars are not fought by the ones that started them." Dooley, an Irish immigrant, also takes aim at thieves, corrupt politicians and leaders who want to close doors to newcomers.

Other topics, such as predictions that women will wear pants and jokes that the way to keep them out of office is to give them the right to vote, are dated. Nonetheless, the audience responded with laughter at numerous points throughout the play. In Keogh and Dowling, viewers observe gifted stage veterans.

Vincent Dowling acted and directed at the Abbey Theatre of Dublin for 23 years.

From 1976 to 1984 he was the artistic director of Ohio's Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival, where he discovered future two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks. During that period, Dowling also won an Emmy for directing THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD on PBS. He first played Mr. Dooley in 1976 under the watchful eye of playwright Philip Dunne, whose father -- Finley Peter Dunne, of the Chicago Evening Post -- created 'Mr. Dooley. Dowling reprised the role in the 1980s when he brought Mr. Dooley to the White House before members of the Joint Bipartisan Leadership and President Reagan. For his contributions to Irish, American and world theatre, he was awarded the 2005 "Ambassador Award' given by the Irish Government.

Des Keogh last starred at the Irish Rep in THE LOVE-HUNGRY FARMER, a one-man show by John B. Keane. He also co-starred with Anna Manahan in THE MATCHMAKER. Keogh has been with all of the major Irish theatre companies, including the Abbey, the Gate, and Druid. In fact, his handprints are embedded beside those of Luciano Pavarotti outside the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin. During his distinguished career, Keogh has appeared in concert at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall. He is particularly pleased to be playing opposite Vincent Dowling, who gave him his first job on the main stage of Ireland's National Theatre.

Director Charlotte Moore is co-founder of the Irish Rep with Ciarán O'Reilly, and is its artistic director. She most recently directed MRS. WARREN'S PROFESSION, the world premiere adaptation of BEOWULF, adapted and directed FINIAN'S RAINBOW, and directed Samuel Beckett's ENDGAME. Her other directorial credits include J.M. Synge's PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD and Dion Boucicault's THE STREET'S OF NEW YORK, which she adapted and scored.

Since its founding 18 years ago, the Irish Repertory Theatre has presented major works by Sean O'Casey, George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, Brendan Behan, Dylan Thomas, and Samuel Beckett, as well as contemporary writers such as Brian Friel and Frank McCourt. The Irish Rep received the 2005 Lucille Lortel Outstanding Body of Work award and won the New York Drama Desk Award for Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish Drama. It is currently undertaking a $6 million capital campaign to purchase its theatre, rehearsal studio, and administrative offices.

Performances of MR. DOOLEY'S AMERICA are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 PM. Matinees are Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 3 PM.
Tickets are $55 and $50 and can be purchased at The Irish Repertory Theatre Box Office (132 West 22nd Street).
For more information, call (212) 727-2737 or visit www.irishrep.org