A Night Of Boxing Off Broadway
An unprecedented evening of pugilism and the performing arts at the Producers Club, 358 W. 44th Street, scheduled for June 29 and 30. Former world champion boxers, actors and writers command the evening. “A Night of Boxing Off Broadway,” is a multimedia event that explores the depths of a fighter’s soul and celebrates the proud tradition of the sweet science of boxing.
The main event is the world premiere of “Kid Shamrock,” starring Seamus McDonagh, who fought Evander Holyfield in 1990, Patrick Joseph Connolly, fresh from his role in ‘Gardener of Eden,’ at the TriBeCa Film Festival, and former middleweight contender, Bobby Cassidy This one-act play has been inspired by the life and times of Cassidy, a veteran of 18 years in the ring and the trainer of two world champions.
The play also features, Shane McCaughey as the young Shamrock, Shannon Lower as the M.C and ring card girl, David Morgan as the bartender and Ron Ross as the reporter.
The production is a five-round event that brings authors, actors, artists and tough guys to the same stage.
Round One- A reading by Ron Ross, from his acclaimed book, “Bummy Davis vs. Murder Inc.”
Round Two- Video: A highlight reel that pulls no punches, with musical accompaniment.
Round Three- Portraits by Chris Cassidy: Boxing photography, with narration.
Round Four-Fighting Words: Showtime boxing analyst Steve Farhood moderates a round-table discussion with former world champs Vito Antuofermo ( Friday’s performance only), Juan Laporte and Carlos Ortiz.
Round Five — The Main Event The world premiere of “Kid Shamrock” Written by Robert Cassidy Jr. and directed by Gary D. Morgan.
The show will premier June 29th at 7:30 pm and have two performances on Saturday June 30 at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm.
The venue is the Producers’ Club Theaters, 358 West 44th Street (8th and 9th avenues) and there is a ticket price of $28.50. Tickets may be purchased through TheaterMania online or by phone 212-352-3101.
About the cast members:
Seamus McDonagh graduated from St. John’s University with a degree in English literature. He is a former New York Golden Gloves champion and was the No. 3 ranked cruiserweight in the world. In 1990, he fought Evander Holyfield. He as appeared in several Off Broadway productions, including, “Bobby Sands’ M.P.,” “The Risen People” and “The Shoeshine.” He also has been cast in the films, “2by4” and “Whatever Happened To Rocky Sullivan?”
Patrick Joseph Connolly returns to the stage fresh off his feature film debut in “The Gardener of Eden,” which premiered at the TriBeca Film Festival. Connolly will also appear in the final episode of the HBO hit, “The Sopranos.” He also has appeared a theater production of, “A Letter From Ethel Kennedy.”
Bobby Cassidy fought professionally from 1963 to 1980 and was a world-rated contender from junior middleweight to cruiswerweight. In 1975, he was the No. 1 rated light heavyweight by the WBC. He has trained two world champions. As an actor, he has appeared in the films, “Rocky,” “Uncle Joe Shannon,” and “This Thing of Ours.” He also had a co-starring role in the television drama, “Daddy, I Don’t Like It Like This.”