May 2018 - Behind the Scenes: DA

Leading West End Productions’ second show this year is Philip J. Shortell in the title role of “Da”, directed by Colleen McClure. “Da” is a witty, wise and magical experience for the whole family. Phil is well-known in Albuquerque for playing some of America’s classic characters – including Willy Loman (All My Sons), Hickey (The Iceman Cometh), Mr. Van Daan (The Diary of Anne Frank), Al Lewis (The Sunshine Boys), Joe Kidder (All My Sons). Joining Phil, in the role of Mother, is Jessica Osbourne, well-known for her West End Productions appearances in the one-woman play Shirley Valentine, as Rita in Educating Rita, (both plays directed by Colleen McClure) and to hilarious effect as the much-put-upon Angela in Abigail’s Party. “Da” is a semi-autobiographical work - the play revolves around the living memories of Charlie, a grown man (played by Adamantios Miranda) who returns home to Ireland after the death of his father “Da” to find the old man’s presence very much alive in the form of a ghost. Hugh Leonard, the prolific Irish playwright, memoirist, travel writer and dyspeptic newspaper columnist, won four Tony Awards in 1978, including Best Play. Performing as the young Charlie is UNM theatre student, James Patten. Other members of the cast are actor/director Frederick Ponzlov, Tim Riley, Ashley Reid and Carolyn Ward. “Da” runs at North 4th Art Center, 4904 4th St. NW, from May 18-June 10, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sunday matinees at 2 PM. For more information, season and individual tickets, go to www.westendproductions.org or call (505) 410-8524.