Meet Jennifer Ruckman (Co-writer)
What excites you about Celtic music?
I’ve loved Celtic music and culture since I was little – I even took Gaelic and Irish dance classes for a while. Celtic music puts such an emphasis on telling stories, and every song is full of passion and humor, no matter how dark.
How was the process of being part of the creation of a new show?
Exciting, challenging, a learning experience every step of the way! We had some ideas about what we were setting out to create at the start, but of course it has evolved along the way. Discovering the story as we slowly built it layer by layer was a really thrilling process to be a part of. And writing as part of a team with these talented, passionate artists has been wonderful. It was truly collaborative in the best way.
We know that the show is dedicated to the memory of David McCormick, a founding member of Craic in the Stone and a Chance Resident Artist. Do you have anything you’d like to add or share about David?
David was passion, talent, optimism and creativity. He is at the heart of the band, this show, and The Chance. Every one of us is better for having known him. I continue to learn and be inspired by his example. This show would not exist without him.
If you met any of the characters on the street, who would you share a pint with and who would make you turn and walk away? And why?
I’d have a pint with Uncle Lou – he’s a hilarious drunk and yet strangely wise! I’d walk away from Aunt Rita – she means well but she’s so naggy!
Do you have a favorite moment in the play?
My favorite moment in the play is the song Meara writes for her brother. It’s deeply personal and James did an amazing job capturing exactly what we all hoped that moment would be.
What do you connect to in this story?
We wanted to write a show about family at the holidays, but specifically wanted to address a very relatable issue at that time of year that isn’t often discussed. I think most people can connect to dealing with loss while trying to find holiday cheer when your family has changed in such a fundamental way. It’s hard to navigate and full of frustration and anger, but also love and support.
Tell us something most people don’t know about you.
One of my life goals as a child was to roll down a hill in Ireland. I don’t know exactly where this dream came from, but there you have it. And I’ve done it twice! I convinced my best friend and my mother each to join me in rolling down an Irish hillside during my semester abroad in college.
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