Citadel Theatre's to stage Irish play 'Outside Mullingar'

As the Midwest endures another cold and snowy winter, there is comfort in knowing that two favorite holidays of the year are not far away: Valentine's Day on Feb. 14 and St. Patrick's Day on March 17.

Scott Phelps, artistic director of Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest, is hoping to warm the hearts of romantic playgoers and lovers of everything Irish with the company's production of "Outside Mullingar," which will run Feb. 11 through March 13.

"Outside Mullingar" is a romantic comedy set in the moors of rural Ireland by John Patrick Shanley, screenwriter for the films "Moonstruck" and "Joe vs. The Volcano," and playwright for the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Doubt: A Parable."

"Outside Mullingar" follows the story of Anthony and Rosemary, two introverted misfits straddling 40.

Anthony has spent his entire life on a cattle farm in rural Ireland, a state of affairs that - due to his painful shyness - suits him well. Rosemary lives right next door, in love with him, watching the years slip away.

With Anthony's father threatening to disinherit him and a land feud simmering between their families, Rosemary has every reason to fear romantic catastrophe. But then these yearning, eccentric souls fight their way toward solid ground and some kind of happiness.

Performances of "Outside Mullingar" will be at 1 p.m. Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 11 through March 13.

There will be previews at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 9-10. Tickets are $40 on weekdays and $45 on weekends.

Citadel Theatre is at 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. Visit www.citadeltheatre.org or call (847) 735-8554.

Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test taken within the last 72 hours required in order to attend any performance.