*Maeve Plunkett as Lucille, Laura O’Brien as Ida and Noreen O’Loughlin as Doris. Photograph: John O’Neill
THE ENNIS PLAYERS will be returning to the glór stage this weekend with this year’s Spring play; The Cemetery Club.
Set in Queens, the play follows three widows who gather at their husbands’ graves once a month, enjoying tea and lively conversation. But when Sam, the local butcher, shows up, the dynamics change, sparking romance, rivalry, and a series of comedic moments.
Originally written by Ivan Menchell in 1990, this production will see the three leading ladies Ida, Lucille and Doris played by Laura O’Brien, Maeve Plunkett and Noreen O’Loughlin. Directed by Bernie Harten, a veteran of the Ennis drama scene with over 60 productions under her belt, the show promises not only sharp humour and wit but also a deep, relatable exploration of loss and moving on.
The Cemetery Club may sound like a sombre title, but Bernie assures us that the play is anything but heavy. “It’s a sharp, funny New York comedy,” she explained while chatting with The Clare Echo ahead of the show’s opening night.
“There’s a real mix of humour and depth,” Bernie says. “The characters are struggling with grief, but it’s portrayed in a very relatable and funny way.”
Since starting out in the society as a prompter, Bernie has tried her hand at every position available, from stage management, to front of house and now directing, however Bernie says that her very place to play is on stage.
Throughout her time with The Ennis Players, Bernie has taken on some significant characters on stage. One of her personal favourites being “The Widow Quin” in tier production of “The Playboy of the Western World.” Bernie also notably played “Cauth” in their award winning interpretation of “Dandy Dolls”.
Directing The Cemetery Club has been a “fantastic” experience, according to Bernie. But while the cast’s commitment and enthusiasm make directing easier, Bernie acknowledges that some challenges remain. One notable hurdle has been ensuring the cast nails the New York accents. “We had a workshop with a voice coach to help with the accent, but it’s about more than just the accent,” Bernie says. “It’s the mannerisms, the personalities that come with it. The most important thing is that the characters feel real.”
The Ennis Players have a rich history, with a strong core of twenty to twenty five active members. Celebrating forty years of Supper Theatre at the Old Ground and the milestone of their 100th one-act play this year, the group remains a cornerstone of local cultural life. “It’s a great group, and we always welcome new members, whether they want to act, work backstage, or assist with technical production,” Bernie says.
Bernie’s passion for this production is clear, and she’s excited for audiences to experience The Cemetery Club this spring. “It’s a show that will make you laugh and might even bring a tear to your eye,” she says. With its wonderful cast and heartwarming story, this is one performance you won’t want to miss.
The Cemetery Club will run from March 16-19 in glór Ennis. Tickets are available from Tickets are available now at www.glor.ie or by calling the box office at 065-6843103. Tickets are €20 and €18 (exclusive of booking fee).
