Rehearsals are underway for Brian Friel’s “Dancing at Lughnasa,” which will play at the Tryon Little Theater Workshop Nov. 7-18.

In the old Celtic tradition, Lughnasa marks the beginning of autumn and the harvest season. During one glorious summer’s end in 1936, the Mundy family shelters in their cottage just outside Donegal, Ireland — five unmarried sisters, their missionary brother Jack just returned from Uganda, and Michael, the son of the youngest sister.  

The arrival of Michael’s father on his way to fight for Franco in Spain, and a wireless radio, unleash repressed passion on the eve of the Festival of Lughnasa, and life as they have known it is forever changed.

Joining Director Catherine Gillet are the following cast members:

As Kate, the schoolteacher oldest sister, is Rosalind Ashford, seen last season in TLT’s “Outside Mullingar,” whose credits include Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway, and numerous regional theaters.  

A second veteran of “Outside Mullingar” with a long list of acting credits at Greenville’s Warehouse Theatre is Tara Sweeney, playing housekeeper Maggie.

Sisters Agnes and Rose are knitters, making a meager living from knitting gloves to be sold through an agent. As Agnes is Lori Corda, appearing previously with TLT as aviator Trix in “The Drowsy Chaperone” and Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors.”  Before moving to the area, Corda toured in musicals throughout the country.  

Michelle Fleming appears as Rose, the mentally slow sister. Last performing for TLT in “Lend Me a Tenor,” she has worked onstage and behind the scenes regionally in theaters and independent films.

Mallory Pellegrino plays the youngest sister, Chris.  A playwright and director, Mallory has performed in numerous productions, and is especially proud of her theater work with students of all ages.  

Joel Perkin plays Chris’ young son Michael, also serving as the grown Michael narrating the action of “Lughnasa.”  Director of last season’s “Almost, Maine,” he has appeared in TLT’s “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “Lend Me a Tenor,” and “Peter and the Starcatcher,” and has worked extensively with the Greenville Little Theatre, Centre Stage, the Warehouse Theatre, and Upstate Shakespeare Festival.

Mark Monaghan plays Father Jack — wildly different from the multiple comedic roles he portrayed in “Greater Tuna” and the morose Vanya in “Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike.” He has also been seen in leading roles regionally.

Rounding out the cast is Garrett Gibson as Gerry, father of Michael.  He has just completed a run as Prince Eric, love of Arial, in the Spartanburg Little Theatre’s “The Little Mermaid.”

Gillet brings her theater experience to directing “Lughnasa,” following her TLT directing debut with last season’s sold-out run of the lyrical “Outside Mullingar.” Also a playwright whose plays have been produced in numerous venues Off-Broadway and around the country, she is the founder of  Dark Horse Theater Project, which is dedicated to innovative theatrical presentations. 

Tickets for “Dancing at Lughnasa” can be booked now at TLTinfo.org.  The box office opens in late of October.

– Submitted by Connie Clark