Third Coast Creatives

  For over 25 years, The Factory Theater has presented original, creative, and sometimes challenging shows created from scratch.   The ensemble continue this tradition presenting the world premiere of The Kelly Girls , written by Shannon O’Neill and directed by Spenser Davies.     In 1960s Belfast, conflicts between various political factions threaten to tear Northern Ireland apart from the inside.  Sisters Fianna and Regan Kelly feel compelled to engage in the fight for their homeland.  But when they join the ranks of the Provisional IRA and find themselves committing acts of brutal terrorism and guerilla warfare, both young women are forced to question how much they are willing to destroy in the name of unity.  Playwright Shannon O’ Neill follows up her critically acclaimed May the Road Rise Up with this story of political upheaval and taking a stand. Ben Veatch, Brittany Brown, Anne Sheridan Smith, and Amber Washington in The Kelly Girls Photo b...

Playwright Shannon O’Neill’s newest work, May The Road Rise Up , is like a glass of fine Irish whiskey on a cool Chicago night - filled with character intermixed with smoky secrets.   This play is not what you may expect.   This is an Irish family drama where no one dies. Contrary to expectations, May The Road Rise Up is not dark and dreary, but rather infused with humor.   This Jeff Recommended world premier only reinforces The Factory Theater’s reputation as a hidden jewel in Chicago Theater. Vic Kuligoski, Patrick Blashill, and Loretta Rezos in May The Road Rise Up at The Factory Theater Production Photo by Michael Courier The story revolves around the Murphy family and their circle of friends.   They have suffered a terrible tragedy. Everyone in their small town knows what happened, even if no one (including the family) talks about it.   Rather than deal with the grief, both family and friends choose to slap a band-aid over the pain and let th...