A full-length stage play written by Mary Santarelli
Approximate running time: 100 minutes - Sunday 3pm - Room 109
Short Synopsis:
Living on Ireland’s Connemara Coast, Millie Whelan—a quirky widow with a penchant for talking to her deceased husband and keeping her emotions at a comfortable distance—is thrown into a whirlwind when Declan, a bumbling but well-meaning representative from Dublin’s Legacy Tours, arrives at her doorstep. Declan convinces a reluctant Millie to host Lucy, her American relative, who expects a five-star experience based on ancestry research. However, when Lucy arrives in Clifden, Millie finds her newfound relative to be uptight and rather mysterious. As Declan’s antics stir up a series of comedic misadventures and Lucy grapples with her own rigid expectations, both women embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected camaraderie, finding
solace and belonging in each other’s company amidst the charm of rural Ireland.
Clifden's Daughter ultimately celebrates the transformative power of human connection and the families we choose, inviting audiences to laugh, cry, and embrace the beauty of life’s unexpected adventures.
John Williams and Katie Grennan
The magic of this story is enriched by the exceptional talents of renowned musicians, Katie Grennan and John Williams. Former Gaelic Storm fiddler, Katie has recorded a number of solo albums and currently plays in a number of musical projects at the forefront of the Celtic and Irish Traditional genres. John is internationally regarded as one of the foremost players of Irish music today, and his composition was centrally featured in the Academy Award-Nominated score by Thomas Newman in the movie, Road to Perdition.
The Great Frank Gleeson
Clifden’s Daughter is lovingly dedicated to Frank Gleeson, (pictured) whose generous spirit and musical talent played a vital role in shaping this work. From early workshops to table reads, Frank infused his passion for storytelling into every note and moment, helping to bring this play to life. His artistic vision and friendship are woven into the heart of this story.
Josephine Craven
In Mary Santarelli's words: It has been a privilege and an honor to have Josephine Craven breathe life into the heart of Clifden's Daughter through her portrayal of Millie Whelan. Her artistry not only elevated the character, but has shaped the very essence of the narrative itself.
Go raibh maith agat, Frank, for your friendship, your music, and for always championing the stories of Ireland. Your legacy will live on in every performance.