Irish-American Broadway actress Kelli O’Hara (above) finally took home a Tony award for her performance of Anna in the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I in June after six previous nominations. “Broadway’s Irish Colleen” beat out fellow rivals Kristin Chenoweth (who hosted the event), legend Chita Rivera, and Beth Malone. ♦ … [Read more...] about Kelli O’Hara Wins Tony (Finally)
Issues
Oscar Wilde Play Banned in Russia
Plans to stage a 1997 play based on Oscar Wilde: “Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde” were halted after the Russian government barred the company from accepting any foreign funds for “artistic purposes” according to The New York Times. The much lauded New Drama theater in Moscow was attempting to put on Moises Kaufman’s play with funding from the U.S … [Read more...] about Oscar Wilde Play Banned in Russia
A Powerful Ambassador
The Women’s Executive Network (WXN) celebrated the 2015 “Ireland’s Most Powerful Women: Top 25 Awards” in June, naming Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Anne Anderson as one of the country’s most influential leaders in public service. Anderson, who received the Public Sector Leaders Award, was recognized for her impact in public service in the United States, often reluctant herself … [Read more...] about A Powerful Ambassador
40th Anniversary AIF Gala Raises $4.3 Million
The 40th annual American Ireland Fund’s New York Dinner Gala raised $4.3 million this year, more than any in the Fund’s past. Over 1,000 guests attended the May event in New York City, including Ireland’s Minister for the Diaspora Jimmy Deenihan and Ireland’s Ambassador to the U.S. Anne Anderson. And special guest Senator George Mitchell was honored for his work in Northern … [Read more...] about 40th Anniversary AIF Gala Raises $4.3 Million
Frank McCourt Prize Awarded
Above, left to right: Writers Brendan Costello, Mary Pat Kelly, John Kearns, Emily Ren, and Malachy McCourt. Ren was awarded the Frank McCourt Literary Prize in June, presented annually to a graduating senior who demonstrates an outstanding potential to be a writer. The Frank McCourt High School of Writing, Journalism and Literature is a screened-admissions public high school … [Read more...] about Frank McCourt Prize Awarded