IN THE MIDST OF PLENTY
A new folk musical set in the time of the Great Irish Famine
Book, music, and lyrics by Amy Day
Executive Producer Ben Vleminckx
Producer Anne-Marie O'Sullivan
The Midst History Podcast Ep. 1 is here!
Episode 1 of the Midst History Podcast: The Great Irish Famine, the Strokestown Story, and Famine in the Cultural Memory.
The first episode of our podcast features four luminaries in the Irish Famine history and remembrance space: Dr Ciarán Reilly, historian of 19th and 20th century Irish social history at the Department of History, Maynooth University and Assistant Director of the Centre for the Study of Historic Irish Houses & Estates; Caroilín Callery, Founder of the National Famine Way Trailhead at the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, cared for by the Irish Heritage Trust; John Foley, President of Ireland's Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield, and Loretto Leary, Secretary of Ireland's Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield and Co-Chair of the Connecticut-Ireland Trade Commission.
The episode includes Caroilín's story of her father's serendipitous discovery of the Strokestown Archive, its subsequent preservation in the form of the National Famine Museum, and her extension of that work along the National Famine Way; Dr Reilly's overview of how the Strokestown story fits within the broader history of the Great Irish Famine; and John and Loretto's discussion of their work to save the contents of the collection of Ireland's Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield.
A new folk musical fresh off its first nationwide tour of Ireland
Set in Ireland at the height of the Great Irish Famine, 'In the Midst of Plenty' is a soaring new folk musical by San Diego-based writer/composer-lyricist and 2020 San Diego Music Award nominee Amy Day. In summer 2023, produced by Enchanted Croi Theatre and directed by Anne-Marie O'Sullivan, 'In the Midst of Plenty' successfully toured for 19 performances across 14 venues throughout Ireland, and has sold more than 4000 tickets. The summer tour was made possible by support from the Roscommon County Council, Creative Ireland, the Ireland Funds, the National Famine Way, the Irish Heritage Trust, the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, and private donation.
The show is now embarking on its next chapter, under the direction of David Fairs & Conor O'Kane, Executive Producer Ben Vleminckx, and Producer Anne-Marie O'Sullivan.
“Two days later and I am still remembering this unbelievable work of art. The songs, the acting, the story. Truly unforgettable."
Dee, Audience Member
"The enjoyment of the audience was palpable and there was nothing halfhearted about the standing ovation. It may become a masterpiece of our time."
Peter, Audience Member
"A powerful, engaging, and insightful show that captures the imagination from start to finish . . . everyone should see it."
Mags, Audience Member
"The musical was stunning, brought tears to my eyes. The performances were faultless. The musical magical. This needs to be performed worldwide for the Irish community"
Paula, Audience Member
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How far would you go to protect the people you love the most?
The year is 1847 and Ireland is under British rule. The potato crop has failed for several years, and millions across Ireland face hunger and displacement. Bridget Connor, a brave and resourceful mother of four living among the Irish rural poor, takes the fate of her family into her own hands upon receiving word that Parliament in London is shutting down the local public works projects that have kept her community alive. As the powerful local landlord hatches a scheme to clear two thirds of the inhabitants of his estate -- many via emigration aboard so-called coffin ships -- Bridget must decide who she is willing to betray in order to keep her family together in Ireland.
Enchanted Croi Theatre
Image gallery from the Enchanted Croi Theatre production of 'In the Midst of Plenty,' Summer 2023.
Artistic direction by Anne-Marie O'Sullivan
Photography by Sean Casey
Behind the scenes
A glimpse at the adventures of our cast and crew as we toured 'In the Midst of Plenty' to every corner of Ireland in Summer 2023. We travel to beautiful landmarks, joyfully celebrate life milestones, share meals, and spend time together backstage -- and watch through to the end to see some of our incredible audiences and their reactions to the show.
Listen to the Soundtrack
Recorded live at the O'Reilly Theatre, Dublin, July 14, 2023
Enchanted Croi Theatre nationwide tour of Ireland, directed by Anne-Marie O'Sullivan
Featuring Julie Sharkey, Martin Gilligan, Eoghan Burke, Mary Claire Ryan, Anne-Marie O'Sullivan, Ruairi Nicholl, Blathnaid Daly, Niall Brewster, Grainne Hunt, Jules Stewart, Amy Day, Neil FitzGibbon and Ger O'Donnell
Music direction by Amy Day
Music mixed by Jeff Berkley and mastered by Robb Robinson
