A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
I'm delighted to welcome you to this production of Waiting for Elvis. I've been involved in amateur drama for many years but this is the first time I've directed a play.
I owe a debt of gratitude to Eileen Gibbons for kindly giving me permission to work on her incredible script. From the first time I read Waiting for Elvis I absolutely loved it. The comedy and the pathos of the piece are an irresistible combination, and it was such a joy to tease out the complexities of these two wonderful characters.
Bringing Lisa Marie and Elizabeth from page to stage would not have been possible but for the commitment of two hugely talented actors - Helen O'Brien and Deirdre Shanahan. Over the last few months they have dedicated themselves whole-heartedly to bringing Lisa Marie and Elizabeth to life in a way that both celebrated and respected their characters' eccentricities. It was such a pleasure to work with Helen and Deirdre and I'm so lucky to have had them on board for my directorial debut - I'm actually not sure they needed a director at all!
As always, with any production, it is the unsung heros backstage that make it all happen. So a huge thank you to Noel Young and Deirdre Nally for all their help, expertise and patience over the last few weeks.
Of course the final piece in staging any production is you - the audience. It is your engagement with the play that ignites the magic that is theatre. So sit back, relax and enjoy your time in the company of Lisa Marie and Elizabeth.
Helen Cullen
THE CAST
LISA MARIE - Helen O'Brien
Helen has played many roles in RTG productions down the years, in cluding Juno in Juno and the Paycock, Karen in Plaza Suite, Greta in The Dead, Mrs Erlynne in Lady Windermere's Fan, and most recently Veta in Harvey.
Helen first saw Waiting for Elvis performed back in 2013 and really loved it. She is delighted to now have the opportunity to play the part of the cantankerous but warm-hearted Lisa Marie.
ELIZABETH - Deirdre Shanahan
Deirdre joined Rathfarnham Theatre Group in 2019 making her RTG acting debut in The Dead. She played Denise in The Approach, Slippy Helen in The Cripple of Inishmaan, and Nurse Kelly in RTG's production of Harvey last year.
Deirdre has thoroughly enjoyed working on Waiting for Elvis and bringing the naive and childlike Elizabeth to life.
THE CREW
| Producer | Helen Cullen |
| Sound | Deirdre Nally /Noel Young |
| Lighting | Noel Young |
| Front of House | Carl Lusby |
SPECIAL THANKS TO
St. Mary's BNS, Rathfarnham, for rehearsal facilities
OPW and staff at the Pearse Museum, St. Enda's Park
Management and staff at the dlr Mill Theatre Dundrum
Supervalu Churchtown
Mary Clarke and Donal McGuinness
Eamonn Cullen, Brian O'Connor & Columb Casey
Noel Young
