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With the story of Irish emigration at its core, this holiday musical weaves a tale of loved ones who were forced to leave and those who had to stay behind, and the great power and significance of one particular parcel sent home to a young boy and a lonely widow in rural west Limerick in the 1950s.
Photography by Ste Murray
Videography by Luke Brabazon
"For me, growing up as a small boy in Teampall an Ghleanntain, the prime symbol of the Christmas season was the parcel from America. Almost every family had a relative in America at this time, and those relatives would send home a parcel to the family they had left so tearfully behind. And I can tell you that for many families, more cash money and more clothing would come into the house in that parcel at Christmastime than in the course of the whole year that had preceded it. So that parcel was looked forward to with the same glee and anticipation by grown men and women as young children look forward to Santy Claus. That parcel contained the gold, frankincense and myrrh from that fabled land across the sea—America.”
FROM FELLOW PROFESSIONALS:
"Parcel From America is simply sublime. If there is one show you must see before it ends, it is this one... Absolutely wonderful. You will leave the theatre with a smile in your heart". -- KARL DAWSON, presenter, the Weekend Breakfast Show, Dublin 98FM
“A poignant story ... with a luscious soundtrack filled with moving and evocative music and songs.” — CARL CORCORAN, former presenter, RTE’s Blue in the Night, Director of MA in Songwriting, University of Limerick
"...beautifully and sensitively portrayed, interwoven with traditional and lilting reels and laments to suit the narrative. The acting through song was particularly evident throughout, making this a credible and moving piece.” — DEIRDRE MASTERSON, Performing Arts Dean, Irish American University; Director, Irish College of Music Theatre
“Loved the songs. So heartwarming.” -- LIAM HALLIGAN, director/actor/instructor at Gaiety School of Theatre
"...a timeless story. A celebration of Irish culture and music that manages to be both bittersweet and completely uplifting." — CHERYL HAMADA, PBS Pledge Host
"I took a group of teenagers and adults to see Parcel from America in Smock Alley...The universal themes of emigration, fresh starts, and fulfillment of dreams resonated with all. At the interval, each of us realised we had our own parcel story, stories of legacies from dead relatives never seen, stories of those who left and were never heard of again. These stories were shared with the teenagers. One mother remarked that she wished her own mother was with her that day, as memories flooded back, and maybe she was in spirit. It certainly brought family together with inter generational appeal. The production values were high, a polished production with humour and pathos which celebrates Irish culture with a modern twist. This show will travel well and is a worthy ambassadorial production. Congratulations!" -- GERALDINE O'BRIEN, youth worker, drama teacher and theatre director
“It was a delight to have Parcel From America at Smock Alley ... the audience loved it and sales were exceptional. We would certainly welcome the show back for another run ...” — LUCY RYAN, Director of Programming and Finance, Smock Alley Theatre Dublin
FROM THE AUDIENCE:
“The show was exquisite. We both agreed this could have legs (not the ones that might break). There were tears. A triumph.” — ANGUS & SUSAN HANLY
“A night of magic! Such a lovely uplifting show, with beautiful music. An absolute treat in store for all those still to go” — AUDREY
"I bloody loved it! I have a real thing for old Ireland and the simple way things were. And the music really brought me there. It's a very moving and heartwarming show and is a lovely representation of little old Ireland and the care we have for one another." — NAOISE MURRAY
"A first class production ... utterly beguiling, a very moving production that stayed with me long after the curtain went down ... Go see!" — JENNIFER CULLY
" I thought about and reflected on the show for a long time, the acting and the Irish experience which is still relevant today! Not just for Irish people but so relevant for other cultures in the present! Thank you for a great night!" — MAURA LAGAN
"Parcel from America is a beautiful story of a by-gone time in Ireland, a time of community and cooperation portrayed lovingly in this ensemble musical. This show truly captures the sentiment of the seanfhocail “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine”: "People live in each other’s shadows." We watch how the inhabitants of a small village share their hopes, fears, and interconnected lives, with truths about the Irish experience just as relevant to us modern counterparts. Crafted with a gorgeous blend of Irish trad and show tunes, the songs performed by this stellar cast tugs on the heartstrings, utilizing the sounds of Ireland to tell a uniquely Irish, heartfelt story."
— SAM FERRIE
"Brilliant night. Loved it. Heartwarming story and amazing harmonies." — HILARY MCBAIN
"Absolutely great ... I'd highly recommend it to anyone." — JANE KENDRICK
"I loved Parcel From America. A musical with a good story, well acted or a play with lovely music, beautifully performed. It was both. Us Irish and our Eastern European friends both had the concept of the parcel from America in our histories and the show was well appreciated by all." — NOELINE BLACKWELL
"This is an absolute delight." — MARY WHITE
" So well worth going to – sad that it ends Sunday." — HEATHER & JOHN DUNNE
"I left the theatre with a big, happy smile."— NIAMH CAMPBELL
Open the file below to read the advance press for the Smock Alley production!
| parcel_from_america_publicity.pdf |