Purchasing Their Home in Chelsea and Highlights from Seasons 16–22: 2003–2009

“Purchasing Their Home in Chelsea and Highlights from Seasons 16–22: 2003–2009,” discusses how the Irish Repertory Theatre embarked on a capital campaign in 2003 to raise roughly $6 Million to purchase their performance, rehearsal, workshop, and administrative spaces in three floors of the Stanwick Building in 2007. The chapter considers theatrical highlights in the Irish Rep’s seasons 16–22, including Triptych (2003), by Edna O’Brien. The chapter centers on the Irish Rep’s most acclaimed productions between 2003–2009: Charlotte Moore’s adaptation and direction of Finian’s Rainbow, by E.Y. Harburg, Burton Lane and Fred Saidy, which began as a benefit gala in 2003, followed by a three-month mainstage run and a CD recording in 2004; and The Hairy Ape (2007) and The Emperor Jones (2009), both by Eugene O’Neill and directed by Ciarán O’Reilly. The chapter reflects on the multiple theatrical nominations and awards all three of these productions received.