The Wake: A New Play with Old Irish Songs

CL Critic Kevin C. Madigan Recommends: A wake brings together a motley assortment of cronies and ne’er-do-wells to remember one of their own. Finn O’Conner has left behind a trail of devastation and the event perpetuates it, throwing in memories, laughs, traditional songs, brawls and score-settling. The playwright is industry veteran Vynnie Meli, who also penned some of the lyrics. Additional music is by Scott DePoy, who has acted in theaters all over Atlanta and appeared on the Cold Mountain soundtrack, as well as singing at the Academy Awards with Elvis Costello and Alison Krauss. “You can’t not be happy listening to Irish music,’’ says Meli. “So when I hear Scott DePoy and this delightful cast start in with their harp, pipes, mandolin, banjo, bodhran and guitars — joy.” Direction is by Mira Hirsch. The cast consists of Trevor Goble, Christina Leidel, Rivka Levin, Spencer Stephens and Clark Taylor. Organizers say it will make for a lively evening onstage and in the audience. “You don’t have to wear your Sunday best, but a thick skin might come in handy.” — KCM