Irish Theatre Arts Center Celebrates Official Opening

By Nora Masterson
The Irish Tribune - July 1994

The Irish Theatre Arts Center at St. Ambrose celebrated it's official opening in June.

Audience members were greeted by pre-show activities that included Des Regan's Irish Showband, the St. Ambrose Ceili Dancers and the Cleary School of Irish Dance.

Robert Ginty, founder and artistic director, presented Fr. Jack Beattie with a plaque, thanking him for his support in establishing the Center at the facilities of St. Ambrose Church in W. Hollywood.

The opening night's ceremonies marked the return of Shay Duffin as Brendan Behan to the Los Angeles stage in "Confessions of an Irish Rebel." Duffin's one-man show portrays Behan at various stages of his life, as well as a myriad of fascinating characters encountered along the way.

Founder Robert Ginty is best known for his film and TV appearances, most notably his character T.J. Wiley in "Baa Baa Black Sheep" and Anderson in the TV series "Paper Chase". Ginty is joined in the management of the Arts Center by Cynthia Baer, who will function as executive director. She was previously with the Richard Basehart Theater in Woodland Hills.

Every Wednesday evening at 7p.m. the public is invited to play readings free of charge. The July schedule includes on July 6, an appearance by Jean Smart ("Designing Women") in a new one act-play by Sheila Walsh entitled "Molly and James". On July 20, Tony Danza ("Too Close For Comfort") will appear in "Men in Suits".
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