Grandchild of Kings: Harold Prince Takes the Helm, and Highlights From Seasons 3–7: 1990–1995

“Grandchild of Kings: Harold Prince Takes the Helm, and Highlights From Seasons 3–7: 1990–1995,” discusses the Irish Repertory Theatre’s 1990 production of The Playboy of the Western World; their 1991 production of Making History; and their 1993 staging of The Au Pair Man. The focus of the chapter is the most significant Irish Rep production during Seasons 3–7: Grandchild of Kings (1992), adapted and directed by Harold Prince. The chapter reflects on Prince’s sixty-four-year career in American professional theatre, by discussing several Broadway shows he directed. Grandchild of Kings is based on the first two volumes of Sean O’Casey’s autobiography, Knock at the Door (1939) and Pictures in the Hallway (1942). Grandchild of Kings reflects on the early years of O’Casey’s life, from 1880–1910. The chapter discusses how theatre critics viewed Grandchild of Kings, as well as the major theatrical nominations and awards this production received.