Hickory – Flanagan’s Wake, the hilariously interactive Irish wake that has been running for 17 smash years in Chicago begins a 10 performance run at the Hickory Community Theatre this Friday, November 2nd at 8:00pm and continues through November 18th.

Flanagan’s Wake invites the audience to join the villagers of Grapplin, Ireland as they mourn and grieve the passing of one of their own as only the Irish can. Come help celebrate Flanagan’s life and mourn his death with a few pints and plenty of tears – of laughter!

Flanagan’s Wake is perfect for groups – so grab your friends, gather ‘round the casket and raise a glass for the man himself in true Irish fashion.

This is a hilariously irreverent and very unusual theatrical experience! First of all, it will take place in THREE rooms -the Concession Lobby, the Council Chamber, and the front Entrance Lobby. That means the audience will move to the different rooms during the course of the show wake. Because the audience is moving around all seating is general admission.

Regarding the audience participation, Artistic Director Pamela Livingstone had this to say, “Grab your purse, hold on to your Guinness, and be prepared to (literally) follow the action! This is also an audience interactive play. That means that all of you are the dear friends and relatives of the deceased, poor ol’ Flanagan. The actors will greet you affectionately, and rely on you to help them tell the story of Flanagan.”

The performance dates and times for Flanagan’s Wake will be Fridays and Saturdays (Nov 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17) at 8:00pm, Thursdays (Nov 8 & 15) at 7:30pm and Sundays (Nov 11 & 18) at 2:30pm.

HCT is a Funded Affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County. The Theatre’s 2018-2019 Season is sponsored by Paramount Automotive and A Cleaner World. Flanagan’s Wake is produced by Dr. George Clay, III, DDS and Robert Abbey, Inc.

Photo: Cody Stuckenschneider, Cristin Cartwright, Steven Clarke and Steve Austin in Flanagan’s Wake. Call 828-328-2283 or visit hickorytheatre.org for information and tickets. Photo by Ken Burns.