The brand new, made-of-old-bricks, sparkling, state-of-the-art beautiful Irish Arts Center opened its doors for its first public performance last night. This theater on 11th Avenue between W. 51st and 52nd Streets is about to become the hub of the far west side of Hell's Kitchen. The brick facade of the old Cybert Tire Shop has been preserved and restored to its historical beauty during this $60 million gut renovation that included connecting the new theater with the old Irish Arts Center on W. 51st St. Renovating the old facility is the next project.
The first floor cafe was up and running full speed last night as the opening night patrons mingled and relaxed in the cushy chairs that had arrived only hours before. Artwork installed throughout the floors of the building includes a project called the Irish Tree Alphabet. The medieval Ogham alphabet that was used to write the early Irish language is represented by drawings of trees of Ireland.
The risers of the steps that lead to the theater on the second floor are adorned with Irish poetry and quotes from Irish literature and songs.
You can click on all of these pictures for larger versions that show more detail.
The black box theater that can hold around 250 (maybe a few more) is a flexible model with telescopic seating (comfy chairs on bleachers) that can be reconfigured to accommodate a variety of performances including dance. Seán Curran will collaborate with Irish dance choreographer Darrah Carr for a specially-commissioned season next fall.
Last night's opening performance was by Camille O'Sullivan, a singer/actress whose rep includes David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, Christmas carols, traditional Irish songs, Sondheim, James Joyce's final paragraph from The Dead, and much more. Backed up with a five-piece band, O'Sullivan's style is reminiscent of Judy Garland's during her later years when her tragedy began to unfold publicly.
Yes, those are lamps suspended in free fall from the ceiling:
Coming up in a few months will be Irish fiddle phenom Martin Hayes and the Common Ground Ensemble (piano, cello, guitar, bouzouki, harmonium and concertina) followed by the Bluegrass Situation. There will be much more before, in between, and later.
So, come on down, over or up to the Irish Arts Center in Hell's Kitchen. Check out the website.
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