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Look Who Else Is 20!

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WE'RE not the only ones who are celebrating 20 years of going from strength to strength. CAHIR O'DOHERTY profiles three other businesses that also opened their doors in 1987.

The Irish Repertory Theatre FOUNDED by Ciaran O'Reilly and Charlotte Moore, the Irish Repertory Theatre first opened its doors 20 years ago with a widely celebrated production of Sean O'Casey's The Plough and the Stars.

Their original plan as an emerging company was to bring works by Irish and Irish American masters and contemporary playwrights to American audiences, and in this ambition they have succeeded admirably over the years. Now they are celebrating two decades of first-rate Irish drama in a theatre they finally can call their own.

"I'm delighted to say it's the 20th season," O'Reilly told the Irish Voice this week. "Our current production, John B. Keane's Sive is doing very well and has been extended now through November 25. After that we're producing The Devil's Disciple by George Bernard Shaw. It's been a good year to take stock of the all the positive changes and the shows themselves are attracting enthusiastic audiences."

In 1995, the Rep (as it's known in Irish circles) made its permanent home in Chelsea on three completely renovated floors of a former warehouse, which they finally purchased this year for $6 million. The purchase and their full season of new productions currently make them the only year-round theater company in New York City dedicated to bringing Irish and Irish American works to the stage.

Their efforts have not gone unrewarded either. This year the Rep was recognized with the 2007 Jujamcyn Theatres Award, and in previous years they have received a special Drama Desk Award for "Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish drama," and the Lucille Lortel Award for an "Outstanding Body of Work."

More than 32,000 audience members annually attend the Rep's productions, and once there they witness the theater's engaging perspective on the Irish and their unique contributions to the world of drama, with productions culled from the recognized masters to works that represent the new generation of Irish and Irish American writers who are transforming the stage.

The Irish Repertory Theatre, 132 West 22nd Street, New York. Call 212-727-2737.

Harbour Lights

THIS famous South Street Seaport restaurant offers an extensive American contemporary menu featuring fine seafood that's presented in a dramatic setting that against the dramatic backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River. Now celebrating its 20th successful year of operation, Harbour Lights has been an Irish owned and operated success story from the beginning. "Since the day we opened business has been fabulous. We have a strong Wall Street Irish crowd and they've always been really supportive, coming here since the first day we opened," says manager Ann Marie Delaney. "I'm pleased to say that business these days has been the best it's been since we've opened."

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