Meet Karen O’Hanlon (Co-writer, Director)
What excites you about Celtic music?
I love the drama of the storytelling. When listened to, the rich detailed lyrics create the visual, while the music captures the emotions of the characters.
Since the band is also the cast, what are the challenges of doing double duty?
Their many challenges include the creation of several characters and finding their distinctions vocally, while exploring storytelling in many different ways.
How was the process of being part of the creation of a new show?
Amazing. The Chance Theater is an artist’s dream. You feel supported and safe to make bold choices and try new things, knowing you will get honest and true feedback. This keeps the work pure, about the audience’s experience and truly about the story you are telling. I find working in a collaborative environment exciting, educational and necessary to telling an honest story.
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?
While David was a private man, he was an incredibly open and honest artist, committed to finding the truth on stage and in life.
If you met any of the characters on the street, who would you share a pint with and who would you turn and walk away from? Why?
The answer to both is Uncle Lou, depending on how drunk he is. One of the best parts of this play is that everyone can come have a pint with Craic in the Stone and I can assure you, it is a good time.
Do you have a favorite moment in the play?
When Meara finally finds her voice and decides to not keep herself bottled up, she expresses herself in song that she shares with her mother. This original song, written by James McHale, captures so much of the beautiful imagery used in Celtic music, while being the perfect breakthrough for our main character.
What excites you about this story, and why should people come see it?
The writing and deciding what we wanted to say with this piece; that will hopefully connect to our audience.
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