Transport: Irish Repertory announces cast

The Irish Reperoty Theatre have announced the cast for their presentation of the world premiere production of the musical Transport, featuring a book by Thomas Keneally, with music and lyrics by Larry Kirwan, opening at the Irish Repertory Theatre on 16 Feb 201, following previews from 07 Feb 2014, abd closing on 06 Apr 2014.

Directed by Tony Walton and choreographed by Barry McNabb, the cast features Pearl Rhein (Bride Riordan), Jessica Grove (Kate O'Hare), Emily Skeggs (Polly Cantwell), Terry Donnelly (Maggie Carroll), Edward Watts (Surgeon Delamare), Mark Coffin (Captain Winton), Patrick Cummings (Hennessy) and Sean Gormley (Father Manion).

The musical tells the story of the impoverished Irish women and young girls (the so- called 'undesirables') who were deported on The Whisper, a prison ship, to the Australian penal colonies. Transport's characters include members of the ship's crew, an exiled Irish priest, and four of the unfortunate female prisoners.

Keneally was inspired to write the story for Transport as the grandmother of his wife was transported in chains from Cork to Sydney, Australia in 1846.

The creative team includes sets by Tony Walton, costumes by Linda Fisher, lighting by Richard Pilbrow and sound by Carl Casella.

Australian novelist Thomas Keneally is the author of 'Schindler's List,' which won the Man Booker Prize in 1982, and was later adapted into the Oscar winning movie "Schindler's List." He has also been shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize for his novel's 'Confederates,' ' Gossip from the Forest' and 'The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith.'

Larry Kirwan (music and lyrics) is the lead singer, guitarist and composer for the political rock band 'Black 47.' He has written eleven plays and musicals, five of which are collected in the book Mad Angels. Liverpool Fantasy his best known play, has been produced Off-Broadway and at the Dublin Theatre Festival.

Transport is being produced Off-Broadway by The Irish Repertory Theatre in association with Nina L. Keneally & James F. Lightstone for 1407 Productions.