Podcast Summary: BroadwayRadio - Class Notes: Nicola Murphy Dubey “Irishtown”
Episode Title: Class Notes: Nicola Murphy Dubey “Irishtown”
Release Date: April 28, 2025
Host: Lauren Flashlighter
Guest: Nicola Murphy Dubey, Director of Irishtown at the Irish Repertory Theater
Introduction to Irishtown and Its Production
In the April 28, 2025 episode of BroadwayRadio's Clash Notes, host Lauren Flashlighter engages in an insightful conversation with Nicola Murphy Dubey, the director behind the latest Broadway production, Irishtown, performed by the esteemed Dublin-based Irishtown Players. Following the impressive success of their previous show, the company faced new challenges as they prepared to debut Irishtown on Broadway.
Nicola delves into the initial hurdles encountered during rehearsals. At [01:16], she explains, “We sort of meet this group of actors on their first day of rehearsal. So the first table read and pretty early on we get some inklings that not everybody is 100% on board with the script.” The primary concerns revolved around the script's authenticity and its resonance with an Irish American audience.
Collaborating with Playwright Kira Elizabeth Smith
Irishtown marks the world premiere of Kira Elizabeth Smith's work. Nicola shares her journey to directing the play, highlighting her role at the Irish Repertory Theater as the director of audience and new play development. [02:04] she states, “I thought [Kira] was a really unique comedic voice. And so I asked her if she had anything else that she would want to send me. And Irishtown was. Was one of those scripts and we just kind of fell in love with it.”
The play's reception caught the attention of theater critic Roma Torrey, who compared it to the classic farce Noises Off. [02:58], Lauren quotes Roma: “At its most chaotic, Irishtown brings to mind Noises Off, that classic farce about staging a play within a play in the British hinterland. Comedy, as they say, is hard, and it takes tremendous discipline and timing to pull it off so well.”
Nicola gracefully responds to this high praise, emphasizing their focus on the script and the commitment to making the audience laugh: [03:22] “We sort of just really went into it, kind of just focused on the text that we had and the contract that we felt we had with the audience, which was really to make them laugh.”
Casting for Irishtown: Emphasizing Bravery and Flexibility
Casting for a new play is a meticulous process, especially for a comedy that intertwines dark themes. Nicola emphasizes the importance of selecting actors who exhibit bravery and adaptability. [04:15] she notes, “with a new play, unlike something that's sort of had a previous production or has a blueprint, we're really discovering everything in real time.” This dynamic environment requires actors who are open to exploring and evolving the characters alongside the unfolding narrative.
The current production features a mostly new cast, with Kevin Oliver Lynch, who portrays Quinn, having participated in a workshop of the script the previous summer. [05:25] Nicola mentions, “everybody was coming into it really fresh and really new, and we just kind of, yeah, found it together,” highlighting the collaborative spirit essential for bringing Irishtown to life.
Balancing Dark Themes with Comedy
Irishtown is lauded for its ability to tackle heavy subjects such as sexual assault and infant loss while maintaining a comedic tone. Nicola shares her initial reaction to the script, expressing genuine amusement and admiration for its unique approach. [05:54] she states, “it was one of the few times that I have read a script and, like, really laughed out loud...I sort of felt a sense of sort of liberation about being able to explore a play in just a completely different way and for it to be really fun.”
Acknowledging the content warnings provided for audiences, Nicola discusses how the cast navigates these sensitive topics without dwelling in heaviness for extended periods. [07:18] she explains, “there is a sort of reckoning at the end of the play where we do have a real sort of moment of vulnerability. And it was really important to us all that we gave that moment its due and, you know, really allowed that to sort of land.”
This delicate balance ensures that Irishtown remains both provocative and entertaining, inviting the audience to engage deeply while also providing moments of laughter and levity.
Nicola Murphy Dubey’s Artistic Journey and Influence
Originally from Dublin and a co-founder of the artistic collective On the Keys, Nicola brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the Irish Repertory Theater. [08:45] she shares, “with On the Keys, we do sort of a lot of work with music, a lot of work that would have, like, stories that uplift LGBTQ voices.” Her involvement in both the Irish Rep and On the Keys enriches her directorial approach, blending traditional Irish theatrical elements with contemporary narratives.
Nicola reflects on the supportive environment at the Irish Repertory Theater, acknowledging the foundational work of Charlotte Moore and Kieran O'Reilly in establishing the institution. [08:45] she adds, “I am gaining from sort of working with within both spaces,” highlighting the symbiotic relationship between her roles that fosters creative growth and innovation.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Lauren expressing gratitude for Nicola’s insights and the engaging discussion about Irishtown. Nicola reciprocates the thanks, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the production. This episode of Class Notes offers listeners a comprehensive look into the challenges and triumphs of bringing a new, boundary-pushing play to Broadway, underscored by Nicola Murphy Dubey’s passionate and thoughtful leadership.
This summary excludes all advertisements, introductions, and non-content segments to focus solely on the substantive discussion surrounding Nicola Murphy Dubey and the production of Irishtown.