Leenya Rideout's Wild Abandon to Make World Premiere at Irish Rep

Irish Repertory Theatre will present the world premiere of Wild Abandon, a solo play with music written and performed by Leenya Rideout with direction by Lisa Rothe. Performances will begin September 19 on the W. Scott McLucas Studio Stage and run through October 21, with an official opening on September 25.

The story is described as follows: "Leenya, an actor and musician, is figuratively and literally stuck. One night, she finds herself performing alone in a Long Island pub, separated by a snowstorm from the rest of her Irish rock band. Dusting off her original songs, she revisits stories of love, humor, and heartache which all seem to invoke thoughts of her mother, Lynn. Lynn is also an artist, but she prefers paints and canvas over a live audience. A reluctant stage mom, she is a church lady full of mixed messages. As Leenya performs, she reaches across a continent and a generation — connecting with her mother through art and memories. Together, the two women push beyond their pasts and discover how to live with Wild Abandon."

Wild Abandon features original music by Leenya Rideout and the artwork of Lynn Rideout. Leenya Rideout's Broadway performing credits include Cabaret, Company, and War Horse. She is also a musician and songwriter focused on folk, rock, and Celtic music.

The creative team will feature scenic and costume design by Narelle Sissons, lighting design by Mike Baldassari, and sound design by Brendan Aanes.