Pour Me Another Drink, Rory!
Ubiq Staff Writer
Amber Kelling's role as Maggie Lafferty calls for an Irish accent, one that Kelling didn't have much experience with. Kelling, though, had an edge.
"I learned a lot about how to speak Irish. Soifra, a friend from Ireland, came and stayed with us." she said. "She was a lot like the teens here in America; she just talked a little funny!"
Lafferty's Wake, is about sharing the life of the dead man, Lafferty. It comes along with a lot of humor, singing and dancing.
"It takes place in an Irish pub, and it's really funny," said Kelling. On March 9, 10, and 11, Lafferty's Wake, will offer an interactive experience. As a part of the play, the cast will randomly pick audience members and chat with them.
Mary Whittman (left) and Amber Kelling of "Lafferty's Wake" strike a pose on the set. (Kristina Faust)
"It's an audience participation play, a genre that's not been done here before. Irish plays are also very popular here, and it's close to St. Patrick's Day so it should be a big hit," said producer and director Brad Ford.
"I think its cool working with the older actors," said Kelling. Mary Whittman, who plays Amber's mother, shares the same affection for the young adults.
"It's great, I love their energy!" Whittman said. Whittman plays the part of Kathleen, the widow of Charlie.
"She gets drunk, which is hard because she's so emotional," said Whittman. Whittman is no stranger to the stage. This will be Whittman's 23rd time acting in a production.
"I've done musicals, comedies, dramas, and I've even done a number of Irish shows such as 'Cripple of Inishmaan,' which was about three years ago." said, Whittman The cast consists of Amber Kelling (Maggie), Ben Bechwar (Patrick Clancy), Kristopher Holly (Lafferty-Of-Old), Lora Jo Christie (Messenger), George Caldwell (Rory Finn), Mary Whittman (Kathleen Lafferty), and Peggy Strang (Molly Grean). Prof. Brad Ford is directing and producing the performance. Kristopher Holly is Assistant Director.
Audience members can get a taste of Ireland with a complete Irish dinner served in the cafeteria prior to the show. It includes Corn beef and cabbage, potatoes, and salads. Irish crème cheesecake will be served for desert.
The cost of the dinner and play is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors (over 62) and $13 for UW-WC students. Without the dinner tickets are $12 for adults, $9 for seniors and youth, and admission is free for UW-WC students. Free tickets are available in the main office with student identification cards.
