Candida: Melissa Errico & Brian Murray to star

Melissa Errico and Brian Murray are to star in the Irish Repertory Theatre presentation of Candida opening at the Irish Repertory Theatre on 7 Mar 2010, following previews from 24 Feb and running through to 18 Apr 2010. Tony and Oscar Award-winner Tony Walton, who helmed the Irish Repertory's revivals of Shaw's 'The Devil's Disciple' amd 'Major Barbara' will direct.

Candida tells the story of Reverend James Morell and how his comfortable marriage to Candida is shaken by the arrival of the young poet, Marchbanks. Both men adore her, in quite different ways and for quite different reasons, and she is attracted to them for their very different qualities. Marchbanks believes Candida has a choice. Morell is devastated by the idea of losing her. They both forget she is her own woman.

Melissa Errico stars in the title role, while Brian Murray portrays Candida's father, 'Mr. Burgess.' The cast also includes Xanthe Elbrick as the clergyman's secretary Prossy; Josh Grisetti as the Reverend's curate Lexy; Ciaran O'Reilly as Reverend James Morell; and Sam Underwood as Eugene Marchbanks, the romantic suitor of Candida.

Candida features set and costume design by Tony Walton, lighting design by Richard Pilbrow and sound design by Zach Williamson and Jana Hoglund.

Melissa Errico, seen on Broadway this past December in 'Irving Berlin's White Christmas' , co-starred in the Irish Repertory Theatre's revivals of 'Finian's Rainbow', 'Major Barbara' and 'The Importance of Being Ernest.' Her Broadway credits include 'My Fair Lady,' 'Dracula,' 'Anna Karenina,' 'High Society' and 'Amour' for which she received a Tony nomination.

Brian Murray most recently appeared at Irish Repertory Theatre in 'Gaslight' for which he received a 2008 Lucille Lortel Award nomination. He also co-starred in the company's productions of 'A Long Day's Journey into Night' and 'Da.' Murray received Tony nominations for his work in 'The Crucible,' 'The Little Foxes' and 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstein are Dead. Other Broadway credits include 'Mary Stuart,' 'The Rivals,' Uncle Vanya,' 'Noises Off,' 'Sleuth,' 'King Lear' and 'Twelth Night.' He received an OBIE Award for his work Off-Broadway in Edward Albee's 'The Play about the Baby.'

Director and designer Tony Walton also returns to the Irish Repertory Theatre, having directed and designed the company's revivals of Shaw's 'The Devil's Disciple' and 'Major Barbara,' and Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance Of Being Earnest,' as well as the US premiere of Noel Coward's 'After The Ball.' HHe has been nominated for 16 Tony's for his design work, of which he has won four: 'Pippin,' The House of Blue Leaves' and 'Guys and Dolls.'