Jenna Berloni and R. Bruce Connelly*

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to Dublin to visit Paddy and the gang at Bell’s Pub.  But what is going on here?  Guinness and Irish Stew are gone and tapas and red wine are on the menu??  Oh Paddy, did the crock of gold that the leprechauns gave you go to your head?

An original holiday production for the whole family, written and directed by Ivoryton Playhouse Executive Director, Jacqueline Hubbard, The Carol of the Bells – the sequel to The Bells of Dublin – opens tonight at the Ivoryton Playhouse.

Hubbard comments, “An Irish pub, great music and Christmas – the winning trifecta for a fun filled, family holiday show.  We had such a terrific time with Paddy Bell and his family last Christmas I couldn’t resist bringing him back again this year.  So, if you enjoyed The Bells of Dublin, come back and see what trouble Paddy gets into this year.  And if you missed it last year, no worries; when the curtain goes up and we’re in Paddy’s pub, everyone is family!”

Norm Rutty and Michael McDermott*

This funny and fantastic tale is filled with songs you know and songs you wish you did – with a band of local musicians directed by Melanie Guerin, who also arranged much of the music. The cast includes many Playhouse favorites – R. Bruce Connelly*, Michael McDermott*, Ted Philips and Norm Rutty from the local band Save the Train, Jenna Berloni, Nancy and David Cardone,  Olivia Harry,  Larry Lewis, Maggie McGlone Jennings, Michael Hotkowski, Holly Price and Celeste Cumming.  The set for this production is designed by Dan Nischan, costumes by Breeana Korcak and lights by Marcus Abbott.

Experience the true magic of the season Dublin style with this original Christmas musical – for two weeks only.

The Bells of Dublin Part Two: The Carol of the Bells runs through Dec. 21.  Performance times are Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.  Evening performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.  There is also a Wednesday matinee on Dec. 17.  Tickets are $32 for adults, $30 for seniors, $20 for students and $15 for children and are available by calling the Playhouse box office at 860-767-7318 or by visiting our website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org  (Group rates are available by calling the box office for information.)  The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.

*member of Actors Equity