Queens Tribune

Tears are a customary occurrence at any wake, and “Flanagan’s Wake” is no exception; but rather than sobs of sorrow, salty droplets will stream down your face from gut- wrenching laughter during this interactive off-Broadway production.

“Flanagan’s Wake” follows an Irish village through the grieving process as they cope with the death of the town’s most beloved resident. Naturally when one too many pints of Guinness intersect with a roster of eccentric townspeople, hilarity ensues. What should be a gloomy gathering turns into a side-splitting improv adventure that welcomes the audience as cast members.

Woodside couple Mary Archbold and Pat Shay, who play Kathleen Mooney and Brian Ballybunion, said Flanagan’s death occurs in a “bizarre, spectacular way” that prompts audience speculation and a slew of arguments among the resident of Grapplin, the fictional town where the play is set.

“We mourn him for half of it and the other half we’re all angling to try to get something,” Archbold said.

Shay added that the show, which has been running for 16 years in Chicago, is comedic, interactive and, although it is scripted, has many elements of improvisation.

Aside from Archbold and Shay, a number of other Queens artists are involved with the production in some capacity, which connects the Manhattan-based play to the borough. Also, Shay said the production is choc full of situations Queens folks will find relatable.

“They are about experiences Queens residents who come for a strong family and a strong community can identify with,” he said.

Archbold said although the play is centered on an Irish town, there are universal themes that transcend cultural backgrounds.

“The bottom line for every ethnic group is family, and Queens is a really family-oriented borough,” she said. “I think we all have those eccentric family members in every culture in the borough.”

Archbold said in addition to traversing ethnic boundaries, “Flanagan’s Wake” is appropriate for all ages.

“Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins – it’s the sort of show to bring the whole family to, and multi generations will enjoy it,” she said.

Shay said the show is certainly worth the trip across East River.

“It’s an easy ride on either the N, W or the 7,” he said. “In Queens, you have strong families and everyone has those family moments and those old interfamilial tensions. That’s the sort of stuff we plumb into in the show. And it’s really fun.”

“Flanagan’s Wake” is housed in the new theater at Sweet Caroline’s at 322 West 45th St. in Manhattan. Currently, the production is being previewed to the public and will officially open Jan. 11. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 4:30 p.m. and Mondays at 7:30 p.m. General Admission tickets are $49.95 and premium tickets are $74.95, which include VIP seating, a complimentary drink and a souvenir glass. For more information, visit www.FlanagansWakeNYC.com.

Reach Reporter Kaitlyn Kilmetis at kkilmetis@queenstribune.com, or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.